Director of Galleries & Collections

East Texas A&M University•Commerce, TX

25d

About The Position

East Texas A&M University invites applications for the position of Director of Galleries & Collections, a visionary and experienced leader who will guide the University’s exhibition and collections programs into a new era of artistic, educational, and community engagement. The Director of Galleries & Collections provides creative and administrative leadership for all University gallery operations, including exhibition planning, collections management, community outreach, and facilities oversight. Reporting to the Associate Dean of the College of Humanities, Social Sciences & Arts, the Director develops and implements strategies that elevate the visibility, quality, and impact of ETAMU’s galleries and art collections. This position serves as both the artistic lead and administrative manager for the University’s gallery system, shaping exhibitions and programs that enrich the cultural life of the campus and region. ETAMU is a fast-growing public university with a strong reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and student success. With over 140+ degree programs, a 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and nationally ranked online and graduate programs, ETAMU is committed to transforming lives through quality education. Our employees benefit from a collaborative community, cutting-edge research opportunities, and outstanding resources.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Art, Art History, Museum Studies, Arts Administration, or related field.
Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in museum or gallery administration.
Demonstrated success in exhibition planning, collections care, and team leadership.
Experience managing budgets, supervising staff, and collaborating across departments.
Excellent communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
Ability to: Multi-task and work well as part of a team.
Ability to work in a rapidly changing environment with shifting priorities.
Ability to communicate with all levels of customers and employees.
Ability to work beyond normal office hours (evenings, nights, and weekends) as needed.
Ability to move medium weight boxes or similar items.
Ability to handle material which can contain dust or microscopic mold spores.

Nice To Haves

Seven or more years of museum or gallery experience, including curatorial and fundraising responsibilities.
Record of successful grant writing and donor cultivation.
Familiarity with best practices in museum registration, art handling, and environmental management.
Experience in university or academic museum settings.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Vision Develop and execute an annual exhibition plan aligned with ETAMU’s mission. Establish partnerships with regional and national artists, museums, and cultural organizations. Represent the University in professional museum and arts associations.
Exhibitions & Programming Oversee the planning, design, installation, and deinstallation of all exhibitions. Supervise curatorial staff, student assistants, and contractors involved in gallery operations. Develop interpretive materials, labels, and educational programming in collaboration with faculty and community partners.
Collections Management Direct the care, documentation, conservation, and insurance of the University’s permanent art collections. Manage incoming and outgoing loans, exhibition records, and condition reporting in compliance with professional standards. Coordinate storage, transportation, and environmental monitoring for collections and exhibitions.
Facilities & Operations Oversee gallery spaces and related facilities, ensuring proper lighting, security, and climate control The Spaces include: The University Gallery, The President’s Gallery, The Wathena Temple project Space, and ETAMU Dallas Location. Manage budgets, inventories, and maintenance for exhibitions and collections.
Development & Outreach Cultivate donors, sponsors, and grant opportunities in partnership with University Advancement. Engage students, faculty, and the public through exhibitions, artist talks, and community events. Promote the University’s art programs through media, publications, and digital platforms.

Benefits

Employee tuition assistance for master’s and doctoral programs.
Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance.
ETAMU contributes to employee health and basic life insurance premiums.
12-15 days of annual paid holidays , plus up to eight hours of paid sick leave and vacation each month.
Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) , with optional additional retirement plans (ORP).
Physical wellness program and wellness release time for eligible employees.
Access to cutting-edge research opportunities at a designated R2 Research Institution .
ETAMU is ranked among the top 30% in five online degree programs and offers national recognized academic programs.
Over 140 degree programs , including nationally ranked online and graduate options.
First accredited institution to offer a competency-based bachelor’s degree in criminal justice .
Distance education offerings in Corsicana, Dallas, Frisco, McKinney, Mesquite, Bryan, and online.
Work in advanced facilities such as the 113,470-square-foot Nursing and Health Sciences Building , featuring a state-of-the-art simulation hospital and a 1,300-acre agricultural research farm .
Engage with over 95 student organizations and 14 NCAA Division I athletic teams , contributing to a thriving campus community.
Enjoy the benefits of working in rapidly growing regions, with abundant career opportunities at six locations across Dallas and Northeast Texas.