Director, Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum

Working/Functional Title

Director, Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum

Position Summary

Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum (Broad) seeks an entrepreneurial and strategic Director to maximize the museum’s position as a dynamic arts institution at the heart of a major public research university. As an arts executive manager, the Director will explore and communicate art’s importance in cross-disciplinary inquiry and an understanding of the role the museum plays in creating a vibrant community on Michigan State University’s (MSU) campus and in the region. Since its opening in 2012, the Broad collections and mission have expanded and evolved. The Director will have the opportunity to shape what an art museum at a world-class university can and should be: an inspiring partner to scholars and students; a convener and presenter of intellectually rigorous and bold exhibitions; a leader in advancing innovative approaches to wellness and belonging; and a champion of arts scholarship, an innovative community partner, and a shaper of public discourse. Working with university leadership and faculty of the university, the advisory board and staff of the Museum, and other key members of the on- and off-campus communities, the Director will craft a compelling vision and direction for the museum.

Reporting to the Vice Provost for University Arts and Collections, the Director will be well-positioned to ensure the museum plays a key role in the overall MSU Arts strategy. The Director will elevate the institutional goals through providing strategic direction in the generation of knowledge and scholarship, through exhibitions and programs that engage the academic campus and community and raise the profile of the museum. Serving as an ambassador and key spokesperson, the Director will be a visible leader and relationship builder in the university, the greater community, and beyond. With a commitment to collaboration, the Director will work with staff to create exhibitions and programs that inspire, challenge, and connect.

The Director will develop and implement a dynamic interdisciplinary vision that connects the Broad Art Museum both to Michigan State University’s mission and strategic goals, and to broader community and global issues. This role will advance research, creative activities, and innovation for global impact. The Director will be responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of innovative education initiatives that contribute to student success, both for MSU students and K-12; overseeing the creation of public programs that engage campus and community audiences; and overseeing the development, direction, care of and access to the museum’s collection. The Director leads a senior team including the Deputy Director, Director of Education, Director of Communications, and the Senior Curator and Director of Curatorial Affairs. The Director will partner with the Broad’s Advisory Board as key stakeholders and supporters of the museum.

Shape the strategic vision and drive impactful outcomes                                                                                     

The Broad Art Museum operates within a well-defined strategic framework aligned with MSU’s 2030 strategic plan and the university’s Arts MSU strategy. This framework provides a strong foundation for advancing the museum’s mission, yet the next Director will have the opportunity to shape how it guides strategic goals to maximize impact.

Building on an ongoing community-informed process that has identified key priorities, the Director will translate these insights into a visionary yet actionable strategy. They will develop long-term initiatives that ensure excellence in exhibitions, collections, programmatic content, and engagement, with clear objectives for measurable success. While maintaining alignment with university goals, the Director will be instrumental in advancing the museum’s strategic priorities, including expanding educational opportunities for MSU students and K-12 audiences, strengthening relationships across campus and within the broader community, and enhancing the visitor experience to foster deeper engagement. A critical focus will be placed on cultivating a culture of wellness and belonging, ensuring that the museum remains an inclusive and supportive environment for all. Additionally, the Director will lead efforts to increase the museum’s financial sustainability, securing resources that enable continued innovation and growth.

With visionary leadership and a holistic approach, the next Director will elevate the Broad’s profile nationally and internationally while deepening its local impact—ensuring the museum remains a dynamic space for innovation, dialogue, and cultural transformation.

Ensure long-term financial sustainability through exceptional management and fundraising.                       

The Broad Art Museum is in a strong financial position and the next leader will continue to grow resources for the museum. Deepening existing relationships and establishing new connections throughout the community will be an essential element to build philanthropic support. The Director will work with the Broad Advisory Board and provide opportunities to grow and ensure board engagement and participation. The Director serves as the chief fundraiser for the museum and will partner with both the Advisory Board and the Cultural Arts University Advancement team to grow contributed revenue and the stakeholder base. Providing clear and robust storytelling around understanding of the museum and its mission within the community is a key priority for the next Director. They will additionally bring a detailed approach to financial analysis to ensure efficiency in museum management and effectiveness in seizing opportunities for both philanthropic and earned revenue.

Enhance the museum’s mission through expanding its regional, national, and international reach.

Recognizing that MSU is a public, research-intensive, land-grant university, the Director will be mindful of the museum’s role in serving the university, East Lansing, the state, and regional communities. The Director will represent the museum in the greater community as an active arts and culture leader and partner. In addition to serving as the face of the institution, the Director will prioritize strategy in marketing and outreach to expansively reach new audiences and bring people into an engaging environment. The Broad is the premier art museum in the surrounding area and is an anchor for the artistic community. While embracing the statewide public mission, it will be important to lead the museum to connect with innovative national and international topics critical to the art field today. Bringing global conversation to the local level will be an important tool for the Broad in serving its community.

Partner throughout the University and meaningfully connect with students, staff, and faculty.                     

Within the campus, the Director will be the chief liaison for the museum with the university and an eager partner engaging across units and forming relationships with university colleagues. The University Arts and Collections (UAC) leaders meet regularly as a peer group and can be relied on for discussion, mutual problem solving, and deep partnership. The Director will also widely engage in communication with leaders of various colleges, divisions, and units to strengthen and broaden a strong campus collaboration and identify new opportunities for collaboration. The Broad will continue to be an active resource for members of the university community and an integral part of student life and learning. The Director will further position the Museum as an integral part of the MSU student, faculty and staff academic experience.

Lead, develop, and empower a high performing team.                                                                                         

The Broad Art Museum is home to a team of collaborative and highly-motivated professionals. Many of the staff are long-serving and a significant portion are themselves MSU alumni. The Director will be responsible for nurturing, building, and mentoring the Museum’s staff. It will be important for the next Director to arrive with a strong curiosity to learn and understand the current environment to incorporate this into their collective vision for the museum. The Director will be a values-driven leader who maintains clear communications, including through delegation of specific responsibilities and appropriate authority, maintaining transparency in decision-making, and regular supportive engagement with the full team. The next Director will continue the museum’s mindfulness of planning and capacity in delivery of high-quality exhibitions and programs at a pace appropriate for the staff and maximizing visitor engagement. With a commitment to collaboration, the Director will help to promote a shared culture of engagement both for the museum’s audiences and for its staff.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Masters -Art History, Curatorial, Museum Studies, Business Administration, or other

Minimum Requirements

• A master’s degree in a relevant field, including but not limited to art history, curatorial or museum studies, or business administration;
• Significant relevant experience in a leadership role in a museum, gallery, or other cultural institution;
• A proven track record of successful management and fundraising. Strong financial and budget management skills;
• Demonstrated ability to provide strong leadership, vision, and strategic direction at the institutional level, including experience with strategic planning and implementation;
• A deep understanding of museum best practices, including collections management, exhibition development, community engagement, and educational programming;
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering wellness and a sense of belonging in all aspects of the museum, including operations, outreach, programming, and exhibitions.
• Commitment to the public land-grant mission of the university and an understanding of operating within an academic institutional environment;
• Excellent communication skills, including written and oral communications, and the facility to connect effectively with audiences of varying levels of expertise;
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain relationships with a variety of audiences, including visitors, academic and community partners, donors, and to connect with and build bridges among various stakeholders within and across the university and broader community;
• Demonstrated ability to oversee fiscal and personnel decision-making, with the perspective to consider the impact of decisions, strategic plans, initiatives, and new programs on the museum at the university more broadly;
• Demonstrated ability to partner in development efforts to secure new gifts and to steward existing donors;
• A results-oriented leader with a team-oriented working style, helping to build a shared vision, quality performance, and strong morale, empowering and cultivating staff through active and effective communication, feedback, and delegation, while actively promoting teamwork and collaboration;
• Sustained commitment to leading with personal and professional integrity of the highest degree and holding public interest and public trust in the highest regard;
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to contemporary art and culture.

Required Application Materials

• Curriculum Vitae 
• Cover Letter
• References

Review of Applications Begins On

05/05/2025

Website

https://broadmuseum.msu.edu/

Department Statement

The Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum connects people with art through experiences that inspire curiosity and inquiry. With a focus on the art of our time - in dialogue with the historical- the museum encourages engagement with timely issues of local relevance and global significance. Through exhibitions featuring local, national, and international artists, a permanent collection of over 10,000 works, and dynamic public programming, the museum advances MSU's values of excellence, inclusion, and connectivity. Opened in 2012 and accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, it is one of only five international museums designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Zaha Hadid.

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.