Posted August 27, 2014.

The Executive Director is responsible for planning, developing, and managing all programs and activities for the Museum. Reporting to the Vice President for Research, Economic Development, and Community Relations of The University of Tulsa, the Executive Director serves as a member of the President’s executive team on all matters related to the Museum’s programs, and is responsible for ensuring that the museum has the resources (both human and financial) to deliver its mission.

Major Responsibilities

Direct the day-to-day operations of the organization through the appropriate staff. Ensure that exhibits, educational programs and all Museum activities and events are performed at the highest level of quality possible. Build and maintain a strong, cohesive and diverse team of internal staff.
Supervise the preparation and administration of the annual budget for the operation of the Museum, including periodic reporting to the Gilcrease Trustees under the Management Agreement, goal setting and preparation of long and short-term plans.
Work cooperatively and energetically with the senior executive leadership, members of the University Advancement staff, University trustees, members of the Gilcrease Museum Advisory Board, and community supporters to raise funds to secure the future growth and development of the Museum.
In collaboration with TU’s senior leadership, build relationships with local leaders and key organizations, including corporations, educational institutions, not-for-profit organizations, economic development corporations and government.
Promote broad local and national public interest in the Museum by means of professional and personal contacts and promotional campaigns in various media, including articles for publication and lectures on topics related to the collection.
Coordinate activities with the senior executive leadership on matters of policy, including plans for future development of the collections and their displays, supervising and participating in the acquisition of art objects and other appropriate items.
Provide leadership and direction in planning and developing activities for the Museum, including educational and public service programs, lectures and exhibition schedules.
Job Requirements
The Executive Director will have held a senior leadership role in an educational or cultural organization. The successful candidate must have demonstrated the ability to plan, direct, and manage the operations, programming and staff of an institution. In addition, the successful candidate will have experience attracting both private and public resources.

Critical Competencies for Success

Strategic Leadership: In order to fulfill Gilcrease’s ambition to be recognized locally, regionally, nationally and internationally as a world-class art and history museum of the Americas, the Executive Director must develop strategic partnerships with other institutions, including museums and foundations, through national and international exhibitions comprised of its permanent collection, inter-museum loans, and private collections. By leveraging the Helmerich Center for American Research (HCAR) and the reputation of HCAR’s new director, he/she will build on Gilcrease’s standing as a renowned research center among a global audience of scholars. As a result, the Museum will generate higher levels of earned revenue by virtue of its unique collection and increased attendance, including virtual visitors.

Profile Raiser: In an institution with one of the world’s largest collections of art and artifacts of the American West, and yet is “the best kept secret” in the region, the Executive Director will increase the visibility of the Museum by creating a strong local, national and international profile. The E.D. must communicate to the broader community the significance of the museum and its collections by leading the development of a robust exhibition, educational and marketing program while capitalizing on the alliance with TU. He/she will develop relationships with an international network of museum directors and collectors of art and artifacts of the American West. The Executive Director will be an effective advocate and spokesperson who clearly articulates the importance of the Museum and its collections in a way that donors and the community find compelling. He/she will also create strong ties with local leaders and University faculty and staff.

Fundraising: The Gilcrease Museum has a reputation for being a well-established and highly respected museum. That said, in order to expand the Museum’s programming and reach a greater audience, it is essential for the Executive Director to increase its base of philanthropic support, including strengthening its endowment. The Executive Director will be expected to actively pursue fundraising efforts by strengthening existing philanthropic relationships; developing the National Advisory Board; broadening the donor base, including individuals and corporate partners; and articulating a compelling case for support of the Gilcrease Museum. Through an enthusiastic ability and willingness to participate in fundraising, donor cultivation and solicitation, he/she must build and maintain positive relationships in the community and throughout the region.

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Email Address: Gilcrease@SpencerStuart.com