University of Oklahoma Norman Campus: Provost Direct: Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History
Location: Norman, OK
Open Date: Jan 16, 2020
Description
The University of Oklahoma seeks a Director for the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History.
The Sam Noble Museum at the University of Oklahoma is seeking a visionary leader to serve as Director and to work collaboratively with an outstanding professional staff. The Museum is the state’s natural history museum and an organized research unit of the university. It is also a space for celebrating the state’s rich cultural and natural heritage, and engages in significant outreach and educational activities designed to serve a diverse and inclusive community.
The Museum contains over 10 million artifacts and specimens in a 198,000-square-foot facility. It houses notable collections in archeology, ethnology, linguistics and linguistic anthropology, herpetology, ichthyology, invertebrates, mammalogy, ornithology, genomic resources, invertebrate paleontology, paleobotany and micropaleontology, and vertebrate paleontology. The Museum also plays an important role in Native language preservation by hosting the annual Native American Youth Language Fair. Oklahoma is home to thirty-nine federally recognized tribes, and the Museum collaborates with tribal partners to foster respect for sovereignty and preservation of Native American language, art and culture.
The Museum has received a total of four national and international awards, including the prestigious National Medal from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, for its commitment to collection stewardship, outreach and education activities, and public programs.
Responsibilities of the Director
The Director reports to the Senior Vice President and Provost of the Norman Campus, and is expected to (1) oversee museum activities including collections and research, education, exhibits, public programs, security, administration, personnel management, facility maintenance, and publicity; (2) integrate and deploy the museum’s programs to meet state and university needs; (3) increase outside financial support, including acquisition of private, state, and federal funds; (4) serve as a liaison with the university administration and with departments associated with the museum; (5) interact with public constituencies and articulate for them the museum’s vision and educational mission; (6) develop and update policies and lead long-term planning; and (7) manage the museum’s budget. The Director may have an academic appointment in the appropriate degree-granting academic department within the university.
The ideal Director will be a proven leader with exceptional communication skills, and a deep understanding of the role of museums in heritage preservation, research, and community engagement. The Director will have the knowledge and experience to inspire staff and supporters. She/He/They will bring a combination of visionary leadership, managerial expertise, fundraising experience and presentation skills to keep the museum at the forefront of innovations in heritage, conservation and public engagement. A strong knowledge base in one or more of the museum’s collections and programmatic areas is preferred.
Qualifications
Requirements
Applicants must have: a minimum of five years of progressive management and administrative experience in a complex museum or comparable institution; (2) a terminal degree in a relevant field; (3) a record of scholarly research and/or creative activity equivalent to tenured faculty; (4) demonstrated strength in areas of fundraising and financial management.
Preference will be given to candidates with knowledge of collections acquisition and management, exhibition, public service, and who have a successful history of working with diverse academic and public constituencies.
Applications must include a full curriculum vitae, a letter of interest in the position, a statement demonstrating commitment to diversity and inclusion, a delineation of the qualifications of the candidate for the position, a vision statement for the museum and the role of the Director in attaining that vision, and names and contact information for three professional references.
Application Instructions
Applications should be submitted online via Interfolio/ByCommittee at: https://apply.interfolio.com/73214
Screening of applications will begin February 28, 2020, and continue until the position is filled.
Application Process
This institution is using Interfolio’s Faculty Search to conduct this search. Applicants to this position receive a free Dossier account and can send all application materials, including confidential letters of recommendation, free of charge.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The University of Oklahoma is an EO/Affirmative Action institution http://www.ou.edu/eoo/. Individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Visit the SNOMNH web site at: www.samnoblemuseum.ou.edu. The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to: admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, or health care services that the University operates or provides.