Assistant Director

UM01 University of Maryland College Park (UMCP); United States; On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Assistant Director of Exhibitions and Programs at the David C. Driskell Center within the University of Maryland, College Park oversees planning, coordinating and executing exhibitions, education programming, and donor relations.

This role provides senior administrative support to the Director and manages communications with members and the public, ensuring smooth operations. The position requires seven years of operational leadership, two years of supervisory experience, and strong skills

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Seven years of professional experience managing business operations.
• Two years of experience supervising or managing professional staff.
• Knowledge of business acumen, organizational communications, and data analytics.
• Knowledge of organizational performance measures and impact of decisions on leadership objectives.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion.
• Ability to develop and administer new policies and procedures.
• Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and laws.

Responsibilities

• Manage the center’s exhibition schedule and related events.
• Coordinate education programming and marketing.
• Assist in grant application development and donor relationship support.
• Provide senior-level administrative and communication support to the Director.
• Handle sensitive and complex issues objectively.
• Manage online communications with members and the public.
• Take initiative and act independently, particularly in the Director’s absence.

Skills

Independent judgment

Policy development

Policy interpretation

Discretion

Business acumen

Organizational communications

Data analytics

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree in Art History, Museum Studies, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Suite

Job description

Overview

The Assistant Director of Exhibitions and Programs acts as a direct assistant to the Director of the David C. Driskell Center in all aspects of managing, planning and coordinating activities across the library, gallery, and archives. The position regularly participates in planning discussions and meetings and is assigned tasks consistent with the Center’s priorities. Responsibilities include managing the center’s exhibition schedule, coordinating education programming, supporting marketing for on‑campus and external audiences, and assisting with grant development and donor relationships. The role also provides senior‑level administrative and communication support to ensure smooth day‑to‑day operations, handles sensitive issues with professionalism, and manages online communications with members and the public. The assistant director must take initiative, especially in the Director’s absence.

Responsibilities

• Manage the center’s exhibition schedule and related events.
• Coordinate education programming and marketing.
• Assist in grant application development and donor relationship support.
• Provide senior‑level administrative and communication support to the Director.
• Handle sensitive and complex issues objectively.
• Manage online communications with members and the public.
• Take initiative and act independently, particularly in the Director’s absence.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Seven (7) years of professional experience managing business operations.
• Two (2) years of experience supervising or managing professional staff.
• Knowledge of business acumen, organizational communications, and data analytics.
• Knowledge of organizational performance measures and impact of decisions on leadership objectives.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion.
• Ability to develop and administer new policies and procedures.
• Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and laws.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Art History, Museum Studies, or related field.
• Five (5) years of full‑time experience in a museum or art gallery.
• Knowledge of artworks and items in the Center’s care.
• Understanding of museum theory, practices, and collections management.
• Experience with collections management databases and cloud‑based work‑management software (e.g., Trello, Asana).
• Demonstrated experience managing exhibitions and art education programs.

Additional Job Details

• Physical Demands: Standard office environment; operating office equipment and keyboards; ability to lift up to 10 pounds, walk short distances, and travel to deliver and pick up materials.

Salary Range

$75,000 - $85,000

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.