Director, Executive Affairs: Strategy & Board Liaison

University of Texas; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Complimentary museum admission

Museum Store discount 20%

Job summary

Blanton Museum of Art in Austin, TX invites applicants for the Director, Executive Affairs to advance the Director’s priorities across the university and museum. You will manage confidential projects, coordinate cross-functional initiatives, and align with UT priorities while supporting senior leadership.

You will supervise the Executive Assistant to the Director, oversee Board operations, craft external messaging, and lead strategic planning efforts, ensuring timely delivery and effective

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and at least 5 years of project management experience.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills that are clear, succinct and effectively convey the Director’s voice.
• Excellent project management skills with ability to manage multiple high-impact projects simultaneously.
• Ability to track and maintain multiple short and long-term deadlines.
• Effective planning and organizational skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• High proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Director communications, including drafting strategic external messaging, annual reports, institutional accomplishment and goal reports for UT leadership, presentations, speeches, and other materials as needed.
• Coordinate with Blanton Communications and Development teams to ensure alignment, preparedness, and maximum impact of Director presentations and engagements.
• Develop, execute, and track project plans, timelines, and goals; provide status reporting and ensure smooth handoff of projects as appropriate.
• Identify, prioritize, and escalate issues requiring Director attention; facilitate informed decision-making with leadership and stakeholders.
• Coordinate cross-functional responses to emerging issues and lead special projects, including quick-turnaround and cross-organizational efforts.
• Assist senior leadership with special projects as assigned.
• Serve as primary liaison to the Blanton Leadership Board; oversee Board operations, committees, and meeting logistics (planning, agendas, materials, documentation, and follow-up).
• Prepare and deliver clear written, presentation, and oral updates to stakeholders and Board members; ensure they are well-informed and engaged.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including external consultants, to ensure timely execution of priorities.
• Continuously develop knowledge of the museum context and Director priorities to anticipate needs and support decision-making.
• Oversee day-to-day operations of the Director’s Office, prioritizing workflow, coordinating deliverables, and aligning the Director’s time with institutional priorities.
• Act as the primary intake and coordination point for matters entering the Director’s Office, determining appropriate handling, delegation, and escalation.
• Track Director-level goals and action items; ensure follow-through on executive decisions and provide regular status updates to support leadership oversight.
• Supervise, hire, train, and evaluate the Executive Assistant to the Director to ensure effective administrative support.
• Support executive search and onboarding for senior leaders reporting to the Director, as needed.
• Manage and staff ad hoc and exploratory committees established by the Director.
• Manage relationships with VIPs (e.g., Board members, donors), including hosting, tours, and representing the Director when appropriate.
• Proactively surface and assess high-impact issues, elevating them to the Director with recommended options.
• Maintain broad organizational awareness across the Blanton and the University to inform prioritization and decision-making.

Skills

Project management

Strategic communications

Stakeholder relationship management

Leadership

Planning & organizing

Analytical problem-solving

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Blanton Museum of Art in Austin, TX invites applicants for the Director, Executive Affairs to advance the Director’s priorities across the university and museum. You will manage confidential projects, coordinate cross-functional initiatives, and align with UT priorities while supporting senior leadership.

You will supervise the Executive Assistant to the Director, oversee Board operations, craft external messaging, and lead strategic planning efforts, ensuring timely delivery and effective