Director, Executive Affairs: Strategy & Board Ops

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

Benefits offered by this job

Complimentary museum admission

20% discount at Museum Store

Job summary

The Blanton Museum of Art at The University of Texas at Austin seeks a Director, Executive Affairs to lead the Director’s Office on strategic, cross-organizational initiatives and confidential projects. This role coordinates with UT leadership and supports senior leadership priorities.

Responsibilities include directing communications, preparing reports and presentations, supervising the Executive Assistant, and serving as the primary liaison to the Blanton Leadership Board.

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 orally and in writing.
• 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.
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

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.
• Support museum initiatives as identified by the Director.
• Develop, execute, and track project plans, timelines, and goals; provide status reporting and ensure smooth handoff of projects as appropriate.
• Identify, prioritize, and elevate 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

Oral and written communication

Project management

Deadline management

Planning and organization

Analytical thinking

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Blanton Museum of Art at The University of Texas at Austin seeks a Director, Executive Affairs to lead the Director’s Office on strategic, cross-organizational initiatives and confidential projects. This role coordinates with UT leadership and supports senior leadership priorities.

Responsibilities include directing communications, preparing reports and presentations, supervising the Executive Assistant, and serving as the primary liaison to the Blanton Leadership Board.