Strategic Leader, Exhibitions & Education

The University of Texas at Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 99,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin invites applications for Associate Director for Exhibitions & Education at the Harry Ransom Center. Based on UT's main campus, this role leads the exhibitions program, public programs, readings, and fellowships, reporting to the Director.

The ideal candidate has a master’s or higher in relevant fields, 7+ years museum education experience, proven cross‑department leadership, and a track record of strategic, data‑driven engagement with faculty, scholars, and

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in one of the Ransom Center’s areas of collection strength (e.g., literature, theatre, film, photography, or art).
• At least seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in library or museum education and exhibitions.
• Experience leading major cross-departmental initiatives, institutional programs, exhibitions, or other complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and areas of expertise.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic initiatives, manage multiple priorities, and collaborate effectively across departments.
• Demonstrated experience supervising, mentoring, and developing professional staff and supporting teams through organizational or programmatic change.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with faculty, scholars, students, community partners, cultural organizations, and other stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage the Center’s rotating exhibitions (2 to 4 per year), and with the support of the Registrar, oversee a national and international program of collection loans to peer research libraries and museums.
• In collaboration with the Director, the Head of Education & Public Programs, and Ransom Center leadership, develop an engaging series of readings, lectures, and other program offerings that amplify exhibition themes or engage public audiences with the Center’s collections.
• In collaboration with the Head of Education & Public Programs and Visitors Services team offer rich engagement opportunities for all ages of learners.
• In collaboration with the Head of Instruction & Archival Engagement, provide rich instructional opportunities for the UT undergraduate and graduate student community.
• In collaboration with the Head of Fellowships & Scholarly Programs, manage a campus-focused works-in-progress series, the Flair Symposium, and other occasional symposia.
• In collaboration with the Membership Manager, coordinate around exhibition opening member events and scheduling of 6 - 8 membership events annually.
• Supervise, support, and provide guidance to department program leaders in setting goals, managing projects, and navigating operational challenges.
• Foster a collaborative culture within and across the Exhibitions & Education Department.
• Work closely with curatorial, collections, conservation, Reading Room, and operations teams to support integrated approaches to access and engagement.
• Partner with communications and development colleagues to promote programs, and support exhibition sponsorship and other fundraising opportunities.

Skills

Communication skills

Project management

Cross-department collaboration

Supervision & mentoring

Education

Master’s degree or higher in literature/theatre/film/art

Tools

Collection management systems

Job description

The University of Texas at Austin invites applications for Associate Director for Exhibitions & Education at the Harry Ransom Center. Based on UT's main campus, this role leads the exhibitions program, public programs, readings, and fellowships, reporting to the Director.

The ideal candidate has a master’s or higher in relevant fields, 7+ years museum education experience, proven cross‑department leadership, and a track record of strategic, data‑driven engagement with faculty, scholars, and