Position Details University of Colorado | Denver Official Title: Academic Services Director Working Title: Gallery Director & Curator FTE: Full-time Salary Range: $111,200 Position #00727812 - Requisition #37569
About the University of Colorado - Denver Millions of moments start at CU Denver, a place where innovation, research, and learning meet in the heart of a global city. We're the state's premier public urban research university with more than 100 in-demand, top ranked bachelors, master's, and doctoral degree programs. We partner with diverse learners-at any stage of their life and career-for transformative educational experiences. Across seven schools and colleges, our leading faculty inspires and works alongside students to solve complex challenges and produce impactful creative work. As part of the state's largest university system, CU Denver is a major contributor to the Colorado economy, with 2,000 employees and an annual economic impact of $800 million. To learn more about how CU Denver helps learners meet their moment, visit ucdenver.edu.
Job Description * Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers * The University of Colorado Denver, College of Arts & Media (CAM), has an opening for a full-time, Gallery Director & Curator position.
Since 1973, the Emmanuel Art Gallery, located on the Auraria Campus, Denver, has exhibited the work of exceptional local, national, and international artists. The gallery also exhibits work by faculty and students from the University of Colorado Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver, and Community College of Denver. The Emmanuel Art Gallery is within walking distance from Denver's 16th Street and the bustling LoDo district at the heart of Denver's thriving, dynamic arts community. The urban setting of the gallery yields endless opportunities for students, faculty, and the general public to learn, experience, create, and show art. The Experience Gallery is located in the heart of the Denver Performing Arts Complex, surrounded by the Denver Theatre, Opera, Symphony, and Ballet, creating an expanded opportunity for audience and creative dialogue for the CU Denver community.
The Experience Gallery, a second space overseen by this position, is a collaborative project between Denver Arts and Venues and CU Denver, and exhibitions focus on interdisciplinary projects and the art, performance, and creative work that showcases CU Denver's partnerships with other cultural institutions. The Gallery Director & Curator is primarily responsible for overseeing and leading the operations, exhibitions, and other activities of two galleries: the Emmanuel Art Gallery and the Experience Gallery. This includes: conceptualizing, scheduling, and installing exhibitions; working with the gallery coordinator to organize lectures, artist workshops, and educational outreach programs pertaining to exhibitions; collaborating with external partners on exhibitions and programs off-campus; oversight of and care for the CU Denver art collection; supervising and training a full-time gallery coordinator who oversees 8-15 work-study students and interns; conceptualizing and coordinating graphic design for announcements, brochures, and signage; grant writing and budget management; procurement and event management responsibilities; working closely with CAM and University staff on marketing; partnering with the CAM Dean on philanthropic outreach and cultivation.
Gallery Director & Curator: What you will do: Exhibitions 50%
Curates and organizes exhibitions including related research work; oversees a curatorial vision and program for the galleries that is relevant to campus, the community, and serves as a contribution to the national and international cultural dialogue.
Applies principles and techniques relevant to the organization of exhibitions, including storing, transportation, preservation and display of art objects (including preparator work). Has knowledge of and experience with AAM best practices.
Directs the creation of interpretive/educational materials, which support the original research/creative work generated for exhibitions and programs.
Directs the interpretive and interactive material and experiences for exhibitions, including film, audio, and hands-on components.
Physically installs exhibitions with the gallery team, including complicated multi-media installations and large-scale site-specific works. Specialized skills required to install complex artworks, electronic components, interactive displays, and cutting-edge interactive technologies.
Directs opening receptions, weekend and evening events and other receptions/gallery events.
Develops thematic exhibitions and speaker series that support the vision, mission, and values of CAM and CU Denver.
Campus & Community Engagement 20%
Collaborates with (and maintains) the Emmanuel Art Gallery Steering Committee. Engages public art organizations and Auraria Campus faculty and staff members in transdisciplinary projects. Recent examples include: collaboration with an International Anthropology Conference, hosted by University of Denver, and hosting interactive performance and installation work by internationally renowned artists, such as Oliver Herring and Shepard Fairey
Maximizes the role and exposure of the gallery on campus and within the greater Denver arts community. Generates high visibility through partnerships with significant institutions to bring greater state-wide and national awareness to the university and its exhibition programs.
Works closely with campus and state organizations to reach out to diverse and under-represented audiences and communities.
Fosters relationships to develop and offer speaker series and collaborative exhibitions with Denver Metro museums such as the Denver Museum of Contemporary Art and the Denver Art Museum.
Professionally represents the university as a public face of the arts programs, including in-person and written press interviews, outreach, and developing relationships with the press.
Works collaboratively with the College of Arts & Media Dean's Office and an Advisory Committee composed of members from art departments at CU Denver, MSU and CCD to support and develop their educational missions. This position plays a key role in defining and carrying out the strategy for the galleries.
Supports the Dean in strategic planning for the public facing aspects of CAM's art program and other departments in the College.
Develops a robust audience for both galleries through relevant, thoughtful, and well-planned programming (exhibitions, education outreach, lectures, philanthropic cultivation, partnerships, etc.)
Brings a broad and deep artist network with a commitment to growing it through relationship building, collaborations, and studio visits.
Promotes the gallery on campus and in the community to increase visibility, impact and audience and community participation/engagement.
Works closely with the college's Marketing and Communications department to develop marketing, publication, website, social media and other promotional materials.
Advancement 20%
Supports the Dean in fundraising initiatives: identifying donors, planning and attending events, following up with donors and liaising with Advancement
Establishes and maintains relationships with private individuals, corporations, foundations and other art enterprises to enhance donor prospects and community engagement.
Cares for and manages the university art collection. Works closely with Dean, university leadership, and appointed committee members to acquire works of art for the University's permanent art collection. Identifies donors, helps fundraise for acquisitions, and solicits artwork donations. Tracks collection on campus, helps install artworks, and supervises registration and conservation efforts.
Oversees outdoor CU Denver sculpture maintenance. Works closely with campus partners and AHEC to properly care for public artworks owned by the university.
Supervisory & Operations 10%
Supervises Gallery Coordinator and may oversee volunteers, student employees, and interns.
Oversees a program for students who work in the gallery, aimed at offering real world opportunities to put their education into practice and leverage future careers in arts and culture. Student involvement includes a broad range of gallery operations.
Oversees the operations of the two galleries and their exhibition programs.
Oversees procurement, payment practice, and event management, assuring compliance with University policies and procedures.
Assures proper security, insurance, and other requirements to protect gallery, collections and exhibitions.
Qualifications you already possess (Minimum Qualifications) Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.
Bachelor's degree in art history, museum studies, arts administration, studio arts, business or related field.
Six (6) years of progressive experience as a museum professional in positions such as a curator, museum educator, or gallery director.
Demonstrated experience and competence in exhibition design, preparation, installation and promotion.
Experience in a higher education environment.
Preferred Qualification to possess (Preferred Qualifications)
Master's degree (MA or MFA) in art history, museum studies, arts administration, studio arts, business or equivalent
Seven (7) or more years of progressive museum and gallery experience in positions such as a curator, museum educator, or gallery director.
Demonstrated success in seeking out and securing grants or other external funding sources.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Has knowledge of and experience with AAM best practices.
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communications skills.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.
Demonstrate a commitment to providing outstanding customer service skills.
Demonstrate an exceptional understanding of access and engagement with a commitment to developing equitable practices.
Ability to perform duties independently without guidance and direction from other professionals.
Ability to articulate the University's mission and the importance of the 2030 strategic plan
Ability to manage ambiguous situations and/or information and translate them into results
Ability to demonstrate exceptional management and leadership qualities
Ability to manage and oversee multiple projects and tasks simultaneously while maintaining a high attention to detail
Ability to effectively plan, establish and implement program goals and objectives
Demonstrate ongoing leadership and oversight of a department, including the development of strategies and processes which contribute to the University and/or campus mission and accountability for services provided.
Ability to determine and implement a department's processes and strategic plans
Ability to develop strategic plans that align with the goals of the University
Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for the analysis of fiscal and human resources required to achieve department objectives including hiring, compensation, termination, and performance management.
Demonstrate progressive supervisory qualities
Conditions of Employment
This is an in-person position, with some flexibility for hybrid work depending on the exhibition and program schedule.
The ability to sit for extended periods, stand and walk occasionally, reach with hands and arms, use hands to manipulate a keyboard and mouse, and have good near vision for computer work; often requiring minimal lifting, but may involve bending or reaching to retrieve items from shelves or drawers.
Moves equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at workplaceengagement@ucdenver.edu .
Employment Sponsorship Please be advised that this position is not eligible now or in the future for visa sponsorship.
Compensation and Benefits The salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established at $111,200. The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training. The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position is not eligible for overtime compensation. Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado Denver provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line. Benefits: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125
Application Deadline Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Preference will be given to complete applications received by August 30th, 2025. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.
Background Check Policy The University of Colorado Denver strives to maintain a safe and productive educational, clinical, research and employment environment. All prospective employees and current employees must, therefore, consent to and pass background checks prior to any final appointment/employment.
