Director of the School of Visual Studies

School of Visual Studies

The University of Missouri invites applications and nominations for the position of Director of the School of Visual Studies (SVS). SVS is housed in the College of Arts and Science (A&S), the largest and most academically diverse unit on campus, and the Director will report to the Dean of A&S.

SVS was formed in 2017 and is comprised of five programs - art, art history, digital storytelling, graphic design, and film studies. The mission of the School is to explore the visual arts in their full complexity through interdisciplinary studies in the history and theory of art and visual culture, and foundations of practice. SVS offers Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Master of Arts (MA), Master of Fine Arts (MFA), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees within the five programs. Please visit https://visualstudies.missouri.edu for more information.

The new Director will have the opportunity to build from a solid foundation of collaborative and interdisciplinary research and creative activities in the School's core areas. This individual will lead the strategic, programmatic, financial, fundraising, and management operations that support the mission and vision of SVS, its role within the University of Missouri, and our engagement with local, regional, and global stakeholders. This opportunity requires a builder, a futurist, a storyteller, and a results-oriented leader who can develop strong relationships with internal and external constituencies.

Specific duties of the Director include but are not limited to:

• Serve as the chief academic officer for SVS.
• Oversee operations, including budget, and strategic planning for SVS.
• Lead and manage SVS faculty and staff.
• Steward existing and new community engagement programs, advisory board, alumni, donor and corporate relationships while setting strategic advancement goals for SVS.
• Advocate for the SVS to units around the university, community, and the broader academic field.
• Maintain personal research/creative activities practice.
• Foster an environment of welcoming inclusivity for students, staff, and faculty at the University of Missouri.

The new Director will hold a terminal degree (MFA or PhD) in an art-related field and have a record of research or creative works and teaching suitable for the appointment of full professor with tenure.

Preferred Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a commitment to experimentation and innovation including the development of interdisciplinary initiatives through teaching, research, and partnerships. Knowledge and appreciation for studio art, art history, graphic design, moving-image and digital media as well as a demonstrated commitment to building welcoming and collaborative culture are required.

Use the online application and be prepared to upload

• a detailed curriculum vitae,
• a letter of application or statement summarizing experience in higher education and arts administration, personal vision, relevant leadership experience,
• a portfolio of research/creative works including a research statement,
• and the names and contact information for 3 references.

The Search Committee will begin reviewing candidates in January 2025 and will continue until the position is filled. Priority consideration will be given to materials received by January 22, 2025. Nominations, applications, and inquiries of interest may be sent in confidence to the University's executive search partner: Patrick Arens, Lead HR Consultant, umhrexecutivesearch@umsystem.edu

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person's success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo or call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-2146.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.