THE OPPORTUNITY
The Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM), seeks an inspiring and collaborative museum leader who can convey a vision of impact for the future, create a clear strategy for the path ahead, and fortify an outstanding team. SAAM serves as a convenor, educator, and voice for American art and culture at local, national, and global levels. The Margaret and Terry Stent Director will demonstrate a compassionate servant leadership style, entrepreneurial drive, and interpersonal composure, diplomacy, and discernment, aligning with SAAM’s core values.
- Curiosity and Joy: Openness / Wonder
- Accessibility and Inclusion: Diversity / Representation / Equity / Service
- Respect and Engagement: Responsibility / Accountability / Integrity
- Excellence and Leadership: Expertise / Scholarship / Thoughtfulness
- Sustainability and Care: Human (Civility / Patience) +Environmental (Stewardship) +Financial (Sound financial management / Intelligent resourcing) +Collections (Research / Care / Conservation)
These values are a key underpinning to the organization’s Strategic Plan.
ABOUT THE SMITHSONIAN AMERICAN ART MUSEUM
The Smithsonian American Art Museum and Renwick Gallery (SAAM), the nation’s first collection of American art, is an unparalleled record of the American experience. The collection captures the aspirations, character, and imagination of the American people throughout three centuries. The museum is the home to one of the largest and most inclusive collections of American art and craft in the world. Its artworks reveal key aspects of America’s rich artistic and cultural history from the colonial period to today.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Margaret and Terry Stent Director has responsibility for the overall planning, development, direction, and management of all programs and activities of SAAM and its branch museum, the Renwick Gallery. The Director is appointed by the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution and reports on all matters relating to SAAM through the Smithsonian’s Under Secretary for Museums & Culture. As noted above, the Director is advised by a Commission approved by the Smithsonian Institution Board of Regents.
CANDIDATE PROFILE
While it is understood that no one candidate will bring every desired skill, characteristic, and experience, the following offers a reflection of the ideal candidate profile.
Top candidates should demonstrate a deep understanding of cultural organizations, visitor engagement, exhibition operations, and a commitment to American art scholarship, education, and access. An advanced degree in art history or a related field is required, including American Studies, American History, fine art, material culture studies, museum education, or another relevant field. Deep professional and leadership experience in a comparable setting and subject will also be seriously considered.
This individual will bring a high level of achievement in developing or contributing to a compelling and forward-looking strategy for an organization, building the financial, operational, and ideological support for its implementation, and skillfully balancing and aligning the needs of multiple interests. They should be energized about building the museum’s strategy for the future, as well as continuing to advance its stature, recognition, and audience engagement.
In addition to internal leadership and management, the Director will serve as the external face of SAAM, inspiring confidence in its capabilities and stewarding its profile as a distinctive national and international asset and source of public understanding and programming. The successful candidate should be a powerful advocate for American art and possess both the entrepreneurial instincts and the pragmatic skills to define, coordinate, and lead collaborative outreach efforts internally and with other museums, organizations, and collaborators throughout the US and worldwide.
The successful candidate will be a natural team builder with the energy, optimism, and drive to lead SAAM into the future. The ideal candidate is an accomplished leader of organizations who has effectively navigated complex contexts/structures.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range for this role is $300,000 to $400,000 with a generous benefits package.
CONTACT
Tenley Bank and Naree Viner of Koya Partners have been exclusively retained for this search. To express interest in this role please submit your materials through our online talent portal, or email Tenley directly at tbank@koyapartners.com. All inquiries and discussions will be considered strictly confidential.