Gallery Director​/Assistant Professor

University of Arkansas at Fort Smith (UAFS) is a mid‑sized public university offering a dynamic learning environment. We are seeking a Gallery Director with a dual appointment as a ranked faculty member in the Department of Art & Design. The director will manage gallery operations, programming, and academic responsibilities in the College of Arts and Sciences.

The position’s primary duties are centered on gallery and collection management, operations, programming, and administration, while holding a dual appointment. Gallery management responsibilities include curating, exhibition planning and installation, exhibition publicity, collection management, collection development, and promotion of the UAFS Gallery of Art & Design. Additional responsibilities include management and oversight of campus gallery facilities, supervision of gallery assistants, recruitment and collaboration with artists, and resource development and management.

The Director will work collaboratively to engage the campus and community through diverse programming, educational outreach, and community relations. As a faculty member, the Gallery Director will teach 3‑6 credits per year in museum studies, practice, and related fields, pursue curriculum development under the oversight of the Art & Design Department, and oversee the development and execution of an undergraduate certificate program.

The Gallery Director reports to the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Required Education and/or

Work Experience:

Terminal Degree in Studio Art, Art History, Museum Studies, Curatorial Studies, or related field. Minimum two years of art gallery or museum experience.

Preferred Education and/or

Work Experience:

Experience developing programming and outreach associated with visual art and design education;
Knowledge of contemporary art.

• Initiate, develop, manage, and promote campus gallery exhibitions and activities.
• Provide stewardship and oversight of the University permanent collection: conservation, documentation, storage, research and acquisition of works.
• Comply with and refine collection management policies and procedures.
• Engage campus and community through diverse programming, educational outreach, and community relations.
• Work collaboratively with the Department of Art & Design, supporting the academic goals of the Department.
• Support the Art & Design department Artist in Residence program.
• Teach at least one class each year in museum practice, studies, art handling, or related fields.
• Develop and steward donor and budget resources.
• Collaborate on grant‑writing projects.
• Manage budget and day‑to‑day operations; keep detailed records.
• Develop and submit annual report.
• Design and install exhibitions.

• Recruit, train, and supervise gallery assistants.
• Oversight of the Gallery and campus exhibition spaces.
• Maintain professional and ethical standards in administration of duties.
• Maintain strong relationships with faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.
• Responsible for working with community leaders to promote the Visual Arts.
• Provide leadership to subordinates and foster teamwork.
• Require consistent on‑time attendance.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to act with tact and diplomacy.
• Excellent organizational and detail‑oriented skills in an academic environment.
• Knowledge of basic conservation and care of artwork.
• Knowledge of current exhibition practices and requirements.
• Ability to perform basic hand‑skills, including use of hand and power tools.
• Knowledge of contemporary art.
• Familiarity with relevant social media platforms.
• Ability to prioritize, plan work activities, use time efficiently, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work with local and regional community partners to promote art and art education.
• Ability to connect and engage diverse groups on campus and community.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office.

Collaboration with Art & Design Department Head, Book Arts Director, Art & Design Faculty, and staff in Facilities…