Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs – University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA)

Institution: University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA), Ann Arbor, MI, USA
Location: Ann Arbor, MI, USA (Onsite)
Contract: Full-time, salary
Salary: USD $145,000–$155,000

UMMA seeks a creative and dynamic Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs to partner with the Museum Director in shaping the museum’s curatorial vision, overseeing the exhibition program, and providing strategic leadership for the museum’s collections, including public art. This senior role supervises the curatorial staff, Director of Exhibitions and Publications, and oversees collections & registration teams, ensuring all curatorial and collections initiatives align with standard museum practices and professional guidelines. The Deputy Director also plays a central role in fundraising and donor engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Museum Director on curatorial strategy, exhibition programming, and public art initiatives.
• Provide strategic leadership for the curatorial division and supervise curatorial staff and the Director of Exhibitions and Publications.
• Oversee budgets for exhibitions, publications, registration, and collections.
• Mentor curators, interns, and students in contemporary curatorial practices and exhibitions.
• Build and maintain professional networks with artists, curators, collectors, and scholars locally, nationally, and internationally.
• Contribute to programs, talks, symposia, and media; write and edit exhibition and publication materials.
• Cultivate donor relationships and support development of transformational gifts for the museum.

Person Specification

• Education: PhD in Art History or equivalent experience, with strong knowledge of modern and contemporary art.
• Experience: 6+ years curatorial experience in museums; 5+ years in project leadership and staff management.
• Skills: Expertise in curatorial research, collection development, exhibitions, fundraising, staff mentorship, and stakeholder engagement.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership abilities.
• Ability to balance creative, intellectual, administrative, and financial responsibilities.
• Commitment to ethical standards and cultural sensitivity.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally (~25% of the time).