How to Apply
A cover letter and resume are important submissions for the hiring team to get a sense of your experience. In the cover letter, two pages or less, please let us know how this role aligns with your career aspirations and skill set. Submit both a cover letter and resume as one file (because of system limitations).
Summary
The University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA) seeks a three-year, term-limited appointment of a Program Manager who will support the planning, implementation, management, and post-event assessment of the activities that fall under the Chinese Object Study Workshops (COSW). The Project Manager will also conduct strategic research activities for the UMMA's Chinese art collection and its Asian art collection.
The COSW provides graduate students in Chinese art history and related fields with an immersive experience in the study of objects of art. The program was launched in 2012 by the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art, with the support of the Mellon Foundation, in response to the recognized lack of sustained object study training in the art history curriculum. With the support of the Kingfisher Foundation, UMMA will administer the COSW starting with the Spring 2025 workshop.
You will report to the UMMA Curator of Asian Art, who is a co-director of the Chinese Object Study Workshops. There are no direct reports to this position; there are opportunities to manage interns and/or work-study students. You will have a 40-hour per week hybrid work schedule, working 1-2 days on campus per week in Ann Arbor, MI, and remotely on other days (subject to change based on the team's needs). The full job description is available here.
Who We Are
The University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA) puts art and ideas at the center of campus and public life. We create experiences that enrich our understanding of one another, foster joy, and build a more just future. Through exhibitions, programs, research, and community partnerships, we are redefining what a campus museum can be. When you join UMMA, you can expect to be part of an experienced team that views the Museum as a vital space for exploring contemporary social issues, building community and equity, and generating new ideas about art and culture.
We are seeking applicants who are committed to building diversity in our sector, who thrive in settings that ask challenging questions about museum practice, and foster creative, cross-organizational collaboration. In deciding whether to apply for a position at UMMA, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with our Commitment to Anti-Racist Action and a More Inclusive Museum.
Responsibilities*
- Plan, monitor, execute, and resolve issues that arise to deliver COSW programs
- Draft and manage communications with COSW workshop leaders and student attendees and other stakeholders
- Make logistical arrangements for COSW programs held at UMMA and host museums
- Prepare and manage budgets, reserve hotels, and arrange honoraria payment
- Generate program assessments and reports for the Kingfisher Foundation and others
- Attend all workshops and provide day-of logistical support for each workshop day
- Document the workshops through photographs and notes, administer post-workshop surveys to the students, collate and report the results, and coordinate all post-workshop activities
- Support UMMA's Asian art program, including object-based research, the development of interpretive materials and other texts, the facilitation of research for U-M and other scholars and curators, gallery and exhibition support
Required Qualifications*
- Advanced degree in Chinese art history or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- One year of experience in or familiarity with object-based research and interpretation
- Experience with collaborative projects
- Experience with productivity, collaboration, and project management software, such as Google Workspace and Asana
Additional Information
Benefits at the University of Michigan
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
- Generous time off
- A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
- Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.