A museum director oversees the operations of a museum or other similar institution, such as a zoo or historic site. He or she is frequently also a professional curator. He or she may have a variety of responsibilities, ranging from overseeing exhibits and programs to managing a budget, depending on the size of the museum. A person in this position is typically responsible for overseeing daily operations and may also be involved in long-term projects such as research and writing. Because most museums are non-profit organizations, a museum director’s job is similar to that of any other non-profit executive.
In many ways, a museum director is the organization’s visionary leader, designing and developing exhibits based on his or her expertise and the museum’s subject matter. Negotiating with other organizations to borrow or purchase exhibits is another common task. The director oversees the set-up and display of exhibitions, as well as the care and storage of relevant items, as the museum’s curator.
A museum director has many administrative responsibilities in addition to supervising exhibits. He or she is in charge of managing the museum’s budget as well as organizing any necessary fundraising events. In addition, writing reports and grant proposals is a common part of the job, which is often done with the help of other members of the team. His or her job typically entails disseminating information through both internal and external channels.
A museum director may oversee a small gallery, a large institution, or something in the middle. The director of a small museum may be one of only a few employees. The director usually supervises the staff, which can include regular employees as well as interns or volunteers, regardless of the size of the organization. The director has a responsibility to make sure that the programs run smoothly. In many cases, he or she reports to a Board of Directors or a Board of Trustees and is responsible for ensuring that the museum’s mission statement is followed.
The director of a museum serves as the institution’s public face, attending meetings, conventions, and other related events. He or she frequently contributes to scholarly journals, press releases, and other informational materials. The director often conducts research and coordinates educational programs in addition to giving tours of the facility.
A museum director’s professional background could be in a variety of fields. Anyone interested in working as a museum director at a specific institution should have a thorough understanding of the institution’s various collections. Previous administrative experience is usually beneficial as well.