Director, South Texas Institute for the Arts

Texas A&M University System · Corpus Christi

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TAMU-CC is a dynamic university designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) with approximately 11,000 students from 47 states and 54 foreign nations. We employ over 1,400 full-time and 2,000 part-time Islanders (including students/GAs). The University attracts highly talented faculty and staff and offers an array of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including doctoral programs.  As a member of the Texas A&M University System, TAMU-CC benefits from a range of resources, increased visibility and influence, and opportunities to collaborate in mutually beneficial ways with peers across member institutions and associated agencies.

TAMU-CC’s beautiful campus is located on a 240-acre island on Corpus Christi Bay and was ranked #1 College by the Sea by Best College Reviews. Our natural setting is enhanced by its modern, attractive, and state-of-the-art classroom buildings and support facilities.

PURPOSE

The Director serves as the chief executive and chief fundraising officer of the Art Museum of South Texas. Reporting to the President and CEO of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and working in partnership with the Board of Trustees, the Director provides strategic leadership for one of the Gulf Coast's premier cultural institutions.

The Director is responsible for the overall leadership, financial sustainability, strategic growth, community engagement, and stewardship of the Museum's collections, facilities, programs, and resources. The successful candidate will be an entrepreneurial leader who can inspire philanthropy, cultivate partnerships, expand audiences, and strengthen the Museum's reputation as a leading cultural destination and educational resource for South Texas.

The Director must possess strong business acumen, fundraising experience, and the ability to effectively engage donors, community leaders, elected officials, educators, foundations, corporations, members, and other stakeholders. A passion for the visual arts and a commitment to excellence in museum operations are essential.

DESCRIPTION

Functional Area 1: Strategic Leadership

Percent Effort: 25%

• Provide visionary leadership and direction for the Museum's future growth and sustainability.

• Develop and implement strategic initiatives that increase attendance, membership, philanthropic support, community impact, and organizational effectiveness.

• Collaborate with staff, the Board of Trustees, and University leadership to establish priorities and achieve organizational goals.

• Identify innovative opportunities for partnerships, programming, revenue generation, and institutional advancement.

Functional Area 2: Fundraising and External Relations

Percent Effort: 25%

• Serve as the Museum's chief ambassador and principal fundraiser.

• Develop and execute fundraising strategies that support annual operations, special projects, collections, educational programs, endowments, and capital needs.

• Cultivate relationships with donors, foundations, corporations, government agencies, and community stakeholders.

• Work closely with the Development Officer, Board of Trustees, and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi advancement personnel to secure philanthropic support.

Functional Area 3: Financial and Operational Management

Percent Effort: 20%

• Oversee all Museum operations, administrative functions, facilities, and financial activities.

• Manage annual operating and capital budgets.

• Ensure responsible stewardship of financial, physical, and workforce.

• Maintain compliance with university policies, applicable laws and regulations, accreditation requirements, and professional museum standards.

• Evaluate and improve organizational performance and operational effectiveness.

Functional Area 4: Exhibitions, Collections, and Programs

Percent Effort: 10%

• Support the development and presentation of high-quality exhibitions and educational programs that advance the Museum's mission.

• Ensure responsible stewardship, preservation, documentation, and growth of the permanent collection.

• Promote innovative programming that enhances visitor engagement and educational impact.

Functional Area 5: Community Engagement and Partnerships

Percent Effort: 10%

• Strengthen relationships with educational institutions, cultural organizations, tourism partners, governmental agencies, and community organizations.

• Expand the Museum's visibility and role as a regional cultural and educational resource.

• Develop collaborative partnerships that increase community engagement and support organizational goals.

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Functional Area 6: Organizational Leadership and Board Relations

Percent Effort: 10%

• Recruit, develop, mentor, and retain high-performing staff.

• Foster professionalism, accountability, collaboration, innovation, and service.

• Establish performance expectations and support staff development.

• Ensure compliance with university policies and procedures.

• Partner effectively with the Board of Trustees to advance strategic priorities and organizational goals.

• Provide timely reports, recommendations, and information to support Board decision-making.

• Support trustee recruitment, orientation, engagement, and committee activities.

• Foster strong communication and collaboration among the Board, staff, and University leadership.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Museum Studies, Arts Administration, Art History, Business Administration, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, or a related field.

• Ten (10) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in a museum, nonprofit organization, educational institution, or similar environment, or related experience.

• Additional education may be used as a substitute for the minimum experience requirement:
  • Master’s degree in a related field and eight (8) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in a museum, nonprofit organization, educational institution, or similar environment, or related experience.
  • Doctoral degree in a related field and six (6) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in a museum, nonprofit organization, educational institution, or similar environment, or related experience.

SKILSS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrated success in fundraising, donor cultivation, sponsorship development, grant writing, and revenue generation.

• Outstanding oral and written communication skills.

• Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and public speaking abilities.

• Experience managing budgets, financial reporting, strategic planning, and organizational operations.

• Proven ability to build productive relationships with donors, trustees, community stakeholders, institutional partners, and elected officials.

• Proven record of fundraising success, including major gifts, sponsorships, grants, and philanthropic development.

• Ability to motivate, mentor, and lead professional staff.

• Strong strategic planning and organizational leadership skills.

• Strong appreciation for the visual arts and the role museums plays in education, tourism, economic development, and quality of life.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree or Doctoral degree in Museum Studies, Arts Administration, Art History, Business Administration, Public Administration, or Nonprofit Management.

• Knowledge of museum accreditation standards, collections stewardship, and professional museum practices.

• Knowledge of the visual arts, museum operations, and contemporary museum practices.

• Experience with capital campaigns, endowment development, or major fundraising initiatives.

• Experience working effectively with governing boards, donors, volunteers, community leaders, and public officials.

• Experience working within a university-affiliated museum or cultural institution.

Salary is commensurate with education and experience.

NOTE: Employment may be impacted by the Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025 and the moratorium issued by Texas Governor Abbott on January 27, 2026.

BENEFITS (rules, policies, eligibility apply)

From our generous benefits package and professional development opportunities, to our retirement programs and our commitment to service excellence, the Island University is an engaging and rewarding place to work.

INSURANCE:

• Medical$0 - $30 per month for Employee Only coverage after university contribution ($920 value).Up to 83% of premium covered by the university:Employee and SpouseEmployee and ChildrenEmployee and Family coverage
• Dental & Vision
• Life Insurance, Accidental D&D, Long Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account and Day Care Spending Account

DUAL CAREER PARTNER PROGRAM

ON-CAMPUS WELLNESS OPPORTUNITIES

Work Life Solutions:

• Counseling, Work Life Assistance, Financial Resources, and Legal Resources

Tuition Benefits:

• Public Loan Forgiveness
• Book scholarships
• 100% tuition coverage for up to 18 credit hours per fiscal year (other rules may apply).

Retirement:

• Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP)
• Voluntary Tax Deferred Account/Deferred Compensation Plan

Time Off:

• 8+ hours of vacation paid time off every month.
• 8 hours of sick leave time off every month.
• 8 hours of paid time off for Birthday leave.
• 12-15 paid holidays each year.
  

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.

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