Associate Director, Artistic Programs & Operations
The University of California, San Diego
About this position
Position Description
Together with the Chief Campus Curator, the Associate Director, Artistic Programs & Operations provides strategic programming and operational leadership for the Chief Campus Curator’s Office. The position translates curatorial vision into cohesive, high-impact exhibitions, public art commissions, research initiatives, and public programs that advance ArtsConnect priorities and the university’s cultural mission. As the Strauss transitions into a fully operational contemporary art museum in Spring 2027, the Associate Director oversees curatorial programming supporting a $20+ million-dollar contemporary art collection representing hundreds of artists, along with multiple rotating exhibitions. The Associate Director’s oversight includes research, acquisition, documentation, stewardship, and maintenance of works of art. The position ensures consistent artistic quality, research rigor, accessibility and long-term stewardship of institutional assets while coordinating simultaneous projects across curatorial, technical, and administrative teams. The position directly supervises staff and guides projects through the entire lifecycle -- from early research and concept development through design, fabrication, installation, interpretation, and public engagement, ensuring conceptual coherence, and timely delivery across all initiatives. The Associate Director functions as an expert advisor using advanced knowledge to the Chief Campus Curator and campus administration on curatorial operations, resource planning, and policy implementation. The position analyzes and resolves complex curatorial, technical, and operational challenges, interprets policies and procedures, and elevates systemic issues requiring process or policy improvements to senior leadership. Ensures accountability and stewardship of resources, aligning program and project outcomes with departmental goals and university objectives. The Associate Director ensures that all artistic output reflects the vision of the Chief Campus Curator, supports the Chancellor’s priorities, and positions UC San Diego as a destination for transformative artistic practice.
Qualifications
Specialization in an area of the museum's collection and knowledge of standard museum curatorial practices. Demonstrated expertise in contemporary art or a related specialization applied to shaping exhibition themes, artist selection, and curatorial frameworks across exhibitions andpublic art initiatives Knowledge of collection building / connoisseurship, ethical and legal standards for acquisition, and of the current market. Demonstrated understanding of ethical acquisition practices, legal considerations, and art marketdynamics supporting responsible stewardship and collection development initiatives. Knowledge of selection, evaluation, and exhibition of objects. ** Demonstrated skill in selecting, evaluating, and presenting artworks through cohesive exhibition narratives, spatial planning, and audience-centered interpretiveframeworks. Knowledge of the principles of conservation / preservation. * Demonstrated knowledge of museum curatorial standards and emerging practices used to guide exhibition development, interpretive strategies,accessibility, and visitor experience design. Donor cultivation and relationship building skills. Skills in scholarly research and writing scholarly publications. Strong supervisor and leadership skills demonstrated by the ability to teach, influence, persuade others to take action based on vision and strategic objectives
Job Location
Campus