Art, Sculpture and Gallery Manager

Job Description

Overview
The Art, Sculpture and Gallery Manager at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum provides strategic leadership and vision for all aspects of curatorial duties related to the permanent collection of sculpture and art including collections management, conservation and exhibition work. The Manager conducts ongoing research and evaluates market/artistic opportunities to develop multi-year plans for permanent and temporary exhibits. Develops strategic working relationships with artists to develop and implement shows in Arboretum gallery spaces featuring artists whose work aligns with the Arboretum mission and strategic plan. Develops and implements a series of arts education classes for members and the general public.

About Us

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.

Duties & Responsibilities

Responsibilities
40% Gallery Management
Provide leadership and management of two retail art gallery spaces at the Arboretum.

Initiate and sustain working relationships with artists engaged in nature-based art – with a focus on providing a retail outlet for Minnesota/regional artists.
Plan and implement an annual series of 8-12 art exhibits across 2 gallery spaces. Plan a minimum of 12 months in advance, up to 2 years out.
Liaise with Arboretum guest service, marketing and retail teams to assure quality environment for display, promotion and to ensure seamless process for sales, delivery and customer service for gallery operations
Plan and implement opening events for gallery shows as appropriate
Lead Arboretum art cocreation efforts with a diverse array of artist communities. Serve on a cross functional cocreation team at the Arboretum.
Develop and execute strategies to generate a minimum of $70,000 in net gallery sales across two gallery spaces while effectively managing associated operating expenses.
Conduct research and evaluate market opportunities to expand the reach and success of the retail art gallery spaces.
Identify and lead new initiatives to elevate the profile of the Arboretum’s art program.

30% Sculpture Collection Curation
Responsible for the long term strategic plan for the well being of the art collection at the Arboretum. They are also responsible for the daily care and preservation of the collection, conservation oversight, research and scholarship, education, collection documentation, interpretation and public engagement, advocacy and fundraising surrounding art at the Arboretum.

Lead and implement the acquisition process for additions to the permanent art collection and develop formal recommendations related to acquisition, conservation, and deaccession of high-value works.
Conduct research and scholarship activities to support collection interpretation, exhibition development, and advancement of the Arboretum’s artistic mission.
Lead education, interpretation, and public engagement initiatives that enhance visitor understanding, accessibility, and appreciation of the collection.
Serve as an advocate for the role of art at the Arboretum and support fundraising efforts that advance collection stewardship and future growth.
Liaise with the Arboretum Development team to cultivate and maintain positive donor and stakeholder relationships.
Serve as staff lead to the Fine Arts Committee, providing strategic leadership, support, and facilitation of committee priorities and initiatives
Develop and manage short- and long-term budgets and expenses associated with sculpture curation, collection stewardship, exhibitions, restoration, and conservation activities. Lead all aspects of curation for the Harrison Sculpture Garden collection, including development and execution of a 30-year restoration and conservation plan to ensure the long-term preservation, sustainability, and stewardship of the collection.
Assume responsibility for cataloging and documenting all art objects at the Arboretum in accordance with American Alliance of Museums (AAM) protocols, including maintaining collection records, disaster preparedness planning, insurance replacement valuations, and long-term curation plans.
20% Arts Education
Develop and implement a series of experiential art related adult education classes as a member of the Arboretum Adult Education team.

Meet audience engagement and revenue/expense budget goals set by the Arboretum Manager of Adult Education.
Classes should reflect the larger Arboretum mission, goals, and strategic plan through a wide array of programming for a broad audience.
Develop long-term and short-term strategic plans for the arts education portfolio, identifying emerging trends in adult education to introduce innovative, high-impact programming initiatives.
10% Duties as Assigned

Additional duties may include things such as participating in Arboretum cross functional initiatives, co-creation efforts, AAM accreditation processes, presentations and others.
*The employer reserves the right to change or add duties to this position as long as the changes and/or additions are consistent with the job classification.

Education and Experience

Required Qualifications

BA/BS degree plus at least 10 years of experience, or a master’s degree plus at least 8 years of experience, or a terminal degree plus at least 6 years of experience in Art, Art History, or Museum Studies or a related field.
Demonstrated ability to produce clear, professional written and verbal communications
Experience developing and maintaining recordkeeping and organizational processes/structures
Demonstrated ability to develop, manage, and monitor budgets at both the annual organizational level and individual project level, ensuring alignment with financial targets.
Proven ability to collaborate across departments or teams to achieve shared goals, demonstrated by successful completion of multi-stakeholder projects on time and meeting agreed-upon objectives.
Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrates a strong passion for art, plants, science, and education.
Possesses experience with, or familiarity with, museums or other art organizations.
Has experience working with collections management software.
Maintains familiarity with, and established relationships within, local arts communities.
Exhibits demonstrated entrepreneurial initiative and drive.
Possesses familiarity with the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) accreditation process.

Application Instructions

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your “My Job Applications” page and uploading documents in the “My Cover Letters and Attachments” section.

Please include a resume and a cover letter.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.