Manager of Education and Programs, Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Museum

Kluge-Ruhe is the only museum dedicated to the collection, research and display of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art in the United States. It has an outstanding reputation in Australia and the United States as it is leading the museum sector in working collaboratively and interculturally with First Nations artists and their communities.

This position is an opportunity to be a key member of a small but highly engaged and professional team that is increasing First Nations leadership in museums and sharing the richness and diversity of First Nations Australian arts and cultures with the world. Its vision is a world in which Indigenous peoples the world over are listened to, and their arts and cultures are honored and celebrated.

See the museum's current strategic plan here:

https://klugeruhe.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Kluge-Ruhe-Strategic-Plan-2021-Brief.pdf

The Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection of the University of Virginia seeks an experienced, goal-orientated Manager of Education and Programs to lead its education, programming and visitor services initiatives. They will provide high-quality, engaging educational experiences for in-person and online visitors and community volunteers in ways that advance Kluge-Ruhe's strategic priorities and values.

Responsibilities

• Creatively develop, lead and evaluate educational programs to enhance exhibition engagement for audiences of all age groups for the in-house as well as the touring exhibitions
• Create goal-oriented activities that enable visitors of all ages to respond to current exhibitions in the hands-on art-making space
• Work collaboratively with team members in supporting visiting First Nations artists, curators and knowledge holders by scheduling their visits and partnering with organizations near and far to amplify their voices nationally and globally
• Manage their own projects by creating budgets and tracking expenses, creating schedules and meeting deadlines, and communicating effectively both internally and externally
• Manage two Visitor Experience Associates that staff the museum on weekends
• Manage a program of community volunteers that staff the front desk on weekdays, including recruitment, training and evaluation
• Lead tours for school and community groups, and ensure daily tours led by volunteers are high-quality and consistent

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree required
• Experience: At least three years relevant professional experience required

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Master's degree or a demonstrated mastery in their specialty area with significant equivalent experience
• Experience: At least five years of relevant experience

Physical Demands

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. Must be able to climb ladders up to 4 feet off the ground and lift up to 30 pounds. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs and to work some evenings and weekends as required.

Salary Range

• The anticipated hiring range is $68,000-$71,000, commensurate with education and experience.

Position Type & Work Location:

• This position is In-Person at the Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection located in Charlottesville, VA.
• This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits.

About UVA and the Community: To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.

Application Timeline: Application review will begin after June 23, and all applications must be received by July 2, 2026.

Additional Requirements

• Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment
• Visa Sponsorship: This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

How to Apply: Please apply online, by searching for requisition number

R0084437. Internal applicants may search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website. Complete an application with the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.

Reference Check Process: Reference checks will be completed by UVA's third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.

Contact

For questions about the position, please contact Nici Cumpston, Director Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection of the University of Virginia at: cvq7sy@virginia.edu

For questions about the application process, please contact Melanie Sponaugle, unw5dq@virginia.edu.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.