Director, Executive Affairs

Job Posting Title:

Director, Executive Affairs

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Hiring Department:

Jack S Blanton Museum of Art

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

Exempt from FLSA

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Earliest Start Date:

Immediately

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue

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Location:

UT MAIN CAMPUS

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Job Details:

General Notes

The Blanton Museum of Art at the University of Texas at Austin is known for its bold vision, from a dynamic reinstallation of the collection galleries in 2017, to the opening of Ellsworth Kelly’s monumental work of art, Austin, in 2018, and redesign of its grounds by Snøhetta in 2023, and the exhibitions and educational programs that define the museum’s role in the community.

There is even more to come for the Blanton and the thousands of school and university students and visitors we serve.  With a proven track record as a museum that is deeply relevant, and where education is embedded into everything we do, we have put The University of Texas at Austin, and the city of Austin, on the forefront of the visual arts.

Benefits eligible Blanton Museum of Art staff enjoy the same competitive benefits, programs and services available to the University of Texas at Austin employees.  Blanton staff also have access to complimentary admission to the museum, selected museum events, and a 20% discount at the Museum Store. 

The Blanton is home to a vast array of roles matching a wide range of interests and talents.  No matter the staff position at the Blanton, all contribute to the preservation of culture and history for the entire community.  We invite you to view and apply for this professional opportunity.

Purpose

The Director, Executive Affairs is a key contributor responsible for advancing the priorities of the Director’s Office through the execution of strategic, cross-organizational initiatives. This role manages complex and confidential projects that support museum operations, foster collaboration, and align with University priorities.

Responsibilities

Communications

• Oversee Director communications, including drafting strategic external messaging, annual reports, institutional accomplishment and goal reports for UT leadership, presentations, speeches, and other materials as needed.

• Coordinate with Blanton Communications and Development teams to ensure alignment, preparedness, and maximum impact of Director presentations and engagements.

Project Management & Strategic Initiatives 

• Support museum initiatives as identified by the Director.

• Develop, execute, and track project plans, timelines, and goals; provide status reporting and ensure smooth handoff of projects as appropriate.

• Identify, prioritize, and escalate issues requiring Director attention; facilitate informed decision-making with leadership and stakeholders.

• Coordinate cross-functional responses to emerging issues and lead special projects, including quick-turnaround and cross-organizational efforts.

• Assist senior leadership with special projects as assigned.

• Serve as primary liaison to the Blanton Leadership Board; oversee Board operations, committees, and meeting logistics (planning, agendas, materials, documentation, and follow-up).

• Prepare and deliver clear written, presentation, and oral updates to stakeholders and Board members; ensure they are well-informed and engaged.

• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including external consultants, to ensure timely execution of priorities.

• Continuously develop knowledge of the museum context and Director priorities to anticipate needs and support decision-making.

Administrative and Business

• Serve on the Director’s senior leadership and strategic planning team; support implementation and cross-team communication of agreed actions.

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the Director’s Office, prioritizing workflow, coordinating deliverables, and aligning the Director’s time with institutional priorities.

• Act as the primary intake and coordination point for matters entering the Director’s Office, determining appropriate handling, delegation, and escalation.

• Track Director-level goals and action items; ensure follow-through on executive decisions and provide regular status updates to support leadership oversight.

• Supervise, hire, train, and evaluate the Executive Assistant to the Director to ensure effective administrative support.

• Support executive search and onboarding for senior leaders reporting to the Director, as needed.

• Manage and staff ad hoc and exploratory committees established by the Director.

• Manage relationships with VIPs (e.g., Board members, donors), including hosting, tours, and representing the Director when appropriate.

• Proactively surface and assess high-impact issues, elevating them to the Director with recommended options.

• Maintain broad organizational awareness across the Blanton and the University to inform prioritization and decision-making.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 5 years of project management experience.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills that are clear, succinct and effectively convey the Director’s voice orally and in writing.
• Excellent project management skills with ability to manage multiple high-impact projects simultaneously.
• Ability to track and maintain multiple short and long-term deadlines.
• Effective planning and organizational skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• High proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior museum or cultural institution experience

Salary Range

$100,000 + depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• Usual office environment

• May work on multiple projects concurrently, under pressure of rigid deadlines and time limitations.

• Occasional extended hours may be required.

Required Materials

• Resume/CV

• Letter of interest

• 3 work references with their contact information, including email addresses; at least one reference should be from a supervisor

Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded.  Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.

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Employment Eligibility:

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

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Retirement Plan Eligibility:

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

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Background Checks:

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

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Equal Opportunity Employer:

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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Pay Transparency:

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

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Employment Eligibility Verification:

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form.  You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States.  Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment.  Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

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E-Verify:

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

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Compliance:

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.

The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.