Chief of Learning, Engagement, and Research

Chief Of Learning, Engagement, And Research

Special Instructions to Applicants All conversations and applications are held in strictest confidence. Inquiries and questions concerning this search may be directed to Quizayra Gonzalez, the consultant supporting the search. Isaacson, Miller Executive Search Quizayra Gonzalez, Senior Associate qgonzalez@imsearch.com

Department Summary The Hammer Museum believes in the promise of art and ideas to illuminate our lives and build a more just world. We champion the art and artists who challenge us to see the world in a new light, to experience the unexpected, to ignite our imaginations. The Hammer understands that art not only has the power to transport us through aesthetic experience but can also provide significant insight into some of the most pressing cultural, political, and social questions of our time. We share the unique and invaluable perspectives that artists have on the world around us. A vibrant intellectual and creative nexus, the Hammer is fueled by dynamic exhibitions and programsincluding lectures, symposia, film series, readings, and musical performancesthat spark meaningful encounters with artistic expression.

Position Summary

The Hammer Museum at UCLA seeks a leader who will be responsible for establishing a multidisciplinary platform that advances the Hammer Museum's public programs, community partnerships, and academic initiatives. This role will deepen the educational mission of the museum, expand audience engagement across all ages, and foster research onsite, online, and offsite. The leader must ensure that all initiatives align with institutional capacity, remain financially sustainable, and support the Hammer's strategic priorities. The successful candidate's approach should support and grow Hammer staff in developing and furthering the museum's role as a place for learning, engagement, and research; the Hammer's artist-centered mission; audiences in having meaningful connections with art and artists; the Hammer's ability to be a hub of research especially at the intersection of art and society; awareness of the Hammer's role as a civic resource; and the Hammer's impact locally, nationally, and internationally, especially contributing to and strengthening the cultural life of Los Angeles and the Hammer's core relationship with the University of California, Los Angeles.

The ideal candidate will be rigorous, curious, and multifaceted in their communication and engagement, able to engender trust and inspire potential in our communities locally and globally. The Hammer seeks someone who is creative and strategic in their approach, can work collaboratively, is a good mentor, and believes passionately in the critical role that the arts play in the cultural life of our city. The Chief of LER will be energized to create inspiring encounters with art and a space for courageous conversations on art and society that are catalysts for how we see ourselves, the world, and its possibilities. They will be adept at piloting experimental programs, testing out ideas, and invested in innovation as a critical component of an evolving arts organization. A crucial component of the position is working alongside the Hammer's Director to determine a strategic vision for partnerships, programs, and curricula with students and faculty that take advantage of the Hammer's location within the University of California, Los Angeles, furthering our research mission. Reporting to the Hammer's Director, the Chief of LER will be responsible for unifying existing teams and leveraging institutional expertise with the support of the Director of Public Programs and Associate Director of Academic Programs within a new collaborative hub for LER at the Hammer. In concert with the Hammer's Director, the incumbent will work to align the department with the mission of the Hammer and cultivate meaningful connections between audiences, artists, and ideas. The Chief of LER will develop collaborative working methods internally and externally to ensure mission alignment, manage scope of work, financial sustainability, and effective, efficient, streamlined working methods. This includes collaborating with staff to assess and mitigate risks related to brand reputation, legal considerations, security, and insurance, and develop proactive solutions that align with the museum's mission and operational needs. Through this work, they will help deepen the Hammer's connection to UCLA and contribute to the broader cultural landscape of Los Angeles.

Salary & Compensation

• UCLA provides a full pay range. Actual salary offers consider factors, including budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations. Salary offers at the top of the range are not common. Visit UC Benefit package to discover benefits that start on day one, and UC Total Compensation Estimator to calculate the total compensation value with benefits.

Qualifications

10+ years Experience supporting and fostering a variety of voices, perspectives and ideas through projects and initiatives that align with the mission of the Museum (Required) 10+ years Strong leadership skills with experience building, managing, and mentoring teams, and ability to support a dynamic and inclusive institutional culture. (Required) Prior experience with an educational, arts, or cultural organization is preferred or equivalent creative development and implementation of audience engagement strategies and programs. (Preferred) Experience and interest in developing digital audience engagement. (Required) A deep understanding of and passion for the Hammer's mission and belief in art, ideas, creativity, and knowledge-building as a powerful engine for positive social change. (Required) The successful candidate will be forward-thinking and an articulate advocate who values differences in public exchange and can mobilize support for divergent ideas. (Required) Knowledge of contemporary art, both emerging and established artists, writers, public intellectuals, and other key voices in contemporary art, politics, and culture. (Required) Knowledge of scholarship related to art education and museum practices. (Required) Strength in collaborating with artists and colleagues within and outside of institutions and across an academic landscape and the city to build partnerships that will expand the Hammer's impact and increase audience engagement. (Required) Ability to develop meaningful and sustainable programming initiatives that take into account audience needs and institutional capacities. (Required) Strong project management skills across program planning, administration and implementation, and demonstrated ability to strategically deploy limited resources for the greatest impact. (Required) Excellent writing, public speaking, research, and interpersonal skills. (Required) Education, Licenses, Certifications & Personal Affiliations Bachelor's Degree in related are and / or equivalent combination of education and experience / training (Required) Master's Degree fr5 (Preferred) Special Conditions for Employment Background Check : Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation. Live Scan Background Check : A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment. Ability to work evenings and weekends (Required) 10% Ability to travel domestically and internationally Schedule 9 : 30am - 6 : 30pm Union / Policy Covered 99-Policy Covered