Utah Division of Arts & Museums Seeks Division Director

The Utah Division of Arts & Museums (UA&M) is seeking an innovative and collaborative leader, dedicated to supporting artists, arts educators, museums, cultural organizations, and the creative community. UA&M inspires and connects people and communities through Utah’s museums and arts organizations, encouraging a vibrant and culturally engaged state. The Division Director is responsible for overseeing all division functions, as outlined below:

• Oversee an ongoing mission and strategic plan for UA&M. Ensure the strategic plan aligns with Department and Governor’s Office goals and priorities, while serving the needs of its arts, museums, and cultural constituencies.
• Develop and guide program implementation based on the division’s annual strategic objectives. Programs include the State of Utah Alice Merrill Horne Art Collection, public art, community programs, arts education, investment & grants, and museum field services.
• Work with national, state, and local partners on funding and programming initiatives.
• Mentor and oversee a professional staff of 23+ employees, and promote a staff culture that values innovation, collaboration, and respectful engagement.
• Develop and manage a complex $12 million division budget, coordinating both federal and state funds. 
• Facilitate and guide the Utah Arts & Museums Advisory Board, Council, and Art Acquisition Council, working in partnership to establish policy and strategic plans.
• In collaboration with Department leadership, educate internal state agencies and leaders on policy or programmatic concerns that may have an impact on Utah’s cultural organizations and creative economy.
• Serve on the Salt Lake County Zoo, Arts & Parks Tier I Advisory Board, Executive Residence Commission, and other boards or commissions as provided by statute and Department leadership.
• Actively participate with Creative West, National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, Utah Museums Association, Utah Cultural Alliance, and other professional arts and museum organizations.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following skills and abilities:

• Passion and vision for the role of arts and museums in communities across Utah;
• Commitment to promoting an organizational culture that exemplifies the department’s values of respect, integrity, and opportunity;
• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to build relationships and engage with stakeholders at all levels with mutual respect and professionalism;
• Experience and ability in leading, supporting, and empowering a collaborative team of talented and dedicated professionals;
• A professional background (minimum of five years) working with or for cultural organizations;
• Experience working on and with professional boards and councils;
• Experience and skill in managing a budget that includes state, federal, and private funding;
• Understanding of the work of other Utah Department of Cultural & Community Engagement divisions and ability to actively seek out opportunities to collaborate across divisions.

This full-time job is based in Salt Lake City, UT. The deadline for application is April 16, 2026.