Fairmont State University Looks to Hire Director of the Folklife Center

The Fairmont State University is looking to hire a director of its Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center. The Folklife Center is home to the Ruth Ann Musick folklore archives, the Phyllis W. Moore West Virginia Authors archives, and the Patty Looman collection. The Center is also part of the College of Liberal Arts and houses the University’s undergraduate programs in folklore and museum studies.

The Director of the Folklife Center provides leadership and oversight for the development, coordination, and delivery of folk and traditional arts programming that celebrates and preserves West Virginia’s cultural heritage. This position oversees the Center’s exhibitions, collections, archives, publications, and educational programming while fostering meaningful partnerships with community members, cultural organizations, university departments, and external stakeholders.

The Director is responsible for the Center’s daily operations, staff supervision, budget management, fundraising initiatives, and stewardship of its facilities and collections, ensuring that the Center advances its mission through community engagement, scholarship, preservation, and public programming.

• Minimum Required Education: A Bachelor’s Degree or higher in museum management, history, folklore, or a related field.
• Minimum Required Qualifications: Demonstrated experience in program development and facilities management.

Applications are due November 18, 2026.