Arts Institute director search underway

The search for the next director of the Arts Institute at the University of Wisconsin–Madison is under way. The search and screen committee is inviting nominations and applications, which can be submitted online.

The Arts Institute is the voice of the arts at the university. In the spirit of the Wisconsin Idea, the institute supports and promotes a comprehensive variety of arts programs and initiatives, both its own and those of partners. Working with numerous faculty and staff in a wide range of departments and arts-related fields, the institute generates conditions for bold thinking and groundbreaking creative work.

A 13-member committee, chaired by School of Human Ecology Professor Jennifer Angus, is seeking candidates. Norma Saldivar currently serves as interim director. The director, who reports to the provost, coordinates and directs activities of the Arts Institute and has primary responsibility for overseeing all aspects of its activities, including budgets, programming, operations, personnel, facilities, marketing, development, community relations and strategic planning.

“We are looking for a dynamic leader who will be the champion of the arts on campus and beyond,” Angus says. “Without a school specifically dedicated to the arts, departments are scattered across the university in the School of Education, Letters & Science, Human Ecology and CALS. We need an energetic person who will work to create synergies between arts disciplines and promote existing programs such as the Interdisciplinary Arts Residency. The successful candidate will also work with recruitment and admissions offices to create a greater understanding of the arts in order to attract outstanding students to our programs.”

Desired qualifications include a record of successful administrative leadership in higher education, a demonstrated commitment to building a diverse community, and strong communication, fundraising and public speaking skills.

The committee will work through the spring semester and finalist visits are expected to begin during the first week of June.

Other members of the search committee include Karen Aune, HR manager, Office of the Chancellor; Michael Bell, professor, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences; Gail Brassard, associate professor, School of Education; Susan Cook, professor, School of Music; Evelyn Howell, professor, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences; Lea Jacobs, associate vice chancellor (Research and Graduate Education); Angela Johnson, student representative; Doug Rosenberg, professor, School of Education; Ralph Russo, director, Wisconsin Union Theater; Benjamin Schultz, assistant director, School of Music; Dee Van Ruyven, graduate coordinator, College of Letters & Science; and Chris Walker, professor, School of Education.

A complete position description is available on the Office of Human Resources website.

Questions? Email the search committee or call 608-890-1661.