At the Toledo Museum of Art, this senior creative leadership role is built around the Glass Pavilion as a living space for museum experimentation. The Tom & Betsy Brady Creative Director for the Glass Pavilion sets the strategic direction and oversees program delivery that connects innovation, public engagement, and interdisciplinary creativity through experiences shaped for multiple galleries and outdoor spaces.
Role overview
Reporting to the Chief Culture & Brand Experience Officer and matrixed to the President & CEO, you will activate the Glass Pavilion as a national model for museum experimentation and community connection. The position translates institutional strategy into an actionable, compelling vision for the Glass Pavilion experience, while aligning with enterprise priorities and tailoring execution to the audience, program model, and physical environment.
Responsibilities
- Establish a long-term vision for the Glass Pavilion as a model for public engagement and experimentation.
- Serve as a catalyst for innovation, piloting new ideas, partnerships, technologies, and experiences.
- Adapt successful initiatives for integration across the organization.
- Identify and implement emerging technologies that enhance engagement, interpretation, learning, and community participation.
- Collaborate across departments and with external partners to develop interdisciplinary initiatives connecting art, technology, creativity, and lifelong learning.
- Evaluate programs using data-informed decision making and audience feedback.
- Champion a high-quality, welcoming, accessible visitor experience aligned with TMA’s standards of excellence and belonging.
- Coordinate with Visitor Services, Retail, and Protective Services to support friendly, welcoming engagement by public-facing staff.
- Partner with Education and Curatorial teams to activate the Glass Pavilion through demonstrations, classes, exhibitions, and interpretive experiences.
- Drive earned revenue through retail, programs, classes, facility utilization, and other service lines.
- Identify opportunities for growth, efficiency, and sustainability in operations.
- Oversee coordination of facilities, including the unique needs of hot shop operations and public spaces.
- Exercise influence to build strong cross-functional relationships across the museum and align multiple stakeholders.
- Provide clear, proactive communication and systematic project management for coordination across a matrixed workforce.
- Oversee the execution (not sole creation) of innovative, engaging programming highlighting glassmaking and interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Develop a multi-year programming plan, including seasonal themes developed alongside activities scheduled in the Green Building, Peristyle, and Woodruff Buildings.
- Support artist residencies, demonstrations, and special events that strengthen TMA’s reputation and audience engagement.
- Partner with Development to support donor engagement, sponsorship opportunities, and funding initiatives for the Glass Pavilion.
- Build and maintain relationships with artists, collectors, community partners, and industry leaders.
- Represent the Glass Pavilion and TMA in external forums, events, and collaborations.
- Perform other duties as assigned or required.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree required; preferred concentration in arts administration, museum studies, theater, performing arts, visual arts, art history, or a related field.
- 7-10 years of progressive leadership experience leading innovative cultural, educational, civic, academic, or creative organizations in a museum, cultural institution, or comparable visitor-focused organization.
- Experience managing operations, teams, and budgets in a complex, public-facing environment.
- Demonstrated success launching new programs, partnerships, or audience engagement initiatives that drive audience engagement and earned revenue.
- Strong knowledge in and passion for contemporary art across disciplines, with a preferred interest in glass as a medium.
- Passion for and experience creating exceptional visitor experiences.
- Strong operational and business acumen to manage a defined unit within a larger institution.
- Ability to lead through influence in a matrixed organization given the shared services model.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with experience balancing creative programming and operational execution.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed for programming.
Compensation & benefits
Salary range: USD 106,000 - 125,000 per year.
- 25 Days of Paid Time Off annually
- 6 Paid Holidays annually
- 2 Floating Holidays annually
- 3 Paid Volunteer Days annually
- Birthday Paid Day Off
- Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
- 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with option to direct eligible employer matching contributions toward qualified student loan payments
- Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Term Life and AD&D Insurance plans
- 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
- Pet Insurance
- Discounted Membership to YMCA of Greater Toledo for Fitness and Childcare Services
- Employee Assistance Plan
- Museum Family Membership
- Employee Discounts in the Museum Store, Café, and Studio Art Classes
Work environment
This is an onsite position in Toledo, OH that requires regular on-site presence, including evenings and weekends aligned with public programming and events. The role takes place in a standard open office environment shared with co-workers and requires the ability to operate a computer and office productivity software and equipment, as well as audio/visual equipment such as a copy machine, printer, phone, and sound systems.
