Museum Director for Bildmuseet

Umeå Universitet · Vollzeit

Umeå universitet, Umeå, Schweden

Description Bildmuseet is a leading arena for art, science, and social issues that conducts an independently profiled exhibition and program activities in the field of international contemporary art and visual culture. The activities are directed toward a broad public and include collaboration with both institutions within the university and actors outside the university – locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. With contact points and collaboration within and toward both the academic world and the cultural world, Bildmuseet is a significant player in the university's external engagement. It strengthens the university's profile in the artistic field and serves as an important public meeting place on the Artistic Campus. Bildmuseet receives approximately 75,000 visitors each year. Bildmuseet, with just over 20 employees and interns, is part of Umeå University and organizationally placed at the Faculty of Humanities. Bildmuseet also collaborates with several institutions, including within the framework of UmArts, Umeå University's research center for architecture, design, and art. More information can be found at https://www.bildmuseet.umu.se/ We are seeking a museum director and artistic leader for Bildmuseet. The position is full-time and permanent with a start date of February 1, 2027 or by agreement. Responsibilities As museum director for Bildmuseet, you will lead and develop the operations strategically and operationally, in close collaboration with Umeå University's vision and overarching goals. You are responsible for strengthening Bildmuseet's position as a leading institution for contemporary art and visual culture, nationally and internationally. The role includes further developing Bildmuseet's artistic profile, public activities, and societal relevance. You drive the development of Bildmuseet's operations and artistic content with a comprehensive perspective on exhibitions, art mediation, and public programs. The role requires you to combine strategic and creative thinking with strong capabilities in planning, organizing, and prioritizing in a complex operation. As museum director, you are responsible for finances and resource allocation where various interests must be balanced within the framework of established goals and budget. You also work to create long-term conditions for high-quality and dynamic operations through seeking external funding and collaborations. You have overall responsibility for operations, staff, and the work environment. You lead with clarity, trust, and participation, and create conditions for staff to develop and contribute to the organization's goals. With support from Bildmuseet's administrative manager, who reports to you, you ensure a well-functioning operation within the framework of Umeå University's regulations as a public authority. You collaborate broadly within the university and with external stakeholders, and represent Bildmuseet in local, national, and international contexts, actively working to develop and strengthen collaborations and networks. Your leadership is characterized by strong communication skills, responsiveness, and an ability to engage and motivate staff in both ongoing work and change initiatives. You contribute to a good work environment that is inclusive, developmental, and characterized by collaboration. Because Bildmuseet is organizationally placed at the Faculty of Humanities, you report to the faculty's dean and also participate in the faculty's management council together with other managers. Qualifications We are looking for someone with: a university or college degree in art history, curating, or fine art multiple years of documented experience leading exhibition production and mediation work at a contemporary art institution with an international focus a broad and extensive international network within the contemporary art field documented strong leadership qualities and good collaboration skills experience seeking collaboration with and external funding from both public and private actors strong ability to express yourself in Swedish or another Scandinavian language as well as English, spoken and written experience with broad public activities strong communication skills, responsiveness, and ability to engage and motivate staff Other desirable qualifications experience as a manager with personnel and work environment responsibility experience with artistic research a doctoral degree in a subject relevant to the position Great weight will be placed on personal suitability. Application Applications must be received by 2026-10-23 and submitted via the e-recruitment system Varbi. Your application should include: a personal letter explaining why you are applying for the position CV/list of qualifications documentation of formal credentials (degree certificates, certificates, etc.) Additional Information The position is a permanent full-time employment with a start date of 2027-02-01 or by agreement. The workplace is located in Umeå and regular presence at Bildmuseet and at university meetings is required. Work in evenings and weekends may occur. A probationary period of 6 months may be applied. Umeå University is a public authority, which means that employees receive special benefits. Learn more at https://www.umu.se/jobba-hos-oss/formaner/. Further information about the position is provided by: Christer Nordlund, Dean, 090-786 97 33, [email protected] Marcus Zaar, Chancellor, 090-786 57 62, [email protected] Ieva Eriksson, HR Specialist, [email protected] Further information about Bildmuseet's activities is provided by: Brita Täljedal, Museum Curator, 090-7867714, [email protected] We warmly welcome your application!