What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Director - Zillman Art Museum position at University of Maine?
Working collaboratively with the Executive Director & Curator, the Assistant Director provides the strategic and administrative framework necessary to drive the museum’s growth and operational efficiency. This role is responsible for the dual mandate of managing the museum’s finances, including budgeting and HR, promotions, events and leading its external engagement efforts through membership acquisitions, donor relations, and high-level communications. The position helps promote the museum through the production of exhibition-related print materials and advertising.
The Zillman Art Museum (ZAM) is a fast-paced, customer service-oriented cultural venue. The Assistant Director works in the Museum of Art, which includes other professional and classified staff, student employees, interns, and volunteers. ZAM is located in downtown Bangor and is open to the public. Typical hiring range for this position is $50,000 to $62,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Complete Job Description
About the University:
The University of Maine is a community of more than 11,900 undergraduate and graduate students, and 2,500 employees located on the Orono campus, the regional campus in Machias, and throughout the state. UMaine is a land, sea and space grant university, and maintains a leadership role as the University of Maine System's flagship institution. UMaine is the state's public research university and a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, dedicated to providing excellent teaching, research and service for Maine, the nation and the world. More information about UMaine is at umaine.edu .
The University of Maine offers a wide range of benefits for employees including, but not limited to, tuition benefits (employee and dependent), comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability as well as retirement plan options.
UMaine is located in beautiful Central Maine. Many employees report that a primary reason for choosing to come to UMaine is quality of life. Numerous cultural activities, excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, high quality medical care, little traffic, and a reasonable cost of living make the greater Bangor area a wonderful place to live. Visit the Maine Office of Tourism to learn more about what the Bangor region has to offer.
Qualifications:
Required:
- Typically has the education associated with a bachelor’s degree and at least three years of relevant professional experience with private non-profit organization, museum, or cultural arts organization.
- Proven track record in donor cultivation, donor written and verbal communications and fundraising.
- Experience with marketing
- Demonstrated experience in supervision (including volunteers) and a working knowledge of personnel policies. Must exercise high-level initiative and discretion when handling confidential or sensitive matters.
- Ability to work independently and make sound decisions in the absence of the Director. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, museum-hosted events, and rentals simultaneously.
- Superior verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrated ability to engage professionally and inclusively with diverse audiences, including community partners, public agencies, and museum visitors.
- Proficiency in database management and a commitment to providing excellent customer service.
Preferred:
- Prior experience in graphic design including producing projects for print and web-based communications.
- Experience in visual arts, art education, studio art or museum studies.
- Experience navigating university financial and payroll systems (e.g., PeopleSoft, Marketplace, or equivalent).
- Proven success collaborating with a wide variety of internal and external constituents.
Other Information:
To be considered for this position you will need to “Apply” and upload the documentation listed below:
1.) a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position
2.) a resume/curriculum vitae
Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to provide a list of names and contact information for references.
Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.
For full consideration, materials must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. EST on April 30, 2026.
The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening.
Salary : $50,000 - $62,000