The Princeton University Art Museum (PUAM) brings the visual arts to the heart of the Princeton University experience for students, scholars, and visitors of all kinds as one of the world’s greatest comprehensive museums in an academic setting. At a time of self-reflection for both museums and universities, the Princeton University Art Museum is reimagining how visitors connect and engage with its globe-spanning collections. With a capital project underway, the Museum’s dramatic new building (to be unveiled in spring 2025) will re-draw the boundaries—both literally and figuratively—of how PUAM cares for its holdings and brings them to life.

Embodying the Museum’s commitment to excellence, equity, transparency, and welcome, the new building will roughly double the space for the exhibition, conservation, study, and interpretation of the Museum’s diverse collections; for mounting exhibitions; and for a new range of social spaces and visitor amenities.

This is an exciting moment of promise and possibility for the Princeton University Art Museum.

The Opportunity

As the Princeton University Art Museum moves forward into this unprecedented moment, it seeks a Senior Associate Director for Museum Development (Sr. AD-MD) to be the lead fundraising strategist bringing creativity, innovation, and excellence to this essential and highly regarded program.

Reporting to Museum Director James Steward, the Senior Associate Director must be a savvy and experienced fundraiser capable of building sustainable, long-term philanthropic relationships while leading a team of fundraising professionals and serving as a collaborator and partner with Museum and University colleagues. The Sr. AD-MD will also be a gifted storyteller capable of igniting donors’ imaginations and galvanizing support for the Museum’s current and future funding opportunities. The Museum will look to the Senior Associate Director to unlock the potential for making key priorities possible, such as building out the galleries and equipping the labs; designing new programs and exhibitions; and increasing endowment support.

Key attributes of the ideal candidate include strong leadership skills, a strategic and collaborative mindset, and an authentic appreciation for art and its role in society, as well as a strong work ethic, exceptional communication skills (verbal and written), and a personal commitment to excellence.

This is a thrilling opportunity to serve as a leader at a vibrant institution and help set the course for its next chapter of excellence.