Chief of Learning, Engagement, and Research

PERF ARTS MGR 2 (000427)

UCPath Position ID: TBD_4452

Position Description History/Status

Approved Date:

7/11/2025 8:16:29 PM

Date Last Edited:

7/11/2025 8:16:26 PM

Last Action Effective Date:

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

1210O

Organization:

SCHOOL OF ARTS AND ARCHITECTURE

Division Code:

1211D

Division:

PUBLIC ARTS UNIT

Department:

047500 - HAMMER MUSEUM

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

TBD_4452

Position Description ID

240328

UC Payroll Title:

PERF ARTS MGR 2 (000427)

Personnel Program

Management and Senior Professional (MSP)

Salary Grade:

Grade 26

Job Code FLSA:

Exempt

Union Code (Collective Bargaining Unit):

99: Non-Represented (PPSM)

Employee Relations Code:

A: Manager - Not Confidential

Employee Class (Appt Type):

2 - Staff: Career

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

1

SUPERVISION

UCPath Reports to Position Number:

40046322

Reports to Payroll Title:

ACADEMIC ADMINISTRATOR VII

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40046322

Department Head Payroll Title:

ACADEMIC ADMINISTRATOR VII

GENERAL DIRECTION - Indicates that the incumbent receives guidance in terms of broad goals and overall objectives and is responsible for establishing the methods to attain them. Generally the incumbent is in charge of an area of work, and typically formulates policy for this area but does not necessarily have final authority for approving policy.

004518

MUSEUM EDUCATOR 4

1

000460

PERF ARTS MGR 1

1

004499

MUSEUM EDUCATOR 3 TX

2

004497

MUSEUM EDUCATOR 1 TX

1

006292

EVENTS SPEC 3

1

006291

EVENTS SPEC 2

1

POSITION SUMMARY

The Hammer Museum at UCLA seeks a leader who will be responsible for establishing a multidisciplinary platform that advances the Hammer Museum's public programs, community partnerships, and academic initiatives. This role will deepen the educational mission of the museum, expand audience engagement across all ages, and foster research onsite, online, and offsite. The leader must ensure that all initiatives align with institutional capacity, remain financially sustainable, and support the Hammer's strategic priorities.

The successful candidate's approach should support and grow Hammer staff in developing and furthering the museum's role as a place for learning, engagement, and research; the Hammer's artist-centered mission; audiences in having meaningful connections with art and artists; the Hammer's ability to be a hub of research especially at the intersection of art and society; awareness of the Hammer's role as a civic resource; and the Hammer's impact locally, nationally, and internationally, especially contributing to and strengthening the cultural life of Los Angeles and the Hammer's core relationship with the University of California, Los Angeles.

The ideal candidate will be rigorous, curious, and multifaceted in their communication and engagement, able to engender trust and inspire potential in our communities locally and globally. The Hammer seeks someone who is creative and strategic in their approach, can work collaboratively, is a good mentor, and believes passionately in the critical role that the arts play in the cultural life of our city.

The Chief of LER will be energized to create inspiring encounters with art and a space for courageous conversations on art and society that are catalysts for how we see ourselves, the world, and its possibilities. They will be adept at piloting experimental programs, testing out ideas, and invested in innovation as a critical component of an evolving arts organization.

A crucial component of the position is working alongside the Hammer's Director to determine a strategic vision for partnerships, programs, and curricula with students and faculty that take advantage of the Hammer's location within the University of California, Los Angeles, furthering our research mission.

Reporting to the Hammer's Director, the Chief of LER will be responsible for unifying existing teams and leveraging institutional expertise with the support of the Director of Public Programs and Associate Director of Academic Programs within a new collaborative hub for LER at the Hammer. In concert with the Hammer's Director, the incumbent will work to align the department with the mission of the Hammer and cultivate meaningful connections between audiences, artists, and ideas. The Chief of LER will develop collaborative working methods internally and externally to ensure mission alignment, manage scope of work, financial sustainability, and effective, efficient, streamlined working methods. This includes collaborating with staff to assess and mitigate risks related to brand reputation, legal considerations, security, and insurance, and develop proactive solutions that align with the museum's mission and operational needs. Through this work, they will help deepen the Hammer's connection to UCLA and contribute to the broader cultural landscape of Los Angeles.

The Hammer Museum believes in the promise of art and ideas to illuminate our lives and build a more just world. We champion the art and artists who challenge us to see the world in a new light, to experience the unexpected, to ignite our imaginations.

The Hammer understands that art not only has the power to transport us through aesthetic experience but can also provide significant insight into some of the most pressing cultural, political, and social questions of our time. We share the unique and invaluable perspectives that artists have on the world around us.

A vibrant intellectual and creative nexus, the Hammer is fueled by dynamic exhibitions and programs—including lectures, symposia, film series, readings, and musical performances—that spark meaningful encounters with artistic expression.

RESEARCH

1.  Establish and lead artist-centered research initiatives in collaboration with internal teams and external partners.

2.  Support, expand and elevate existing scholarship, positioning the Hammer as a thought leader in art history and related fields.

3.  Strengthen the museum’s role as a hub for critical discourse and knowledge production.

4.  Work in concert with the Hammer’s Director and across teams, including Curatorial, the Grunwald Center for the Graphic Arts, and Communications, to set a vision for and implement a plan for the Hammer’s digital archives, including collections, exhibitions, and programs.

5.  Deepen online engagement with scholars and the general interest audiences.

60%

COMMUNICATION AND INTERPRETATION

1.  In collaboration with the Hammer’s Communications team, the Chief of LER will develop a vision and strategy for communicating, promoting, and making visible LER’s program and impact.

2.  Develop interpretive guidelines and establish implementation process in collaboration with key teams, including Curatorial Curators, ensuring all written materials align with the Hammer’s commitment to knowledge-building and accessibility.

20%

FUNDRAISING

1. Develop a vision and strategy for fundraising for LER in collaboration with the Development team.

2. Cultivate relationships to ensure long-term sustainability for LER programs, while ensuring visibility and accessibility of the department’s work across various platforms.

10%

OUTREACH/ PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

1. Develop and cultivate relations with other museums and professional organizations.

2 Participate and represent the Hammer in scholarly symposia, conferences, and programs at other museums, universities, and other professional organization.

3. Present lectures and oversee/conduct tours for individuals and groups on and off-campus.

10%

•

Performs other duties as assigned.

•

Complies with all policies and standards.

•

Complies with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Principles of Community.

•

This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree

in related are and/or equivalent combination of education and experience/training

Required

Master's Degree

fr5

Preferred

10+ years

Experience supporting and fostering a variety of voices, perspectives and ideas through projects and initiatives that align with the mission of the Museum

Required

10+ years

Strong leadership skills with experience building, managing, and mentoring teams, and ability to support a dynamic and inclusive institutional culture.

Required

Prior experience with an educational, arts, or cultural organization is preferred or equivalent creative development and implementation of audience engagement strategies and programs.

Preferred

Experience and interest in developing digital audience engagement.

Required

A deep understanding of and passion for the Hammer’s mission and belief in art, ideas, creativity, and knowledge-building as a powerful engine for positive social change.

Required

The successful candidate will be forward-thinking and an articulate advocate who values differences in public exchange and can mobilize support for divergent ideas.

Required

Knowledge of contemporary art, both emerging and established artists, writers, public intellectuals, and other key voices in contemporary art, politics, and culture.

Required

Knowledge of scholarship related to art education and museum practices.

Required

Strength in collaborating with artists and colleagues within and outside of institutions and across an academic landscape and the city to build partnerships that will expand the Hammer’s impact and increase audience engagement.

Required

Ability to develop meaningful and sustainable programming initiatives that take into account audience needs and institutional capacities.

Required

Strong project management skills across program planning, administration and implementation, and demonstrated ability to strategically deploy limited resources for the greatest impact.

Required

Excellent writing, public speaking, research, and interpersonal skills.

Required

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.

10%

Ability to travel domestically and internationally

Ability to work evenings and weekends

Required

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Non-Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Non-University Setting(s)

Location:

Hammer Museum

Standing/Walking

X

Sitting

X

X

Bending/Stooping

X

Squatting/Kneeling

X

Climbing

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 0-25 lbs

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 26-50 lbs

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull over 50 lbs

X

Physical requirements other

X

Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes

X

Loud noise levels

X

Marked changes in humidity or temperature

X

Microwave/Radiation

X

Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment

X

Exposures other

X

Sustained attention and concentration

X

X

Complex problem solving/reasoning

X

X

Ability to organize & prioritize

X

X

Communication skills

X

X

Numerical skills

X

X

Mental demands other

X

X

Classification 3:  Position in which exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues is not part of the position description. The normal routine task involves no exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues and the employee can decline to perform tasks which involve a perceived risk without retribution.