SENIOR ADVANCEMENT OFFICER, PRINCIPAL GIVING

To Apply

All applicants must apply online with Ballinger Leafblad here: https://pod4.app.loxo.co/job/Mzk3MzctOGEzM2x1d3Iwbms1ajYwZw==?t=1768543327628

A resume and cover letter are required for consideration.

SUMMARY

The Senior Advancement Officer, Principal Giving holds a critical leadership position within Mia’s Advancement team during an important period of growth and ambition for the museum. Reporting to the Senior Head of Advancement, this role is responsible for cultivating and stewarding a focused portfolio of the museum’s highest-capacity donors and prospects, with an emphasis on transformational six- to eight-figure commitments. The role partners closely with museum and board leadership on complex, long-term donor strategies and plays an integral role in shaping and advancing a major capital effort. In addition to managing a principal gift portfolio, this leader provides mentorship and guidance to major gift colleagues, helping to strengthen practice, confidence, and results across the broader advancement team.

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

This position reports to the Senior Head of Advancement (search currently open). The position provides work direction to colleagues in major giving support and prospect research and portfolio management.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

· 8+ years’ advancement experience preferably in principal gifts fundraising.

· Demonstrated success securing and stewarding six- and seven-figure gifts and select eight-figure opportunities, including complex and restricted commitments.

· Experience working in or alongside a major capital campaign.

· Proven ability to manage and prioritize a significant principal gift portfolio (50-75 prospective principal gift donors) with discipline and sound judgment.

· Knowledge of and experience with planned giving concepts and the complexities of integrating deferred and blended gifts into donor strategies.

·  Experience leading, mentoring, and developing fundraising staff, strengthening major gift practice and performance. 

· Solid understanding of advancement operations, moves management, and fundraising infrastructure. 

· Comfort using fundraising data, reporting, and CRM systems such as Salesforce to inform strategy and track progress. 

· Excellent communication and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. 

· Genuine alignment with Mia’s mission and a belief in the power of art as a public good.

PRINCIPAL GIVING PORTFOLIO & DONOR STRATEGY

· Manage a focused portfolio of Mia’s highest-capacity donors and prospects, with responsibility for securing six- and seven-figure gifts and select eight-figure opportunities.

· Lead cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies tied primarily to the campaign, as well as other complex restricted priorities, succession planning, and long-term commitments.

· Integrate planned giving and blended gift strategies into donor conversations when appropriate, working in partnership with colleagues and advisors to support long-term donor relationships.

CAMPAIGN LEADERSHIP & INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERSHIP

· Serve as a key partner to the Senior Head of Advancement, Chief Advancement Officer,

· Director & President, senior leadership team, and Board members on principal gift and campaign strategy.

· Collaborate closely with department heads, curators, and program leaders to ensure donor opportunities are well-developed, aligned, and clearly articulated.

· Work in coordination with external campaign counsel and fundraising advisors to support planning, strategy refinement, and execution.

· Ensure principal giving efforts support not only the current campaign, but also Mia’s long-term philanthropic trajectory beyond this initiative.

TEAM LEADERSHIP, MENTORSHIP & PRACTICE BUILDING

· Provide leadership, mentorship, and coaching to major gift colleagues, strengthening confidence and effectiveness in major, principal, and planned giving conversations.

· Model best practices in moves management, donor strategy, and cross-functional

· coordination, raising the overall quality of fundraising practice.

· Support the team in prioritizing high-impact opportunities and navigating complex donor

· situations with clarity and care.

· Contribute to long-term team capacity building, with the opportunity to help shape future roles as the department evolves.

ADVANCEMENT OPERATIONS & CROSS-FUNCTIONAL COLLABORATION

· Partner with Advancement Operations and Finance to ensure accurate documentation, compliance, and stewardship of complex and deferred gifts.

· Support the effective use of CRM (Salesforce) and fundraising systems to track donor engagement, manage portfolios, and inform strategy.

· Bring discipline and follow-through to gift agreements, restrictions, and donor expectations, reinforcing trust and institutional accountability.

· Promote consistent communication, planning, and process discipline across Advancement during a period of increased campaign activity 

The salary range for this position is

$110,000 - $125,000.

Compensation includes participation in a comprehensive and generous benefits package,

This is a primarily in-office role, with significant time also spent in donor and partner meetings.

When not meeting with donors or external stakeholders, the expectation is that this leader

works from the office, reflecting the importance of in-person collaboration, accessibility, and

relationship building with colleagues. Flexibility is available, but regular, consistent presence is an expectation of the role.

The role also requires occasional evenings and weekends to support donor engagement,

community events, and key organizational moments.

To Apply

All applicants must apply online with Ballinger Leafblad here: https://pod4.app.loxo.co/job/Mzk3MzctOGEzM2x1d3Iwbms1ajYwZw==?t=1768543327628

A resume and cover letter are required for consideration.

We strive for a transparent and supportive process, starting with an initial review of applications, followed by exploratory

conversations with qualified candidates, in-depth interviews, and open communication throughout. There will be an

immediate and ongoing review of candidates, so we encourage and appreciate early applications.

All inquiries will be handled with strict confidentiality, subject to standard recruiting practices and any applicable legal

disclosure obligations.

Ballinger | Leafblad Search Team

Our collaborative search model is led by partners who bring deep expertise in executive recruitment, stakeholder engagement, strategic communications, and search execution. With a disciplined, relationship-centered approach and strong operational rigor, we ensure a seamless process and a successful outcome for every search.

SENIOR HEAD OF ADVANCEMENT

To apply please apply at Ballinger Leafblad directly here: https://pod4.app.loxo.co/job/Mzk3MzctazYxdDFjdmJ3MmpxajMxOA==?t=1768542423187

You must include a cover letter and resume

SUMMARY 

The Senior Head of Advancement is a senior leadership role within Mia’s Advancement Division at a pivotal moment for the institution. Reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer, the role leads all relationship based fundraising functions, including principal, major, planned, corporate, and foundation giving, and serves as a key partner to museum leadership, the Board, and campaign counsel. The position plays a central role in advancing a historic capital campaign and strengthening Mia’s long term philanthropic capacity through clear strategy and strong people leadership. This is a highly relational leadership role focused on building confidence and effectiveness across the fundraising team. The Senior Head of Advancement mentors frontline fundraisers, sets clear expectations, and models best practices in major and principal gift work, including direct engagement with six to eight figure donors. The role requires a results-oriented, steady, empathetic leader with campaign experience who can motivate others through ambiguity and sustain a strong culture of philanthropy. 

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES 

This position reports to the Chief Advancement Officer. Direct Reports Include: Sr. Adv. Officer, Corporate Relations Sr. Adv. Officer, Foundation Relations Prospect Research Analyst Sr. Adv. Officer, Principal Giving (search currently open) Sr. Adv. Officer, Major & Planned Giving Four indirect reports,

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS 

· At least ten years of progressive experience in advancement or fundraising. 

· Demonstrated success leading and managing highperforming fundraising teams, including setting goals, coaching staff, and building confidence and accountability. Direct experience securing and stewarding six to eight figure gifts, ideally within a capital or comprehensive campaign environment. 

· Strong working knowledge of individual, corporate, and foundation giving, including restricted and purpose-driven gifts. 

· Experience partnering closely with senior executives, board members, and campaign volunteers on fundraising strategy and donor engagement. Ability to lead through ambiguity and scale, bringing steadiness, clarity, and optimism during periods of heightened expectation.

· Comfort using fundraising data, reporting, and CRM systems such as Salesforce to inform strategy and track progress. 

· Capacity to collaborate across departments, particularly with curatorial, finance, and executive leadership. 

· Genuine alignment with Mia’s mission and a belief in the power of art as a public good. 

COMPREHENSIVE FUNDRAISING STRATEGY AND LEADERSHIP

· Under the direction of the Chief Advancement Officer and museum strategic plan, oversee the planning, implementation, and management of a comprehensive fundraising strategy across individual, corporate, and foundation giving. 

· Lead fundraising efforts for annual unrestricted support, restricted operating gifts, grants and sponsorships, and multi-year fundraising priorities including capital, accessions, and endowment. Set expectations for and manage the work of the portfolio team, currently approximately nine roles spanning principal, major, and planned giving, corporate relations, foundation relations, and prospect research. 

· Provide mature and active leadership, management, and mentorship to team members, including coaching performance, supporting professional growth, and building confidence and accountability across the fundraising team. 

· Help determine, monitor, and adjust fundraising goals and performance across contributed revenue streams, developing strategies to meet established targets. 

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN, PRINCIPAL GIFTS, AND DONOR ENGAGEMENT

· Personally manage a portfolio of approximately 50-60 high-capacity donors and prospects, with responsibility for cultivating and soliciting six, seven, and eight figure gifts

·  Prepare and lead donor solicitations in partnership with senior leadership, campaign counsel, curators, and program staff, modeling best practices in qualification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and moves management. 

· Match donor interests with institutional priorities, ensuring alignment with Mia’s strategic plan and long-term goals. Identify new prospects and lead targeted initiatives to expand the donor pipeline, coordinating staff, trustees, and volunteers as appropriate. 

· Maintain a deep and current understanding of Mia’s mission, strategy, and opportunities, representing the museum effectively through written proposals, presentations, and direct donor engagement. 

ADVANCEMENT COORDINATION, STEWARDSHIP, AND SYSTEMS

· Coordinate fundraising strategy and deliverables with other Advancement teams, including Annual Giving, Operations, Stewardship, and Events. 

· Ensure timely and accurate donor contact reporting and adherence to Mia policies for gift processing, recognition, stewardship, and benefits. 

· Provide strategic counsel on stewardship, donor engagement, and events to support fundraising goals. 

· Monitor, review, and share fundraising activity reports, using data and analysis to inform strategic and operational decisions. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

· Serve as a senior leader within the Advancement Division and broader museum, contributing to organizational strategy, decision making, and change management. 

· Partner closely with the Chief Advancement Officer to lead, align, and strengthen the Advancement team through periods of growth, increased expectations, and complexity. 

· Provide clear leadership and direction to staff and managers, supporting performance management, professional development, and a positive, accountable team culture. 

· Build strong working relationships across departments, including curatorial, finance, operations, and executive leadership, ensuring fundraising strategies are integrated with institutional priorities. 

· Represent Advancement in cross-functional and museum-wide initiatives, modeling collaboration, communication, and shared ownership of outcomes. 

· Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required to support the goals of the Advancement Division and the museum. 

The salary range for this position is $160,000 - $175,000. Compensation includes participation in a comprehensive and generous benefits package, which you can read more about here. 

To apply please apply at Ballinger Leafblad directly here: https://pod4.app.loxo.co/job/Mzk3MzctazYxdDFjdmJ3MmpxajMxOA==?t=1768542423187

You must include a cover letter and resume

This is a primarily in-office role, grounded in the belief that in-person presence is essential to effective leadership, collaboration, and relationship building. Team members are expected to work from the office most days to support cross-functional coordination, real-time decision making, and a strong internal culture. Flexibility is available, but regular, consistent presence is an expectation of the role, particularly for leaders who are visible, accessible, and engaged with staff and partners. The role also requires occasional evenings and weekends to support donor engagement, community events, and key organizational moments

Ballinger | Leafblad Search Team

Our collaborative search model is led by partners who bring deep expertise in executive recruitment, stakeholder engagement, strategic communications, and search execution. With a disciplined, relationship-centered approach and strong operational rigor, we ensure a seamless process and a successful outcome for every search.

Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia)

Assistant or Associate Curator of Native American Art

Department of the Art of the Americas

Full-time, exempt, union

Salary Range: $65,000 - $92,000

Onsite; eligible for relocation assistance

The Job

To develop, research, exhibit, and publish Mia’s collections of Native American art.

 In this role, you will….

1. Interpret the museum’s collections of Native American art through permanent collection gallery displays and didactic materials. Propose and oversee regular gallery rotations. Speak publicly about the museum’s collection and provide training for museum guides so that they can accurately and knowledgeably represent the collection. 

2. Conduct research and mount special exhibitions, with accompanying publications that add to the field of knowledge about Native American art. Such exhibitions should be of the scale of Cargill and/or US Bank Galleries, but do not preclude larger-scale shows. 

3. Oversee the care and preservation of the collection by ensuring proper and responsible handling and installation of objects and by recommending objects for conservation treatment. Participate in the museum’s efforts to secure funding for conservation initiatives. 

4. Locate, research, and propose acquisition of Native American works of art that significantly augment the museum’s existing collections. Review the museum collections of Native American art for potential deaccessions. Maintain a current knowledge of the art market and professional relations with art dealers. 

5. Develop and coordinate lectures and activities pertaining to Native American art for the museum’s Native American Art Affinity Group. Foster and maintain relationships with trustees, collectors, potential donors, and the general public, including community outreach.

6. Actively participate in broader museum initiatives through committees or specially formed teams. 

7.Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required or assigned, including assisting the head of the department as assigned.

To be successful in this role, you have…

· Demonstrated ability to work independently and coordinate complex projects to completion

· Excellent written and verbal communication and organizational skills

· Team skills and ability to work effectively and positively with staff, trustees, and all other internal and external contacts

· Ability to build positive and effective relationships with donors and the broader community

Specific Requirements

· M.A. in the field of Art History with specialization in Native American art & culture; Ph.D. desirable.

· Proficiency in applicable languages. 

· Minimum of 3 years of employment in a collection-based curatorial department with direct experience in the area of Native American art, including proven record of organizing exhibitions and producing publications of high quality. 

· Demonstrated ability to write interpretive material

· Significant demonstrated art historical research skills and experience

* Ability to travel 15-20%

Mia Culture

The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) is an audience-centered, equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone is welcome. Mia is Mission Driven, Generous, Agile, Emotionally Aware, and Positive, and endeavors to create a workplace culture where staff are responsible to one another, to our visitors, and to themselves to do the best work possible.

Mia is committed to championing policies and practices that value diversity, foster equity, and empower an accessible and inclusive environment. Our strength lies in the diversity among the broad range of people who contribute their time and talents to Mia. We consider inclusion and accessibility a driver of institutional excellence and seek out diversity of participation, thought, and action. It is our aim, therefore, that our employees, trustees, interns, and volunteers reflect and embrace these core values.

Mia is recognized by the Age-Friendly Institute’s Certified Age Friendly Employer (CAFE) program that identifies organizations committed to being the best places to work for employees aged 50+. 

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION / EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

This is a pivotal moment for the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia). As one of the nation's finest and largest encyclopedic museums, with a world-renowned collection of over 100,000 objects spanning 5,000 years of human creativity, Mia is poised for its next chapter of growth and impact. The museum seeks a collaborative and forward-thinking Chief of Curatorial Affairs and Exhibitions to provide the intellectual and strategic leadership that will elevate its collections and exhibition programs to new heights of international distinction and local relevance.

 The new Chief will be a key steward of Mia's strategic pillars of excellence, inclusion, and sustainability. The successful candidate will join a dynamic leadership team committed to inspiring wonder through the power of art and ensuring Mia is a vital, accessible, and welcoming resource for all. This position transcends the traditional role of divisional oversight; it is an opportunity to fundamentally shape how a major American museum activates its collection, engages its diverse communities, and defines its role in the 21st century.

This leader will balance deep art-historical knowledge and creative vision with the practical demands of execution, fostering a culture of scholarly rigor, innovation, and cross-departmental collaboration. They will have the unique opportunity to lead a distinguished team of curators and develop a slate of internationally important exhibitions that will help to define the museum's public-facing identity.

Reporting directly to the Director and President, the Chief of Curatorial Affairs and Exhibitions is a senior leadership team member responsible for the overall direction, strategy, and management of the Curatorial Division. This executive provides the intellectual vision for the museum's permanent collection and its ambitious special exhibition program. They will manage and develop exhibition budgets, a generous acquisitions endowment, and be directly involved with planning for the reinstallation of Mia’s permanent collection.

Key Responsibilities 

The Chief of Curatorial Affairs and Exhibitions will be responsible for providing strategic direction and operational leadership across five key areas:

Strategic and Visionary Leadership

 · In partnership with the Director and President, establish and drive the overarching intellectual vision for the Curatorial Division, ensuring its goals and activities are fully integrated with Mia's strategic pillars of excellence, inclusion, and sustainability.

· Champion a culture of innovation, intellectual curiosity, and rigorous scholarship, encouraging new approaches to research, interpretation, and the presentation of Mia's encyclopedic collection that challenge conventions and engage contemporary audiences.

· Foster a deeply collaborative environment, leading cross-functional teams and building collegial working relationships with all museum divisions and other partners and stakeholders to achieve unified institutional goals.

· Serve as a compelling and articulate Spokesperson for Mia’s curatorial vision, effectively communicating its importance and strategic direction to Board of Trustees, staff, donors, and the public.

· Oversee the division’s budget development, ensuring the strategic planning and prioritization of all curatorial projects, acquisitions, and exhibitions are aligned with institutional resources and priorities, reflecting a commitment to long-term financial sustainability.

 Collections Strategy and Stewardship

 · Refine and implement a dynamic, multi-year collections plan that strategically guides the growth of Mia's collection of more than 100,000 objects. This includes a heightened focus on strategic priorities for outstanding acquisitions and thoughtfully managed deaccessions, informed by an active understanding of the global art market and a deep commitment to strengthening the collection's narratives to better reflect global histories and the communities Mia serves.

· Lead the acquisitions process with Curatorial Chairs, presenting proposed acquisitions to the Director and relevant committees with compelling, research-backed justifications that articulate their art-historical significance and alignment with the museum's strategic goals.

· Champion the highest standards of collections stewardship, including rigorous provenance research, ethical collections management, and the development of digital strategies to enhance scholarly and public access to the collection online, thereby extending Mia's reach and impact.

· Provide curatorial leadership for gallery re-installations and capital projects, working with senior leadership and architectural partners to re-imagine the presentation of the permanent collection in ways that are engaging, accessible, and reflect contemporary scholarship and community perspectives.

 Exhibition and Programmatic Innovation

 · Conceive, develop, and execute a balanced and dynamic exhibition program that achieves both scholarly excellence and broad public resonance, enhancing Mia's national and international reputation. This program will be a direct expression of the museum's strategic pillars, presenting art-historically significant exhibitions that are inclusive in their content and accessible to a wide range of audiences.

· Drive the long-range planning for major, internationally-important special exhibitions, with a particular focus on ambitious projects for the next ten years that will capture the public imagination and make significant contributions to the field.

· Actively leverage professional networks to secure high-profile exhibition partnerships with peer museums worldwide, bringing world-class traveling exhibitions to Minneapolis and developing compelling exhibitions from Mia's collection to travel to other venues.

· Ensure that the exhibition program aligns with institutional goals for significant audience growth, community engagement, and financial sustainability, working collaboratively across the museum to maximize impact and revenue opportunities.

Team Leadership and Mentorship

 · Lead, develop, and inspire a highly talented team of 5 department Chairs and 16 curators, fostering their professional growth, scholarly pursuits, and contributions to the museum field.

· Establish clear goals and performance metrics for the Curatorial Division, embedding strategic planning within the team's work and monitoring progress toward divisional and institutional objectives.

· Champion Mia's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the division, actively working to build an inclusive team culture and ensuring that curatorial practices, from acquisitions to interpretation, reflect these core values.

· Conduct regular performance reviews, provide constructive feedback, and support the professional development of all curatorial staff through mentorship and opportunities for research, travel, and publication.

 External Relations and Advancement

 · Serve as a key representative of the museum in the community and on the national and international stage, building and strengthening relationships with peer institutions, cultural organizations, and scholars.

· In close collaboration with the Director, Deputy Director, and Chief Advancement Officer, actively cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major donors, collectors, and patrons on Mia's behalf, connecting their philanthropic interests with the museum's strategic needs.

· In collaboration with Advancement division staff, play a leading role in securing financial support for exhibitions, acquisitions, research, and other key curatorial initiatives from individuals, foundations, and government sources.

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

The ideal candidate will be a proven and respected leader in the museum field, possessing a sophisticated blend of scholarly expertise, strategic acumen, and interpersonal skills. The Chief will be a visionary thinker with a deep commitment to the role of art in society and the capacity to inspire both their team and the museum's many stakeholders. Successful candidates may come from a variety of backgrounds and will bring several of the following:

Professional Experience

· A minimum of 10-15 years of progressively responsible leadership experience within an art museum, preferably with an encyclopedic collection.

· A distinguished record of scholarship and research in a relevant field of art history, with a Ph.D. strongly preferred; a Master of Arts is required.

· Demonstrated success in conceiving and executing art-historically significant exhibitions of high quality that have achieved both critical acclaim and public engagement.

· A proven track record of strategic collection development, including significant acquisitions through gift and purchase, and a sophisticated understanding of the international art market.

· Substantial experience in senior-level management, including strategic planning, complex budget oversight, and the successful leadership of cross-functional teams.

· Demonstrable success in cultivating and stewarding major donors and collectors, and a proven ability to partner effectively with advancement professionals to secure significant funding.

 Leadership Competencies and Personal Attributes

 · Visionary and Strategic Thinker: The ability to think creatively and strategically about the future of museums, collections, and exhibitions, and to translate that vision into actionable plans that align with institutional goals.

· Collaborative and Inclusive Leader: A collegial and diplomatic leader with a track record of building positive, trusting, and effective relationships across all levels of an organization. A genuine commitment to and demonstrated experience in applying principles of diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion to curatorial practice and team management.

· Exceptional Communicator: Superb written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, from scholars and trustees to the general public.

· Inspirational Mentor: Advanced managerial skills with a passion for mentoring and developing staff, fostering a supportive environment that encourages intellectual growth and professional excellence.

· Intellectual Curiosity and Global Perspective: A deep and broad knowledge of global art history and a commitment to an encyclopedic, cross-cultural approach to collections and exhibitions.

· Integrity and Sound Judgment: The highest ethical standards, discretion in handling confidential information, and the ability to navigate complex institutional dynamics with political acumen and grace.

About the Minneapolis Institute of Art

The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) believes that art—and a thriving art museum, vibrant with compelling stories that offer a window into the social, cultural, individual, and collective values of our shared history—informs our understanding of peoples and cultures, strengthens communities and enriches the lives of all. Mia offers its diverse audiences and communities a beautiful and accessible place to discover and explore humanity’s

artistic triumphs. To ensure the museum remains a welcoming and sustainable environment for visitors and the art it holds, Mia is currently undertaking significant improvements to its building systems. Mia’s work in the years ahead will inspire wonder and enhance access to its collection, fostering lifelong learning through participation in our programs.

Founded in 1883, Mia is among the finest and largest encyclopedic museums in the nation. Mia’s collection includes a world-famous permanent collection of more than 100,000 objects defined by iconic works spanning approximately 5,000 years that embody the highest levels of artistic achievement. The museum consists of five curatorial areas: African Art; Arts of the Americas; Global Contemporary Art; Asian Art; European Art. Through the museum’s diverse and far-reaching collections, Mia links the past to the present, enables global conversations, facilitates cross-cultural dialogue, and fosters empathy, understanding, and exploration.

Everyone is welcome at Mia, whether entering through the museum doors or viewing the online collection. Mia connects to its community by creating partnerships with community organizations and members to inform its curatorial approach and the development of public programs. The museum’s free general admission policy, public programs, classes for children and adults, and award-winning interactive media programs have broadened and deepened Mia’s relationships with the communities the museum serves in Minneapolis and beyond.

Mission

The Minneapolis Institute of Art enriches the community by collecting, preserving, and making accessible outstanding works of art from the world’s diverse cultures.

Vision

Inspiring wonder through the power of art.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this role is $200,000 to $220,000 annually. Total compensation, which includes a comprehensive benefits package, will be commensurate with experience.

Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia)

Visitor Experience Representative – Modern Art and Politics

Casual positions, union

Hourly Rate: $21.27

Additional $1.00 per hour if fluent in the following languages - Spanish, Somali, Hmong, American Sign Language

Approximately 2/23/26 – 7/19/26

Schedule: hours and days vary, minimum 23.5 hours per week, including evenings and weekends

The Job

Welcome visitors to the museum by listening, orienting, and assisting them to make sure they have everything they need to have a phenomenal experience. Help visitors feel included, encourage them to see new galleries and try new programs, advise them on what the museum has to offer. Perform sales duties, update customer records, and keep database accurate. Represent Mia in a positive and professional manner in all interactions with visitors, volunteers, and museum staff. 

In this role, you will….

· Provide exceptional customer service by crafting a welcoming, accessible, accepting, and audience-focused experience for a diverse population of visitors.

· Assist visitors and Mia members by providing information and services at multiple sites and channels that will improve the visitor’s experience.

· Verbally relay museum guidelines and rules. 

· Distribute objects including maps or audio devices.

· Suggest Mia’s galleries, exhibitions, programs, or events to improve the visitor’s experience.

· Provide general website/technical support to visitors and callers.

· Answer questions and resolve concerns.

· Maintain composure under pressure and/or in a busy environment.

· Take registrations to museum offerings and process sales.

· Clearly explain and promote membership and donations.

· Look up and enter all required data in the ticketing/database software and issue tickets or order confirmations as needed.

· Assist with wayfinding, internal clients, and with school and tour groups, planned or unplanned.

· Staff events and programs throughout the museum inside and outside of regular museum hours.

To be successful in this role…

You are a self-motivated and well-organized individual that enjoys interacting with people. You demonstrate empathy and patience. You are a good listener who can answer questions and resolve concerns. You enjoy providing exceptional customer service so that visitors have an exceptional experience at the museum.

Specific Requirements

· Previous sales or customer service experience.

· Ability to work professionally with the public in a dynamic environment.

· Able to communicate effectively with a diverse group of people.

· Previous computer skills.

· Ability to stay organized and maintain accuracy in data entry and financial transactions.

· Ability to maintain confidentiality with sensitive information.

· Able to pass a criminal background and credit check.

Mia Culture

The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) is an audience-centered, equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone is welcome. Mia is Mission Driven, Generous, Agile, Emotionally Aware, and Positive, and endeavors to create a workplace culture where staff are responsible to one another, to our visitors, and to themselves to do the best work possible.

Posting Deadline

No set expiration date. Job postings typically stay posted until candidates are selected for phone interviews. 

Mia is committed to championing policies and practices that value diversity, foster equity, and empower an accessible and inclusive environment. Our strength lies in the diversity among the broad range of people who contribute their time and talents to Mia. We consider inclusion and accessibility a driver of institutional excellence and seek out diversity of participation, thought, and action. It is our aim, therefore, that our employees, trustees, interns, and volunteers reflect and embrace these core values.

Mia is recognized by the Age-Friendly Institute’s Certified Age Friendly Employer (CAFE) program that identifies organizations committed to being the best places to work for employees aged 50+.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION / EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Gallery Guard – Modern Art & Politics

Casual positions

Hourly rate: $23.01

Onsite; not eligible for relocation

Approximately 2/23/2026 - 7/19/2026

Shift: typically Friday - Wednesday 9:45 a.m. – 5:15 p.m., Thursday 9:45 a.m. – 9:15 p.m.

Approximately 20 – 40 hours per week

Must have at least 3 days availability per week, including weekdays, Thursday evenings, and weekend hours

The Job

Mia is looking for individuals to patrol the museum galleries to maintain safety and security and to welcome our visitors. Temporary positions are available with the possibility of returning for upcoming special exhibitions. 

In this role, you will…

· Patrol galleries to prevent vandalism, disturbances, and generally maintain order.

· Maintain a visual inventory of the artwork and the physical structure in assigned area.

· Be a positive and supportive Mia representative in all interactions with visitors and members.

· Report any incident involving visitors touching or damaging artwork, suspicious activity, or safety hazards.

· Assist museum patrons with directions, general inquiries, and museum rules.

· Provide assistance to patrons in the event of an emergency.

· Uniforms and training are provided. 

To be successful in this role…

You are reliable, trustworthy, and honest. You enjoy working with the public and are respectful and professional in all interactions. You are able to maintain a high level of awareness of your surroundings and have a great attention to detail. You thrive in a structured environment and working as part of a team.

Specific Requirements

· Must be willing and able to be always on your feet while on duty.

· Ability to comprehend and implement security procedures.

· Excellent attendance and punctuality.

· Ability to walk for extended periods of time and always remain alert.

· Professional demeanor and commitment to museum and security policies and procedures.

· Experience working with the public.

· Strong communication and personable customer service skills.

· Ability to work a flexible schedule (including evenings and weekends) in a structured environment.

· Must successfully fulfill background requirements upon hire and maintain a satisfactory criminal record during employment.

· High school diploma or equivalent.

· Strong customer service orientation preferred.

· Previous similar security experience a plus.

Mia Culture

The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) is an audience-centered, equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone is welcome. Mia is Mission Driven, Generous, Agile, Emotionally Aware, and Positive, and endeavors to create a workplace culture where staff are responsible to one another, to our visitors, and to themselves to do the best work possible.

Posting Deadline

No set expiration date. Job postings typically stay posted until candidates are selected for phone interviews.  

Mia is committed to championing policies and practices that value diversity, foster equity, and empower an accessible and inclusive environment. Our strength lies in the diversity among the broad range of people who contribute their time and talents to Mia. We consider inclusion and accessibility a driver of institutional excellence and seek out diversity of participation, thought, and action. It is our aim, therefore, that our employees, trustees, interns, and volunteers reflect and embrace these core values.

Mia is recognized by the Age-Friendly Institute’s Certified Age Friendly Employer (CAFE) program that identifies organizations committed to being the best places to work for employees aged 50+.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION / EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER