"Institute for Contemporary Art Head of Interpretation"

Job Details

Advertising Summary: The ICA is seeking a Head of Interpretation to assist in the development, implementation, and evaluation of interpretive planning in support of the ICA’s artistic program. Leading education-focused priorities and in-gallery activations in collaboration with curators, as well as training and managing the ICA’s Visitor Experience Associate corps, the Head of Interpretation will align exhibition-related content emerging out of the ICA’s artistic program with audience engagement opportunities in-gallery and online.

Unit: Institute for Contemporary Art MBU

Department: Institute for Contemporary Art

Department Summary: Designed by Steven Holl Architects and located at the corner of Broad and Belvidere, the Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA) at VCU presents the art of our time and provides an open forum for dialogue and collaboration across the region and throughout the world. With free admission, the ICA is a major resource for VCU, Richmond, and beyond.

Duties & Responsibilities:

The ICA is seeking a Head of Interpretation to assist in the development, implementation, and evaluation of interpretive planning in support of the ICA’s artistic program. Leading education-focused priorities and in-gallery activations in collaboration with curators, as well as training and managing the ICA’s Visitor Experience Associate corps, the Head of Interpretation will align exhibition-related content emerging out of the ICA’s artistic program with audience engagement opportunities in-gallery and online.

The ICA’s Head of Interpretation will procure relevant contracted support, and will work collaboratively with the Curatorial, Exhibitions, Marketing & Communications departments as well as the VPM + ICA Community Media Center. This is a full-time, exempt position reporting to the Director of Exhibitions and Program Alignment. The Assistant Manager of Visitor Services as well as the Visitor Experience Associates corps reports directly to the Head of Interpretation.

This position is suited for candidates with experience with museum education, art education, communications and editorial practices; candidates with a range of experiences across these arenas are highly encouraged to apply.

Job Responsibilities

This position will serve as a strategic innovator and project manager of ICA interpretive initiatives, including digital and in-gallery interpretative content (labels, extended texts, in-gallery takeaways, audio-guides and podcast content), and exhibition tours shaped for the VEA corps. The Head of Interpretation will manage the editorial process and routing cycle for exhibition content, ensuring ICA standards and desired visitor outcomes are being met. Additional responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Conduct feasibility and accessibility research on best practices for interpretive strategies, environments, and technologies
• Support audio-content development in collaboration with the VPM + ICA Community Media Center
• Develop Asana project deadlines for interpretative planning projects for exhibitions; Liaise with curatorial, marketing, exhibitions, and other community stakeholders as needed
• Collaborate with Assistant Manager to recruit and staff VEA corps and adjust front of house staffing levels as needed
• Develop seasonal training tour opportunities for Assistant Manager of Visitor Services and VEA corps to promote in-gallery visitor engagement with ICA exhibitions
• Support accessibility measures for all interpretive projects and exhibitions, working with colleagues across the ICA to prototype, create, test, and implement standards to improve visitor experience

Qualifications:

• BA in art education, art history, design, education, history, digital technology, a related field, or equivalent professional experience
• 3-5 years creating digital and analogue interpretive materials for a range of audiences
• Proactive project management and collaboration skills
• Excellent organizational, editorial, and verbal communication skills
• Familiarity with museum and visitor engagement strategies
• Excellent attention to detail
• Proficiency with Google Drive, Adobe Suite, and other relevant software
• Proficiency with Asana project management
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Salary Range: $55,000 - $64,629

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

Restricted Position: No

ORP Eligible: Yes

Flexible Work Arrangement: Hybrid

University Job Title: 14241Y - Program Manager CE 1

Application Deadline: For best consideration, application materials due February 26, 2026.

Contact Information: Contact Name: Arts HR Contact Email: artshr@vcu.edu