Fairfield seeks an innovative, transformational, and charismatic Vice President for Arts & Culture to set and lead a comprehensive arts strategy aligned with the University’s Jesuit Catholic mission and its continued rise as a nationally prominent institution. Reporting directly to the President, this leader will have the ability to shape a new, high-impact division. They will develop the strategy to elevate, unify, and operationalize arts and culture across the institution— advancing prestige, philanthropy, community engagement, and student impact. This is a University wide leadership role at a moment of inflection.
The Quick Center, with its renowned performances and programs, and the museum, with its innovative exhibitions and collections, serve as leading cultural destinations, while the newly created Center for Arts & Minds coordinates arts initiatives across the University. Together, these resources position Fairfield to expand its impact and reach in the community, regionally, and beyond, providing a dynamic, collaborative environment for arts leadership and creative programming.
Key responsibilities of the role include but are not limited to:
UNIVERSITY-WIDE ARTS STRATEGY & VISION
Develop and implement a cohesive, institution-wide strategy for Arts & Culture aligned with Fairfield’s Jesuit mission and academic priorities. Elevate Fairfield’s arts profile regionally and nationally. Clarify and strengthen the organizational structure, reporting relationships, and strategic positioning of the Quick Center, Fairfield University Art Museum, the Center for Arts & Minds, and related entities. Define clear goals, metrics, and outcomes that advance both artistic excellence and broader university objectives. Develop and implement strategies to attract students with an interest in the arts to Fairfield; foster increased engagement in the arts on campus.
OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE & TEAM MANAGEMENT
Provide direct executive oversight of the Quick, the Museum, and the Center, ensuring strong business practices, financial discipline, and long-term sustainability; consider and implement new opportunities for revenue generation. Implement systems and processes that support execution, performance measurement, and continuous improvement. Lead, develop, and mentor high-performing teams; align staff around shared priorities and clear accountability. Balance creative ambition with operational feasibility and measurable outcomes.
BRANDING, VISIBILITY & INSTITUTIONAL PRESTIGE RELATIONSHIP-BUILDING & CAMPUS LEADERSHIP
Develop a clear and compelling identity for Arts & Culture at Fairfield. Partner with Marketing & Communications to ensure strong promotion, audience development, and strategic communications. Balance local community engagement with national recognition and credibility. Position the arts as central to Fairfield’s broader institutional narrative and rising national stature. Build and foster trusted partnerships with University leaders, faculty, students, and other members of the University community. Foster strong collaboration across arts entities; strengthen integration between arts programming, academic life, and other University initiatives. Enhance student and faculty engagement; ensure arts initiatives are meaningfully student-centered. Serve as a visible and credible ambassador for the arts on campus.
FUNDRAISING & RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Serve as a principal ambassador and fundraiser for the arts. Partner closely with Advancement to grow philanthropic support, particularly among high networth community donors and alumni. Support and help bring to fruition the new museum project; address other facilities needs. Build enthusiasm and confidence among Trustees, donors, and community stakeholders.
*Disclaimer
The above information indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain and should not be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, activities, and/or qualifications required or expected of employees assigned to this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change and new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.
Category:
President - Admin
Performs such other duties, responsibilities, and activities as required by supervisor and as departmental/University needs indicate.
*Disclaimer
The above information indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain and should not be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, activities, and/or qualifications required or expected of employees assigned to this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change and new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a satisfactory background check.
Fairfield University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
