Richard J. Schwartz Director of the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art
Cornell University, Northeast Ithaca, NY, United States
Cornell University invites applications and nominations for the Richard J. Schwartz Director of the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art.
DO NOT APPLY THROUGH THE CORNELL SYSTEM FOR THIS POSITION. APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ONLY TO RUSSELL REYNOLDS ASSOCIATES AS INDICATED BELOW.
To apply, contact Russell Reynolds Associates. All inquiries and discussions will be considered strictly confidential. For more information or to apply for the role, please reach out to
JohnsonMuseum@russellreynolds.com . All applications should include a resume and a brief statement of interest.
The Department The Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art opened in 1973. Designed by I.M. Pei & Partners, it is named for benefactor Herbert F. Johnson, a distinguished graduate of Cornell’s Class of 1922, the late president and chairman of S.C. Johnson of Racine, Wisconsin, and a Cornell University Trustee. Since its beginning, the Museum has been open to all without charge. The Johnson Museum continually seeks to fulfill its cultural and educational responsibility to serve a broad and diverse audience. Today, the Johnson Museum’s permanent collection numbers more than 40,000 works, spanning six millennia and encompassing art from most world cultures. Strengths include Asian art; prints, drawings, and photographs from the fifteenth century to the present; modern and contemporary painting and sculpture; European art from ancient times to the present; African sculpture and textiles; and pre‑Columbian sculpture and ceramics.
The Opportunity The Richard J. Schwartz Director will set strategy and vision, ensure effective management of teams and resources, and cultivate support for the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art. They will deepen a culture of collaboration and will ensure that Cornell faculty and students, as well as the broader Finger Lakes community, see and utilize the Museum as a vital learning resource. The Director has primary responsibility for all aspects of the Museum’s operation, management, and resources. Working in close partnership with the University’s development team, they will serve as the Museum’s chief fundraiser and relationship‑builder. The Director sets the artistic direction, exhibition strategy, educational approach, and acquisition plans for the Museum. They serve as an advocate for the knowledge that can be gained from the direct study of and engagement with works of art and material culture. They are responsible for the management and development of the University’s art collection, and for driving the acquisition of new objects.
Candidate Profile The ideal candidate will be an inspiring, strategic, and collaborative leader who brings a deep commitment to the role of the university art museum as both an academic resource and a public‑facing cultural institution.
They should have a Master’s Degree with significant (7‑10 years) museum experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience), including with curatorial practice and exhibition planning, education programming, operations, fundraising, public relations and/or marketing, and budget management.
They should possess experience in setting direction as well as developing and implementing strategic initiatives within an organization, in addition to a track record of successful fundraising.
They will be able to establish credibility with the faculty and relate intellectually with a wide range of disciplines in rich and layered exchange.
They will work closely with relevant faculty, the Office of the Provost, key administrators across campus, and the Johnson Museum Advisory Council.
They will be energized by the opportunity to build on the Johnson Museum’s strong foundation while advancing its visibility, impact, and long‑term sustainability.
They will bring a thoughtful and forward‑looking perspective on the evolving role of museums within higher education and society, along with a demonstrated ability to lead organizations through times of change.
They will have a track record of successful fundraising and external engagement, as well as experience managing teams and resources of relevant scale.
They will embrace the Cornell and Ithaca communities professionally and personally, enjoying the opportunity to live in such a robust and stimulating regional setting.
About Cornell University Cornell University is a leading research institution distinguished by its unusual dual identity: a privately endowed Ivy League university and the land‑grant institution for New York State. Cornell’s mission is to discover, preserve, and disseminate knowledge, to educate the next generation of global citizens, and to promote a culture of broad inquiry throughout and beyond the Cornell community.
Pay Salary: $236,133.00 – $288,607.00. Position level I. On‑site. Non‑union.
Contact For inquiries or to apply, email
JohnsonMuseum@russellreynolds.com .
EEO Statement Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world‑class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of … any person … any study. No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy‑related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically under‑represented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.
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DO NOT APPLY THROUGH THE CORNELL SYSTEM FOR THIS POSITION. APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ONLY TO RUSSELL REYNOLDS ASSOCIATES AS INDICATED BELOW.
To apply, contact Russell Reynolds Associates. All inquiries and discussions will be considered strictly confidential. For more information or to apply for the role, please reach out to
JohnsonMuseum@russellreynolds.com . All applications should include a resume and a brief statement of interest.
The Department The Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art opened in 1973. Designed by I.M. Pei & Partners, it is named for benefactor Herbert F. Johnson, a distinguished graduate of Cornell’s Class of 1922, the late president and chairman of S.C. Johnson of Racine, Wisconsin, and a Cornell University Trustee. Since its beginning, the Museum has been open to all without charge. The Johnson Museum continually seeks to fulfill its cultural and educational responsibility to serve a broad and diverse audience. Today, the Johnson Museum’s permanent collection numbers more than 40,000 works, spanning six millennia and encompassing art from most world cultures. Strengths include Asian art; prints, drawings, and photographs from the fifteenth century to the present; modern and contemporary painting and sculpture; European art from ancient times to the present; African sculpture and textiles; and pre‑Columbian sculpture and ceramics.
The Opportunity The Richard J. Schwartz Director will set strategy and vision, ensure effective management of teams and resources, and cultivate support for the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art. They will deepen a culture of collaboration and will ensure that Cornell faculty and students, as well as the broader Finger Lakes community, see and utilize the Museum as a vital learning resource. The Director has primary responsibility for all aspects of the Museum’s operation, management, and resources. Working in close partnership with the University’s development team, they will serve as the Museum’s chief fundraiser and relationship‑builder. The Director sets the artistic direction, exhibition strategy, educational approach, and acquisition plans for the Museum. They serve as an advocate for the knowledge that can be gained from the direct study of and engagement with works of art and material culture. They are responsible for the management and development of the University’s art collection, and for driving the acquisition of new objects.
Candidate Profile The ideal candidate will be an inspiring, strategic, and collaborative leader who brings a deep commitment to the role of the university art museum as both an academic resource and a public‑facing cultural institution.
They should have a Master’s Degree with significant (7‑10 years) museum experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience), including with curatorial practice and exhibition planning, education programming, operations, fundraising, public relations and/or marketing, and budget management.
They should possess experience in setting direction as well as developing and implementing strategic initiatives within an organization, in addition to a track record of successful fundraising.
They will be able to establish credibility with the faculty and relate intellectually with a wide range of disciplines in rich and layered exchange.
They will work closely with relevant faculty, the Office of the Provost, key administrators across campus, and the Johnson Museum Advisory Council.
They will be energized by the opportunity to build on the Johnson Museum’s strong foundation while advancing its visibility, impact, and long‑term sustainability.
They will bring a thoughtful and forward‑looking perspective on the evolving role of museums within higher education and society, along with a demonstrated ability to lead organizations through times of change.
They will have a track record of successful fundraising and external engagement, as well as experience managing teams and resources of relevant scale.
They will embrace the Cornell and Ithaca communities professionally and personally, enjoying the opportunity to live in such a robust and stimulating regional setting.
About Cornell University Cornell University is a leading research institution distinguished by its unusual dual identity: a privately endowed Ivy League university and the land‑grant institution for New York State. Cornell’s mission is to discover, preserve, and disseminate knowledge, to educate the next generation of global citizens, and to promote a culture of broad inquiry throughout and beyond the Cornell community.
Pay Salary: $236,133.00 – $288,607.00. Position level I. On‑site. Non‑union.
Contact For inquiries or to apply, email
JohnsonMuseum@russellreynolds.com .
EEO Statement Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world‑class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of … any person … any study. No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy‑related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically under‑represented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.
#J-18808-Ljbffr