Vice President, Public Programs & Exhibitions

The Role:

The Vice President of Public Programs & Exhibitions is the senior leader responsible for the strategic direction and execution of programs and exhibitions across NYPL’s three research libraries. They will define and implement a strategic vision for engaging the public through programs and exhibitions at the research libraries, reaching 2M+ visitors per year across dozens of exhibitions and hundreds of programs.

Location: New York City

Reports to: Brent Reidy, Andrew W. Mellon Director of the Research Libraries

Team: 40+ total FTEs.

Budget: $7 million per annum

Overview & Opportunities:

Illuminate the Wonder of the Research Libraries

• Take the NYPL’s historic collections and their innovative interpretation/exploration to new heights, forging a blueprint for public programming that engages the public’s curiosity around big ideas, and for exhibitions that underscore the breadth and depth our collections in contemporary and innovative ways.
• Lead the effort to translate the vastness, richness, and cultural significance of NYPL’s research collections and subject areas, and the insights of their curators, into compelling exhibitions and public programs. Shape storytelling that captivates broad audiences while honoring the intellectual depth and specificity of each collection and research center.

Unify Vision

• Lead and shape a newly-formed team and division, bringing together the public programming and exhibition teams at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, the Schomburg Center, and the Library for the Performing Arts for the first time, to create a unified, strategic, and innovative group.
• Foster cross-library collaboration and build trust among curators, staff, and central departments to align and actualize work across NYPL’s Research Libraries. Balance the distinct identities of each library with a shared strategic direction that reflects system-wide goals.
• Work in partnership with leadership for public programming in NYPL’s Branch Library system (including at our Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library) to deliver on institution-wide initiatives.

Put Audiences at the Center of the Experience

• Use data and insights to better understand who NYPL’s visitors are and what engages and supports them —deepening connection with existing audiences while reaching and intriguing new ones.
• Ensure programs and exhibitions are inclusive, welcoming, and relevant, strengthening NYPL’s impact as a public research institution while also capturing the imagination of global visitors.

Build Smarter, Stronger Systems for Execution

• Champion the adoption of clear, efficient processes and protocols that enhance communication, streamline project management, and model accountability. Create infrastructure that supports timely delivery, disciplined planning, and seamless collaboration—internally and with key institutional partners.

Responsibilities:

• Create a comprehensive vision and strategic direction for a diverse and dynamic portfolio of concurrent exhibitions and public programs of varying scale and complexity, ensuring strong alignment with the institution's mission, research libraries’ goals, and public engagement objectives.
• Provide strategic and operational leadership for the exemplary delivery of that vision, including the complete lifecycle of exhibitions and public programs and guiding cross-departmental teams, from conceptualization and planning through implementation and evaluation.
• Collaborate closely with senior management in strategic planning, management, and resource allocation.
• Partner with curatorial leadership and other internal and external subject matter experts on the development of innovative approaches to exhibitions and public programming.
• Partner with Branch Libraries and Education programming leadership to develop impactful marquee programming that supports shared strategic goals and cultivates a citywide reading culture.
• Support fundraising efforts in partnership with the Mellon Director, Center Directors, and Development office.
• Proactively pursue professional growth and demonstrate national field-wide leadership
• Attend Board and committee meetings and, as needed, prepare and deliver presentations to inform strategic discussions and decision-making.
• Other duties as required.

The Leader:

Education

• An advanced degree in a relevant field (e.g., museum studies, library science, public history, arts administration), or a combination of education and experience that demonstrates the competencies required for the role.

Executive Leadership in Cultural Institutions

• At least 10 years in senior leadership roles within museums, libraries or other complex cultural institutions, with responsibility for strategic planning, budgeting, team management, and the successful execution of high-impact, multi-stakeholder projects.

Exhibition and Public Programming Leadership

• Demonstrated success in conceptualizing, planning, and delivering exhibitions and/or public programs that are innovative, inclusive, and resonant with broad audiences. Deep understanding of interpretive planning and audience engagement.

Strategic Vision and Execution

• Proven ability to develop and implement a strategic vision that guides exhibition and public programming efforts across multiple locations and departments. Experience aligning diverse teams around common goals and delivering measurable outcomes.

Change Management and Organizational Development

• Experience leading teams through organizational growth or transformation, with a track record of strengthening internal systems, clarifying roles and processes, and fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and collaboration.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Skilled in leading enterprise-wide initiatives involving multiple departments and senior stakeholders. Able to navigate complexity, build trust across functions, and sustain momentum on collaborative efforts.

People and Performance Management

• Strong background in hiring, developing, and leading diverse teams. Able to translate strategic priorities into clear objectives, provide consistent guidance, and cultivate a respectful, high-performing work culture.

Resource Stewardship and Financial Acumen

• Experience managing complex budgets in a fiscally responsible and sustainable manner. Comfortable interpreting financial data, setting budget priorities, and ensuring financial accountability.

Core Competencies

• Visionary, strategic thinker with a systems-oriented mindset
• Exceptional collaborator and relationship-builder
• Confident, empathetic team leader and coach
• Clear and compelling communicator—written, verbal, and interpersonal
• Strong budget planning and oversight capabilities
• Ability to navigate design, production, and exhibition planning documents
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite and related tools