Mastering Museum Management

The course is designed to provide a deeper understanding of assorted topics at the intersection of managerial structures, external constituencies, financial sustainability, and operational efficiency. The first module of the course looks at the building blocks of nonprofit organizational development in the context of museums: mission and vision, strategic planning, organizational lifecycle, and governance. The second looks at managing relationships with a museum's various audiences and stakeholders through fundraising and membership programs, community engagement strategies, and various marketing tools. Module three focuses on managing the financial aspects of museums and other institutions operating in the current environment, specifically strategic revenue sources, an in-depth look at endowments, and creating a project plan and projections. The final module provides an opportunity to synthesize the first three by examining the various areas of museum operations and engaging with two scenarios from guest speakers. This module highlights the importance of a cohesive team and a robust communication plan, both internal and external. This course is about the real-world challenges facing museum managers and draws on management theory, case studies, and current thinking about the directions and initiatives museums need to engage in. Guest speakers offer perspectives from a variety of museums and administrative functions.