Dean of Collections

The American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) seeks an outstanding scholar and accomplished leader to serve as its next Dean of Collections (dean). This is an opportunity to lead the stewardship of one of the world’s most important natural history collections, ensuring its accessibility and relevance for generations to come. Since its founding in 1869, AMNH has been a preeminent scientific and cultural institution, advancing its global mission to discover, interpret, and disseminate information about human cultures, the natural world, and the universe through a wide-ranging program of scientific research, education, and exhibition.

The dean will build on the strong legacy of the AMNH and continue its record of innovation, excellence, and impact. The Museum’s research enterprise includes more than 170 scientists, with more than 35 curators, who work with the collections of more than 30 million artifacts and specimens that are the foundation for the research, exhibitions, and public engagement orting to the provost and working collaboratively with peers across the museum, the dean will champion initiatives that enhance the care, management, and global accessibility of collections.

This individual must also have a commitment to the highest professional standards and ethics and the ability to cultivate support and partnerships to further the Museum’s mission and strategic goals.

AMNH has retained Isaacson, Miller (IM), a national executive search firm, to assist in the recruitment of its next dean. Inquiries, nominations, and CVs with cover letters should be sent via the IM website:

The American Museum of Natural History is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. The Museum does not discriminate with respect to employment, or admission or access to Museum facilities, programs or activities on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, marital status, partnership status, gender (including sexual harassment), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, pregnancy and lactation accommodations, alienage or citizenship status, current or former participation in the uniformed services, status as a veteran, caregiver, pre-employment marijuana testing, sexual and reproductive health decisions, salary history, national or ethnic origin, height, weight, or on account of any other basis prohibited by applicable City, State, or Federal law.

Additional protections are afforded in employment based on arrest or conviction record, status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking and sex offenses, unemployment status, and credit history, in each case to the extent provided by law.