Job Summary

The Gretsch Programs and Exhibitions Manager stewards and advances the Gretsch legacy at Georgia Southern University through planning and coordination of exhibitions, programming, archival initiatives in consultation with University Libraries and Special Collections, and signature events. Serving as the primary institutional liaison for matters related to the Gretsch gift, this position works directly with Fred and Dinah Gretsch and/or their representatives to ensure donor intent is honored. The role reports to the Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities and collaborates with the Director of the Georgia Southern Museum, the Gretsch School of Music, University Libraries and Special Collections, University Advancement, and campus partners to steward initiatives and develop interdisciplinary efforts that enhance the educational, cultural, and public impact of the Gretsch Collection. Responsibilities include managing project timelines, budgets, vendors, and deliverables; coordinating update meetings and annual reports; supporting exhibition updates and donor communications; assisting with advancement reporting; and identifying opportunities to strengthen the long-term visibility and legacy of Gretsch at the University.

• Report to the Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities and coordinate closely with the Director of the Georgia Southern Museum on all Gretsch-related initiatives
• Serve as the primary institutional liaison and point of contact for all matters related to the Gretsch legacy and gift
• Work directly with Fred and Dinah Gretsch and their representatives to support donor stewardship, communications, and legacy initiatives
• Plan, coordinate, and manage Gretsch-related exhibitions, programs, signature events, and initiatives involving Gretsch materials, in consultation with University Libraries and Special Collections and in accordance with archival and curatorial standards
• Develop, manage, and monitor project timelines, budgets, vendors, contracts, and deliverables; report progress and outcomes to leadership and stakeholders
• Collaborate with University Libraries and Special Collections to support access, interpretation, and programming related to Gretsch materials while respecting established policies and curatorial authority
• Coordinate regular meetings, donor communications, anniversary recognitions, and milestone celebrations with the Gretsch family
• Collaborate with the Gretsch School of Music, University Advancement, and other campus partners to steward existing initiatives and develop new interdisciplinary opportunities
• Develop and maintain a multi-year plan for Gretsch exhibitions, programs, performances, partnerships, and public engagement
• Coordinate an annual Gretsch concert or signature event in collaboration with the Gretsch School of Music
• Prepare reports, documentation, and narratives that communicate the impact of the Gretsch gift for advancement, stewardship, and senior leadership
• Supervise staff, interns, and student assistants assigned to Gretsch-related projects and contribute to interpretive and promotional content aligned with institutional messaging

• Bachelor's degree in museum studies, arts administration, public history, music industry studies, cultural heritage management, or a related field

• Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of professional experience in museum operations, exhibitions, arts or cultural programming, donor relations, or project coordination; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Master's degree in a related field

• Experience working directly with donors or advancement partners
• Demonstrated interest in musical instruments and material culture, including familiarity with the history and significance of Gretsch products and craftsmanship
• Grounded in firsthand experience as a practicing musician, particularly in drumming or guitar performance
• Experience managing exhibitions, archival initiatives, or high-visibility public programs; experience coordinating interdisciplinary projects across academic, curatorial, and administrative units

More information on the Gretsch Collection

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