The Senior Curator reports to the Associate Director and will develop a creative, strategic vision for the Exhibitions/Collections Department. S/he provides effective management of the curatorial staff; engages in cultivation and fundraising activities; and generates and carries out original ideas for major exhibition series.
Working with the Associate Director, curators, and the full Exhibitions/Collections team, the Senior Curator will shape a diverse, balanced exhibition schedule; conceive and curate original, innovative exhibitions; oversee the development of publications and touring exhibitions; maintain and strengthen JMKAC’s regional and national professional networks; collaborate with other departments to encourage interdisciplinary activity; oversee the curatorial team; and work in a collegial and collaborative manner with peers in education, development, marketing/public relations, and visitors services. Assisted by the Curatorial Project Manager, and working with the Associate Director and the Director of Exhibitions and Collections Management, the Senior Curator will help develop and manage the departmental budgets and exhibition schedule.
Oversee all aspects of the design, development, installation, and execution of exhibitions with the Director of Exhibitions and Collections Management and related departments
Supervise and develop curatorial staff, and oversee curatorial staff responsibilities
Oversee research and writing of interpretive materials in exhibitions—wall statements, labels, handouts, etc.—and for catalogues and other publications
Collaborate with performing arts, community arts, Arts/Industry, education, and other staff as necessary on the conceptual development of related programming
Develop and manage the department budget
Work with the marketing lead in the development of marketing plans and publicity materials for each exhibition series
Participate in special-topic conferences as appropriate
Assist development staff in seeking funding for Exhibitions/Collections Department
Brief docents and gallery aides
The Senior Curator must demonstrate leadership and team-building skills and have the ability to think strategically, while ensuring a high level of excellence. The successful candidate will possess the energy and enthusiasm to reach goals while creatively applying skills and techniques to solve problems. In addition, s/he will be self-starting, well-organized, and capable of working under pressure and meeting deadlines. Specific qualifications include:
Master’s degree in Art History or related content area plus a minimum of 5 years curatorial experience
Knowledge of and appreciation for the emphases of JMKAC’s specializations. A heightened aesthetic sensibility and understanding of visual culture
Ability to ignite excitement in diverse audiences
Exemplary curatorial record, including rigorous research and critical writing skills
Excellent managerial, organizational, and administrative skills, including demonstrated organizational planning, problem-solving, and collaboration skills
Ability to cultivate collectors and potential donors
Excellent written, verbal, and listening skills and a demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and professionally
Effective interpersonal skills, tactful and diplomatic, a team builder
Maintains highest ethical standards related to organizational responsibilities and public accountability
Willingness to travel in order to study and work with other museums’ staff, collectors, and gallerists
Proficient computer skills in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Collection database and software knowledge preferred
This is a very attractive opportunity to work in a senior position at a highly regarded AAM-accredited museum. Nominations and applications are welcome in strict confidence by contacting Dan Keegan or Marilyn Hoffman at searchandref@museum-search.com.
How to Apply
All applications and nominations are kept confidential. Email cover letter and résumé (Word documents preferred), salary requirement, and names of 3 references and the nature of the relationships, with contact information by July 22, 2019, to: Dan Keegan and Marilyn Hoffman, Museum Search and Reference, searchandref@museum-search.com. EOE. References will not be contacted without prior permission of the applicant.