Director of Collections and Curatorial Initiatives

PlantingFieldsFoundation

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Planting Fields Foundation is seeking an experienced museum professional to join a growing team to lead all collections and curatorial initiatives for the organization. The Director of Collections and Curatorial Initiatives will have a sophisticated understanding and passion for art, architecture and art history, the materials, techniques, and condition of objects, along with a robust record of exhibitions and publications; will have a deep understanding of collections management and historic preservation principles; will be adept at working with peers to bring the best out of them; and has an ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously while working in a fast paced environment. The DCCI will work as a strategic thought partner to the Executive Director and as the lead administrator for collections and curatorial affairs. The DCCI is part of the senior management team and is responsible for fostering a collaborative culture within those initiatives and across the museum. This position will shape and implement the organization’s collections and curatorial objectives and priorities; champion a vibrant and innovative approach to art, preservation and scholarship and is committed to exploring the evolving relationship between historic sites and their audiences.

This is an exciting opportunity for an ideal candidate to join a growing organization embarking on a next phase of institutional growth. With a strategic planning process underway, opportunities are in abundance to optimize the site’s tangible and intangible heritage and to create a long-range vision to achieve that goal. The ideal candidate will be highly motivated and resourceful in overseeing all collections and curatorial projects from the ground up. This position reports to the Executive Director.

This is a full-time position based in Oyster Bay, New York. Employees are eligible to participate in a generous benefits program. Salary range is $60,000-$80,000.

Responsibilities

Duties + Responsibilities

This individual will include but not be limited to the following:

Develop a strategic approach to achieving goals for sustaining and caring for the collections and archives, conceiving and organizing collections displays and historic interiors.
Assess department functions, priorities, and processes to ensure efficiencies, excellence, and alignment with museum best practices and AAM best practice standards.
Spearhead development of a comprehensive three- to five-year programmatic calendar for the collections, historic interiors, and exhibitions, all considered for engaging multiple constituencies.
Lead collections management improvements to include both object and archives collections.
Work collaboratively with development colleagues in the cultivation of donors and general fundraising activities to benefit strategic goals.
Develop research priorities that advance scholarship and interpretive initiatives; establish academic partnerships to advance research goals.
Work collaboratively with the Director of Education and Engagement to inform interpretation and audience engagement work.
Advocate for internal initiatives that modernize, streamline, and integrate collection content, aligned with industry standards and using existing and new processes.
Keep trustees and related committees updated on key collections and curatorial work. Participate in Board meetings; be the staff liaison for the Collections Committee.
Represent the organization in professional, academic, and social forums.
Play a key role in historic preservation projects, including the development, management, and evaluation phases.
Develop and monitor departmental and exhibition budgets, contracts, agreements, and other administrative documents.
Perform other tasks and duties as assigned.

Requirements

Qualifications + Requirements

At least 7-10 years of progressive leadership in a senior collections and/or curatorial position.
Advanced degree in art history, museum administration, or historic preservation; MA required.
Proven track record in taking initiative and moving projects from conception and program design to implementation and evaluation.
Strong communication and collaboration skills.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize multiple time-sensitive projects in a fast-paced environment.
Interest in contemporary art and working with creative professionals.
Must be diplomatic, analytical, of the highest integrity, and possess sound judgment.
Regular office hours are required. Due to the nature of the responsibilities, evening and weekend work is sometimes required, and at times may be on an emergency basis.

How to Apply

To apply, send a resume and letter of interest (both in PDF format) to gwouters@plantingfields.org.

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