Associate/Assistant Curator of Modern & Contemporary Art

Princeton University Art Museum

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The Princeton University Art Museum invites nominations and applications for the position of Associate/Assistant Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art with a specialization in prints and drawings.

The Associate/Assistant Curator shapes the care, interpretation, and development of the Museum’s curatorial efforts from 1945 to the present with a special focus on prints and drawings, including originating exhibitions, researching the collections, and making acquisitions. The position requires an experienced individual with superb academic credentials and the ability to help formulate and advance a vision for a university museum. The Associate/Assistant Curator will bring both a deep passion for the original work of art—including significant knowledge of materials and techniques—along with knowledge of related theory and methodologies.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Haskell Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, the Associate/Assistant Curator will undertake research, develop didactic materials, undertake publication projects, work with faculty and students to foster significant curricular engagement with the collections in their care, and partner with the Museum’s conservation staff to assure the long-term care of the collections. They will partner with the Museum’s Education Department to develop dynamic engagement tools and programs, including a significant program of public speaking.

Working within a team environment, and supervising project-based research assistants and student interns, the Associate/Assistant Curator will promote dialogue, outreach, and collaboration both within the Museum and beyond. The Associate/Assistant Curator will develop and steward philanthropic relationships through the cultivation of collectors, other benefactors, dealers, and other members of the art world. The position is ideally suited to candidates with 3-10 years of experience and will be filled at the rank of assistant or associate curator, depending on qualifications.

Requirements

The position requires a demonstrable track record of scholarly research; experience in developing and organizing exhibitions that place the history of modern and contemporary art within a range of contexts; superb written and verbal communication skills; proven administrative abilities, with project management experience strongly preferred; an aptitude for working effectively with collectors and prospective donors; a track record of collaborative work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment; and the ability to work both autonomously and collectively.

An M.A. in the history of modern and contemporary art with a special emphasis in works on paper from 1945 to the present is required, along with meaningful curatorial experience; Ph.D. is strongly preferred. Advanced knowledge of research methodologies and a record of scholarly publication are required, as is evidence of a growing network of relationships in the community of museums, galleries, and collectors. Knowledge of collections care and conservation practices and standards; experience with issues of cultural property ownership; and experience with cataloguing works of art are preferred.

For appointment at the Assistant Curator level, early career scholar/curators with the Ph.D. will be considered (the terminal degree should be complete by the time the candidate would assume the position). For appointment at the Associate Curator level, candidates with five to seven years of increasingly responsible curatorial experience will be considered.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply at https://www.princeton.edu/acad-positions/position/12181 and submit a cover letter, CV, and contact information for at least 3 references. This position is subject to the University’s background check policy.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. EEO IS THE LAW. This position is subject to the University’s background check policy.

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Posted on July 2