Description

Position Description

The Assistant Curator works closely with the Curatorial team to install and interpret the Collection in the Museum and to plan and implement an exhibition program that reflects the Museum’s commitment to American art of the 20th and 21st centuries. The Assistant Curator reports to the Associate Curator and Curatorial Affairs Manager. 

Requirements

Primary Responsibilities/ Essential Functions

• Conceiving and organizing special exhibitions. General responsibilities include writing, editing, and designing exhibition text (panels/labels/gallery guides/catalogs, etc.), conducting research, drafting loan requests, contacting lenders, composing checklists, and coordinating exhibition details with other departments.
• Working closely with fellow curatorial department members (other curators, curatorial project managers, registrars, and preparators) to collectively realize department-wide goals for exhibitions, collection management, and specialized projects.
• Collaborating with the Learning & Engagement department to create exhibition- and Collection-related programming in a variety of formats, including in-person and virtual, and for a variety of age groups.
• Supporting donor cultivation to secure works of art and funding for exhibitions, publications, and other programs, in collaboration with the Executive Director, External Affairs, and Curatorial teams.
• Giving exhibition and Collection-related gallery talks and lectures to the public, staff, docents, support groups, local university classes, and other constituents.
• Helping organize and manage traveling exhibitions, including correspondence with venues, drafting contracts, and answering questions.
• Helping identify works for acquisition and developing relationships with collectors, sponsors, artists, donors, etc.
• Collaborating with the External Affairs department on researching funding opportunities for exhibitions and Collection projects, providing content for grant proposals and sponsorship requests, and other assistance in Development efforts as needed.
• Conducting research on Collection- and exhibition-related topics.
• Interacting with the arts community and civic bodies as an advocate for the arts and the Museum. 
• Managing multi-year Collections-focused research projects, including timelines, budgets, and any adjacent advisory committees.
• Working with the Collectors Circle affinity group, including identifying and preparing works for presentation to the Circle and presenting works at the annual dinner.
• Preparing and presenting acquisition materials to the Collections Committee and participating in the development and updating of the Collections Growth Plan and other guiding documents.

Special Requirements

This year-round, full-time position is eligible for full benefits and requires after-hours participation in Museum events, exhibition openings, lectures, etc.  Annual compensation includes a salary range of $49,000 - $55,000 depending on experience, plus paid time off, health insurance, and retirement benefits after the required probationary period.  The incumbent should have a valid driver’s license, be able to navigate the Museum’s building/ grounds, and travel periodically for meetings or Museum business.  Curatorial staff should be able to assist with exhibition installation, including lifting, moving, and handling art.

 Education/ Experience

The ideal candidate will have a Master’s degree or commensurate experience in Art History or related field with an emphasis on American contemporary art; broad knowledge of American art of the late 19th century to the present; at least 4 years related experience in a museum or gallery setting; strong research, writing, and editing ability, as well as strong computer skills. Familiarity with collections management systems (e.g. EmbARK or The Museum System), Microsoft Office, and Adobe Creative Suite preferred. Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills, including public speaking, are highly desirable.  The incumbent must be able to work independently, collaboratively, and effectively in a fast-paced, creative environment.