Curator, American Art
Overview:
In collaboration with the Executive Director and other members of the curatorial department, the Curator is responsible for curatorial activity including assisting in the management and development of the museum’s collection; organizing exhibition projects; pursuing acquisitions; and producing scholarly and written materials for a wide range of audiences. Work will focus on interdisciplinary and collaborative projects with museum staff, community organizations, and peer museums, and promoting research and scholarship on American art, with a focus on the artists of Bucks County and the greater Delaware Valley Region.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
- In conjunction with the Executive Director develop/identify temporary exhibitions and permanent collection displays that will engage existing and target audiences.
- Act as coordinating curator for package exhibitions.
- Integrate collection research and educational mission into gallery didactics, lectures, and public programs for internal and external audiences.
- Research, write, and present, in written and oral form, information on permanent and temporary exhibitions for local, regional, and national audiences.
- Play lead role in development and achievement of curatorial budget and multi-year exhibition calendar.
- Lead curatorial staff in the preparation and management of the exhibition schedule, permanent collection displays, and publications.
- Manage curatorial department staff including registration, library and archives, and art preparation.
- Liaise with the Collections Committee of the Board of Trustees to maintain the mission of the collection.
- Represent the Museum through media/public interviews.
- Participate in the development of grants and fundraising for exhibitions and the collection.
- Research acquisitions for the permanent collection.
Minimum Requirements:
- Specialization in American Art; excellent working relationships with colleagues in the field, including artists, collectors, gallerists, critics, and scholars.
- Ability to write and conduct research at an advanced level and maintain precise and careful records.
- Knowledge of the methods, techniques, and procedures involved in the interpretation and exhibition of art for a diverse audience.
- Excellent leadership, problem solving, budget management, planning, and organization skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and responsibilities.
- Strong written and oral communication skills and public speaking abilities, as well as teaching and presentation skills.
- Ability to establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with staff, visitors, volunteers, artists, collectors, donors, lenders, and professional colleagues, and other members of the museum community.
- Must have excellent work habits, including a willingness to work the hours necessary to get the job done, especially when important deadlines cause greater than normal departmental pressures.
- Willingness to work flexible hours including mornings, evenings, and weekends.
- Work collaboratively with other departments to ensure Museum goals and objectives are met.
Education and Experience:
- Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in art history, with a principal focus on American art but interests that reach across countries and chronologies.
- Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in a museum or academic institution.
- Experience in exhibition development, publication development, and collection care with knowledge of and commitment to professional museum standards.
- Strong record of publications in the field required.
- Strong interpersonal skills, particularly when working with donors and the public.
This position description is designed to accurately reflect job duties; however, it may not be all-inclusive and other job related duties may be required.
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