Curator of Exhibitions

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Minnesota Museum of American Art (the M) is in an exciting, transformational time as we prepare to complete the opening of our new 36,000 square foot museum facility in downtown St. Paul. The M seeks a Curator of Exhibitions to lead the curatorial vision of the museum, conceiving of and organizing exhibitions and related programs that feature American art and its increasingly complex relationship to American experience and identit(ies). This position is responsible for creating dynamic exhibitions and programs, while building partnerships that enrich both the museum’s curatorial vision and engagement with the community. The Curator occupies a key role in leading the M into an expanded era of artistic excellence and cultural vitality as the museum continues to develop and grow. The Curator will be responsible for developing exhibitions drawn from the museum’s collection, as well as shows that connect with diverse communities of artists—past and present, locally and nationally. The Curator will also work with the museum’s Executive Director to consider acquisitions to the M’s ever- growing permanent collection.

The position reports to the Executive Director and supervises a full-time Curatorial Assistant. They will also work closely with the M’s Curator of Learning and Engagement and a collaborative team of 20 staff members to set the course for the museum’s future.

We know there are great candidates who may not fit into the criteria we’ve outlined below, or who have important skills we haven’t thought of. If that’s you, don’t hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself.

Work Environment & Schedule:

Must be able to successfully work both independently and collaboratively in an office setting. Work schedule is Monday through Friday, but does require occasional work on evenings and weekends, based on department needs and event schedules.

Specific Responsibilities:

Conceive of and develop an innovative series of exhibitions, public programs, and events in the museum’s new facility.
Work directly with artists and partners to develop programs that are responsive to the interests of the community, both locally and throughout the state of Minnesota.
Engage in scholarly research on the M’s permanent collection.
Cultivate partnerships and collaborations with various cultural and community groups to expand the curatorial vision of the M with fresh approaches and diverse perspectives.
Create and implement dynamic approaches to participatory and audience engagement practices connected with the M’s exhibitions and programs.
Collaborate with development efforts to enhance fundraising initiatives for programs and new curatorial initiatives at the M.
Cooperate with marketing and communications efforts to integrate curatorial programming and research into the M’s social media, website, and other promotional and digital platforms.
Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree; OR equivalent experience in curating exhibitions at an art museum or similar cultural institution.
Experience working at an art museum or other visual arts cultural institution.
At least 8 years of progressively responsible curatorial experience, with proven record of the ability to create and foster excellent relationships with artists, cultural groups, partners, collectors, and community organizations.
Knowledge of the history of American art, and experience in researching and writing about a broad array of American art from the 19th century to the present.
Be an experienced, creative, careful writer and critical thinker.
Exceptional communication skills, excellent judgment, proven relationship skills, discretion, creative thinking, and the desire and ability to work as part of a small and dedicated team.
Demonstrate outstanding organizational skills, with an ability to successfully manage multiple projects independently and seek direction as needed.
Experience engaging with traditionally underrepresented artists and communities, and a passion for uncovering stories that have historically been left out of the history and narrative of American art.