Curator-in-Charge, European Paintings

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The Corporation of Fine Arts Museums (COFAM) is seeking a Curator-in-Charge, European Paintings. The Curator-in-Charge, European Paintings oversees a permanent collection of over 800 paintings including masterworks from the 14^th to the early 20^th centuries. Approximately 250 paintings on view present a survey of pre-twentieth century painting by Europe’s leading masters, from Fra Angelico to Picasso. The Fine Arts Museums’ collection of European paintings is showcased throughout the elegant Beaux-Arts architecture of the Legion of Honor’s galleries. Under general administrative direction, the Curator-in-Charge, European Paintings plans and directs the activities of the European Paintings collection. This position plans, assigns, and supervises the activities of subordinate curatorial and administrative staff in the department.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities:

Plans and supervises the installation of the Museums’ European Paintings collection. Identifies, classifies, and documents European paintings.
Conducts research in connection with identifying and publicizing objects in the collections. Makes recommendations for acquisitions and deaccessioning. Recommends on the loan of the Museums’ objects requested by other institutions.
Plans and organizes exhibitions. Makes cost estimates, corresponds with lenders, coordinates the installation of exhibitions with other staff, assembles data and photographs, prepares labels, and researches and writes catalogues and brochures.
Interprets the Museums’ collections and exhibitions, and works with other museum departments to develop public programming and educational initiatives.
Consults with conservators and other staff members on the conservation of art objects.
Organizes and supervises the work of the Associate Curator, Assistant Curator, and interns.
Corresponds and confers with scholars, specialists, and the public. Works closely with collection support groups.
Cultivates donors and constituents for the European Paintings collections.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: A Ph.D. in Art History from an accredited university.

Work Experience: At least 7 years of progressively responsible museum work experience in the field of European Paintings, including 2 years of supervisory experience, OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Skills and Abilities:

Considerable knowledge of international art, art, and art history. Specialized knowledge in the history of European Paintings is required.
Ability to teach and instruct art and art appreciation.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to communicate with tact and courtesy with the public. Ability to deal with sensitive issues related to museum collections.
Knowledge of museum exhibition methods and practices, including the proper method of developing, planning, and implementing museum exhibitions.
Flexibility and strong follow-through on work assignments.
Reading knowledge of two or more European languages, preferably French, Italian, and/or German.
Excellent research and organizational skills.
Proficient in museum practices and methods, including the proper methods of handling, storing, and processing a variety of art objects, and the general care of properties in a museum.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Ability to establish and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with staff, volunteers, the general public, individuals, and outside agencies, organizations, and groups.
Ability to achieve and sustain best curatorial practices.
Flexibility to work after hours and on weekends for special programs and events.
Ability to work simultaneously on multiple projects in a highly demanding and fast-paced work environment.
Ability to achieve cross-functional teamwork.

FAMSF offers a competitive salary and generous benefits package.

Application Deadline: Open until filled

COFAM is the Corporation of Fine Arts Museums and is the privately funded non-profit corporation which supports the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, a department of the City and County of San Francisco.

COFAM is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in all phases of employment in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco are the city’s largest public arts institutions and are comprised of the de Young and the Legion of Honor museums. The de Young, designed by Herzog & de Meuron and located in Golden Gate Park, showcases American art from the 17th through the 21st centuries, international contemporary art, textiles and costumes, and art from the Americas, the Pacific, and Africa. The Legion of Honor displays a collection of over 4,000 years of ancient and European art including Auguste Rodin’s The Thinker and houses the Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts in a Beaux-Arts style building overlooking Lincoln Park and the Golden Gate Bridge.