The Snite Museum of Art at the University of Notre Dame invites applications and nominations for the position of Associate Curator of Africa and the Americas. Generally recognized as among the nation’s finest university art museums, the Snite holds one of the largest academic art collections. Its collections of works from Africa and the Americas (Native, Mesoamerica) are highly regarded.
This is a particularly exciting moment for the museum as plans are underway for a new museum to open in autumn 2023; the new curator will play a significant and immediate role in the planning and installation of all collections in their portfolio. The new curator should be a recognized specialist in one of the areas within their portfolio with strong working knowledge in the others. An interest in contemporary work in their field in addition to historical traditions would be of interest, but is not required.
Role and Responsibilities
The Associate Curator will report to the museum director. This individual will be a vital member of the curatorial team working with the Curator of European and American Art before 1900, the Curator of Photography ,the Director (who also serves as the Curator of Sculpture and oversees Modern and Contemporary Art), and the Registrar. In addition the Associate Curator will work closely with the Education Department (Academic and Public Programs) and the exhibitions and installations teams. In the context of a robust university system, the Associate Curator will be an important resource to faculty, students and staff. This position is an academic appointment; presentation and teaching opportunities may avail themselves in consultation with the Director.
This position requires strong written and verbal communication skills, precise attention to detail, and the ability to communicate and work with both scholarly audiences and the general public. A demonstrated team player, the Associate Curator must be able to work independently and collaboratively with a small staff and vigorous work schedule under the guidance and approvals of the Director.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
– Oversee the care, display, interpretation and promotion of the collections in their work portfolio.
– Develop a comprehensive exhibition plan for and oversee the re-installation of the collections in their portfolio for the new museum under the supervision of the Director and with the selected exhibition designers for the new museum.
– Develop a thorough collections plan for their areas of responsibility; including opportunities for collection focus and enhancement with the guidance of the Director.
– Conduct original research on the museum collections. Present and publish their research in academic and scholarly venues and present at appropriate conferences and gatherings.
– Identify and coordinate research opportunities for scholars and students.
– Present on collections and exhibitions to the university community as well as the general public though gallery walks, printed materials, media opportunities and other venues in consultation with the Director.
– Investigate and develop opportunities for temporary exhibitions related to their portfolio of responsibility with regard to both historical traditions and Contemporary work with the guidance of the Director.
– Occasionally serve as coordinator on a temporary exhibition outside of their portfolio at the request of the Director.
– Serve as the primary resource and editor of database materials related to collection areas within their portfolio.
– Uphold and actively assist in the museum’s AAM accreditation with the Registrar, Associate Director and Director.
– Work with the entire curatorial team on donor relations and museum’s advisory council as needed.
– Fully utilize museum best practices and work to develop and enhance the role of the Snite Museum of Art at the national and international levels.
Requirements
– Minimum of five-years experience in a curatorial role at an accredited museum.
– Ph.D. in an area of specialization in the art of Africa or the Americas (Native or Mesoamerica). Working knowledge of other areas within their portfolio.
– Demonstrated research interest and publication/presentation history in the aforementioned area of expertise.
– Proven connoisseurship skills and critical thinking abilities.
– Demonstrated experience working within the academy and the general public; additional evidence of successful interaction with donors is a plus.
– Evidence of successful teamwork in a rigorous work environment.
Application Process
Interested individuals should submit online through Interfolio a cover letter, current cv, their contact information and that of three reference contacts, along with two writing samples https://apply.interfolio.com/74686
Materials should be addressed to Joseph Antenucci Becherer Ph.D, Director, and submitted by no later than January 6, 2021.
