Head Curator

The Smithsonian Institution (SI) is a diverse museum and research complex dedicated to the increase and diffusion of knowledge. SAAM’s collection of more than 45,000 works represents 250 years of American art and serves as the basis for an active schedule of exhibitions, research, collections development and public education through a variety of programs. As Chief Curator, the incumbent is responsible for the operation and development of one of the museum’s most important functions.

As Supervisory Museum Curator (Art) with Smithsonian, the incumbent will perform the following duties:

• This position is responsible for the management of the curatorial function and, as a recognized
  scholar in the field of American art, is expected to lead by example in performance of personal research, collections management and public service. S
• Serves as part of senior management team advising director and deputy director on museum policy and priorities.
• The incumbent oversees the establishment of goals, articulation of priorities, development of schedules and checklists and the assignment of tasks.
• As an authority in American art, the incumbent is expected to perform advanced scholarly research of a high order, making important contributions to the field including being knowledgeable about current methodological and critical challenges to scholarship and to conduct scholarly research of a high order, making important contributions to the field.
• Regularly evaluates performance, conducts formal and informal evaluations of all staff, assesses training needs and makes recommendations for further staff development.
• The incumbent’s stature in the field requires lecturing, serves as a juror and performing similar public service tasks.
• The incumbent maintains contact with artists, scholars, galleries and collectors and, using a broad knowledge of American art, explores the feasibility of acquiring additions to the collection by gift and purchase, acting in concert with the Director to acquire those objects.
• Oversees and develops annual personnel staffing plans, spending and training plans and works with staff in monitoring and developing individual performance plans.
• Prepares performance plans and special service awards, conducts performance appraisals and reviews positions’ duties.
• As an authority in American art, the incumbent is expected to perform advanced scholarly research of a high order, making important contributions to the field including being knowledgeable about current methodological and critical challenges to scholarship and to conduct scholarly research of a high order, making important contributions to the field.