Curator of Modern Art

This content is exclusive for CfC members.

Please or register to see all our content.

Joslyn Art Museum seeks applicants for a new curatorial position devoted to Modern Art with a primary focus on American Art after 1945. The position is open at the Assistant, Associate, or Curator level.

Position Summary

This position offers a motivated individual the opportunity to create a dynamic program for art after 1945 at the Museum, encompassing collections, exhibitions, and public interpretation. Responsibilities include installation and care of the permanent collection of modern art; facilitating new interpretive strategies; development of original exhibitions and installations; coordination of incoming loan exhibitions; assisting in the cultivation and stewardship of donors and patrons; and conceptualizing and implementing events and public programming at Joslyn Art Museum and with community partners. This appointment reflects the Museum’s and the community’s commitment to building a strong curatorial voice that supports its collection of modern art. The collection includes works by Ross Bleckner, Alexander Calder, Helen Frankenthaler, Al Held, Michael Goldberg, Donald Judd, Kenneth Noland, Philip Pearlstein, Jackson Pollock, Martin Puryear, Frank Stella, Tom Wesselmann and others. The anticipated gift of the Phillip G. Schrager Collection significantly expands the Museum’s collection with works by Lynda Benglis, John Chamberlain, Carroll Dunham, Robert Gober, Jenny Holzer, Morris Louis, Brice Marden, Julian Schnabel, Robert Irwin, Robert Ryman, Terry Winters and others. A recent gift from the artist Ed Ruscha includes eighteen works by the artist and a larger grouping of works by his colleagues and friends in Los Angeles.

A catalogue of the Schrager collection, authored in partnership with the Curator of Contemporary Art, will be an immediate focus of this position. The Curator will join the Museum at a time of change and growth. A capital expansion presents an opportunity for a reinstallation of the Museum’s permanent collection in collaboration with the Curatorial and Collections staff.

Joslyn Art Museum is a major regional resource for the collection, preservation, and interpretation of the visual arts. Through its collections, exhibitions, and education programs, Joslyn Art Museum seeks to foster appreciation and enjoyment of art for the benefit of a diverse regional and national audience. The Museum is housed in two landmark structures, including its original 1931 building, acknowledged as one of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in the Midwest, and a 1994 addition by Sir Norman Foster, his first commission in the United States. At present, the Museum has embarked on an ambitious physical and programmatic expansion. Working with the highly acclaimed architectural firm, Snøhetta, the Museum will add a new building providing a significant increase in gallery and program space. The expansion comes at a time of significant collection growth and greater community engagement.

Requirements and Qualifications

Ph.D. in art history or ABD required with broad expertise in Modern Art and three to five years’ curatorial experience in an art museum. The successful candidate will have a knowledge of best practices for collections management; an accomplished record of exhibitions and publications; excellent research and writing skills; facility with public speaking; a familiarity with the auction and sales market; and demonstrated commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) in the field. Must have the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues across Museum departments and build positive relationships with donors, collectors, and the public. Competitive salary, benefits, and travel allowance.

To Apply

All applications must be submitted via e-mail to careers@joslyn.org Please include the following as a Word or PDF file:

1. Cover letter addressing the candidate’s relevant academic and professional experience, areas of research, and their interest in this position.
2. Curriculum vitae including education; professional experience; internships or fellowships; honors or awards; exhibitions; and publications.
Joslyn Art Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer and the Museum is committed to diversity and equal opportunity in our hiring. Qualified candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply for this position.