Curator

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Apply for Job: Job ID6624
Location: El Paso, TX

Earliest Start Date
January 1st, 2022

Salary
$50,000 annually

Hours per Week
40.00 Standard from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (position requires ongoing flexibility in work hours due to events, staffing needs and travel)

Hiring Department
Rubin Center for the Visual Arts

Required Application Materials
A resume, cover letter, and a list of 3 professional references are required in order to apply.

Please submit all documents in a single PDF file to be considered.

Purpose of Position
The Rubin Center Curator is responsible for working with the Director to develop a robust and diverse program of original contemporary art exhibitions featuring internationally recognized artists working in a wide range of media, including site-specific commissions, work that is interdisciplinary and participatory, and work that responds to our unique location on the US-Mexico border. The position includes all aspects of exhibition development including research, grant writing, production and programming in a fast-paced, collaborative and student-centered environment.

We are seeking a dynamic and collaborative leader with a passion for supporting both artists and students. The curator will join a team of staff members dedicated to serving our uniquely bi-lingual, bicultural and bi-national campus and community audiences. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of five years curatorial experience; an M.A. in contemporary art history, critical or curatorial studies or a related field; 3-5 years’ experience in a museum, gallery or independent arts organization; an international network of artists, curators and other collaborators; extensive knowledge of international contemporary art, art history, and theory; comfort working in a research environment and making connections with faculty and students; excellent public speaking, writing, editing, leadership, and management skills; ability to create and manage project budgets, work with artists in developing original exhibitions, assist in the creation of new works, actively and effectively engage in fund-raising and cultivation activities, and work effectively as part of a team.

Essential Functions

Enhance the Rubin Center’s role as a leading voice in contemporary art at the border through the development of critically relevant exhibitions of contemporary art. The Curator will organize 3-5 exhibitions of contemporary art each year by established and emerging practitioners in a variety of contemporary media, developing interdisciplinary collaborations with faculty, external curators and scholars as relevant.
Work with colleagues internally and externally to develop projects that meaningfully contribute to the overall mission of the Rubin Center and the university’s strength in interdisciplinary, community-engaged practices at the US-Mexico border.
Work directly with faculty in the Department of Art and other relevant areas of the university to develop workshops, lectures and other professional experiences for our student body and creating multiple entry points for students to exhibitions on display; contribute to public programming in relation to exhibitions and to outreach and marketing efforts.
In collaboration with the Exhibitions Coordinator, oversee all aspects of the production and installation of exhibitions and site-specific commissions including loan forms, shipping, exhibit design and other practical concerns.
Assist in the development and production of interpretive strategies and materials as they relate to exhibition projects. Train student staff in specific content areas and museum practices. Work directly with education and outreach team to develop content for exhibitions on display.
The Rubin Center is a non-collecting institution, but the Curator will be responsible for managing our small permanent collection as a teaching resource for students in art history, museum studies and related areas. Supervise occasional student interns assigned to the collection.
Encourage and facilitate use of Rubin Center resources for teaching among university faculty and staff in a wide range of disciplines. Work with members of the academic community as a lecturer, facilitator, and museum professional to increase awareness, knowledge, and appreciation of visual art. Supervise and assist student interns with an interest in contemporary art and curatorial careers. Occasionally guest-lecture in relevant courses across campus.
Work with Director to develop fundraising strategies for exhibitions program. Develop content related grant text and budgets for exhibitions. Interact with Rubin Center donors and visiting arts professionals in benefit of the program. Travel in support of exhibition development, professional development and donor cultivation. Perform administrative duties related to position, including maintaining records, internal and external reporting, and managing budgets for exhibitions and programs. Supervise interns. Other related functions as assigned.
Develop a collaborative network of artists and arts professionals in both El Paso and Ciudad Juarez, representing the Rubin Center at cultural events, openings, and other relevant activities. Develop and maintain a professional network with regional, national and international colleagues.

Required Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Bachelor Degree.
Five years of experience, related to the statement of duties and responsibilities; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

M.A. in contemporary art history, critical or curatorial studies or a related field; PhD preferred
In-depth knowledge of international contemporary art and curatorial practices
Excellent working relationships with colleagues in the field, including artists, curators, critics, and scholars.
At least five years curatorial experience with a substantial record of exhibitions, publications, public presentations, and service to the field; active and visible participation in regional, national or international art community.
Proven history of curatorial projects of varying scale as well as writing, communication, interpersonal, and management skills.
Experience successfully grant writing and fundraising for curatorial projects.
Passionate advocacy of artists.
Collaborative, collegial, creative, and resourceful in work.
Thrives in fast-paced, collaborative, student-centered environment.
Demonstrated integrity in all professional matters.
Enjoys working in university environment and contributing to cultural and academic community.
Bilingual (Spanish/English) strongly preferred.
Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Working Conditions
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit; use hands to feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. Ability to work in confined spaces such as collections rooms. The employee must regularly lift and move up to 50 pounds. Special vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work will be performed in an office environment, museum spaces, and in communities served. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. Position requires some independent overnight travel for research, professional meetings and public presentations to venues nationally and internationally and other travel as necessary to fulfill responsibilities of the position.

EO/AA Statement
The University of Texas at El Paso is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or sexual orientation and gender in employment or the provision of services in accordance with state and federal law. Discrimination on the basis of sex includes an employee’s or prospective employee’s right to be free from sexual harassment under Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972.