Associate Director/Curator

Job Profile: AAPS Salaried – Museum, Level E
Job Title: Associate Director/Curator
Department: Executive Leadership | Dean of Arts Office
Compensation Range: $7,278.33 – $11,372.33 CAD Monthly
Posting End Date: October 12, 2021
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the Posting End Date above.

POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting to and working closely with the Director/Curator of the Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery, the Associate Director/Curator works with the Gallery’s curatorial team developing a program of contemporary art exhibitions and programming. The incumbent, in consultation with the Director/Curator, assists in developing the University art collection, including outdoor art. The Associate Director/Curator researches, develops and organizes exhibitions and works with the Gallery’s staff and external contacts to ensure the successful sequencing, management and integration of exhibition production, publications, touring and collections care. This position prepares and assists in managing budgets, schedules, contracts and grants, loan agreements and participates in fundraising and long range curatorial and strategic planning. The incumbent assists faculty in the delivery of aspects of the Curatorial Studies Program (CCST) and serves as an advisor to students in CCST. The Associate Director/Curator oversees the presentation of the annual MFA graduation exhibition at the Gallery, working with students and their advisors. The position is expected to participate in the intellectual life of the creative and performing arts at UBC. The incumbent liaises with a variety of University offices and units, represents the Director at meetings as required, and assumes Directorship responsibilities in the absence of the Director.

The Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery at UBC has an international reputation for its innovative work in the field of contemporary art. The Gallery promotes understanding and discussion of contemporary art and contemporary issues in art history, criticism and curating, with a focus on our region in an international context. Through research, acquisitions, exhibitions, publications, loans, travelling exhibitions, commissions, special projects, education and outreach programs, the Gallery participates in the national and international community of institutions concerned with contemporary art. Founded as the UBC Fine Arts Gallery in 1948, the Belkin’s history has a deep interconnection with the development of contemporary art practice in Vancouver. As a collecting institution, the Belkin is designated as a Category A institution, and houses the University Art Collection of over 5,000 objects—one of the largest public collections of art in British Columbia—and a substantial archive. Operating as a unit of the Faculty of Arts, the Gallery is closely tied to the Department of Art History, Visual and Theory and participates in the training of student curators in the Critical and Curatorial Studies Program. The Gallery plays a key role in an ambitious outdoor art plan for the Vancouver campus.

ORGANIZATIONAL STATUS
The position reports to the Director/Curator of the Gallery. Together with the Director/Curator is responsible for setting strategic and operational priorities of the Gallery and provides direction and supervision to the Gallery’s programming and production staff (four M&P positions), curatorial interns and graduate student employees. Works closely with, and may provide direction to all Gallery staff (nine M&P, three CUPE 116, one CUPE 2950). The position contributes directly to the development of the Gallery’s policies and procedures. Communicates directly with artists, curators, conservators, technicians, donors, and other institutions from all over the world. Works with a variety of UBC departments and units, faculty members and various internal stakeholders across campus. Works with multiple vendors, suppliers, contract designers and editors. Liaises with external agencies, including government funders and private foundations. Supervises and mentors student employees, interns and graduate students in the Critical and Curatorial Studies program.

Assumes the Director’s responsibilities as Acting Director when the Director is on sabbatical. As Acting Director the incumbent reports to the Dean of the Faculty of Arts. Oversees Gallery staff of thirteen, including M&P and CUPE employees, as well as contract employees including curators, writers, and designers. Serves on the Provost’s University Art Committee and represents the Gallery on other UBC committees and to various other units. Represents the Gallery to the media and actively participates in the local, national, and international cultural communities.

WORK PERFORMED

• In consultation with the Director oversees the Gallery’s artistic direction and ensures rigour, coherence and consistency with the Gallery’s programming direction.
• Manages the Gallery’s schedule of exhibitions and programs, including offsite projects, web-based projects and travelling exhibitions, in accordance with the Gallery’s artistic policy.
• Researches, develops, and organizes exhibitions, initiates projects and contributes original research in contemporary art to the exhibition and publication program.
• Initiates and negotiates loans and fees for incoming works of art and exhibitions. Provides exhibition and budget information to Gallery staff and initiates and manages planning, schedules, and implementation of projects.
• Assists in developing the University art collection, the Belkin Archives, and the outdoor art collection by researching and recommending acquisitions (purchases and donations) and deaccessions in consultation with the Director. Approves outgoing loans.
• Liaises and negotiates with artists, curators and other museum professionals to determine exhibition and installation specifications and needs.
• Supervises and manages projects by guest curators and student curators.
• Oversees the Gallery’s publication program. Writes essays, edits and selects contract writers for catalogues and other publications, including online publications, brochures, and annual reports.
• Researches and writes proposals for funding through internal and external granting agencies and sponsors for exhibitions, projects and acquisitions, as well as for the Gallery’s multi-year programming grant.
• Supports the Curator of Outdoor Art in developing and managing the outdoor art program on campus and contributes to the development of the University’s newly expanded plan outdoor art program and related policies.
• Works closely with UBC Development staff on fundraising in support of the Gallery and its programs, maintains donor relationships, and attends donor events.
• Ensures that all programming initiatives operate within established budgets, including exhibitions, acquisitions, and publications.
• Represents the Gallery to various other units at UBC, to the media, and external community. Actively participates in the local, national and international cultural communities, and works collectively with all Gallery staff for the success and advancement of the Gallery.
• Serves on the University Art Committee and other committees as required.
• Participates in training and supervising of graduate students in the Critical and Curatorial Studies Program. (CCST).
• Oversees the annual presentation of the MFA graduate exhibition and catalogue at the Gallery and works with students and their advisors.
• Participates in planning for proposed building expansion plans and related fundraising campaign.
• Holds signing authority for the Gallery and authorizes expenditures.
  Evaluates staff performance, provides input with re-classifications, and recommends merit increases with the Administrator.
• Provides information and support to the Director and performs other duties as assigned by the Director.
• As Acting Head/Director, approves Gallery’s annual budget plans, approves research and project grants, and oversees the Gallery’s staff and student employees.

CONSEQUENCES OF ERROR

Expected to make decisions regarding the overall management of the Gallery’s collections, exhibitions, and other programming. Inappropriate or errors in judgment and decision-making could have a substantial negative impact on the reputation of the Gallery and UBC, and its relationships with other institutions, lenders, and funders. Consequences of errors could include withdrawal or diminishing of grants, damage to donor relations, loss or damage to valuable or irreplaceable artworks, litigation against the Gallery and UBC, difficult working relationships with artists, and loss of reputation in the campus and artistic community.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

The position works independently with general supervision from the Director/Curator and within a broad mandate. Work is reviewed in terms of professional standards and adherence to the Gallery’s mandate.

SUPERVISION GIVEN

Manages staff, contractors, volunteers, students and interns directly or indirectly through subordinates.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience

Master’s degree in a relevant discipline such as fine arts, art history, curatorial studies, or museum studies. Minimum of seven years of related experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience in arts administration and curating, including exhibition coordination, loans and collections management, project management, team leadership, budget development and administration. Demonstrated experience in curatorial practices in contemporary art in the non-profit gallery or museum sector.

Skills

• Excellent knowledge and understanding of contemporary visual art practices and critical theory.
• Significant grant writing and fundraising experience.
• Knowledge of best practices in collections and museum management, exhibition methods, and contemporary conservation policies and practices as applied to art exhibitions and art collections.
• Demonstrated ability to research, plan, budget for, organize and support exhibitions, including negotiation of loans.
• Ability to lead, work effectively with, and coordinate the work of Gallery staff, artists, curators, trades people, contractors, students, and people of varied cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to efficiently organize, prioritize and manage several projects simultaneously.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of internal and external contractors.
• Ability to efficiently work under deadline pressures and budget limitations.
• Excellent oral and written communication, presentation, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to lead, motivate and supervise staff, contractors, and volunteers.
• Ability to communicate effectively at professional meetings and use discretion and good judgment with sensitive situations.
• Ability to work in highly organized and independent manner, following policy guidelines, without supervision.
• Must be able to work flexible hours and be able to travel.