Senior Curator

Overview:
Working under the supervision of the Director of Curatorial Affairs, and alongside other Senior staff, the Senior Curator will conceptualize and develop a range of museum initiatives including but not limited to exhibitions, programs, and acquisitions, all within a dynamic and well-balanced public program, including research, and documentation. The Senior Curator will participate in developing funding sources for acquisitions, exhibitions, and other special programs and will serve in a position of leadership within the curatorial department and across the museum generally. The Senior Curator supervises the work for their direct exhibition projects with Curatorial Assistants and works alongside curators on relevant projects. Works with other Senior Curators in selecting Curatorial Assistants.

The Senior Curator must work with representatives of other departments within the museum, including but not limited to Education, Exhibitions, Management, Communications, and others outside the museum with an emphasis on building relationships and educating new and diverse audiences.

Essential Functions:

• Conceptualize, prepare, and organize a range of exhibitions, acquisitions, and programs, working with Senior staff and existing departments in furthering the mission of the institution.
• Develop and realize special programs, exhibition projects, and accompanying publications at a level commensurate with the highest professional standards and supervise the presentation of exhibitions organized elsewhere of a national and/or international scope.
• Direct the exhibition and care of the museum’s collection, and further develop the depth and quality of the collection through purchase and gift.
• Develop effective interpretive programming for the public including publications and lectures and work with the Director of Education & Visitor Engagement to develop programs that accompany special exhibitions.
• Select, supervise, develop and evaluate support staff and interns to maintain the quality of the department’s programs.
• Develop and maintain advantageous relationships with the community of artists, critics, dealers, museum colleagues, professional organizations, collectors, trustees and friends of the museum; encourage the development of private collections that have a chance of eventually enhancing the museum’s holdings; provide professional counsel and leadership to museum auxiliary groups.
• Assist the museum’s Development Department with fundraising efforts to bolster and promote exhibition and museum activities.
• Continue professional development (research, publications, lectures, juries, management and academic training) and contribute to high-quality original research.

Requirements:

• Master’s degree in art history, museum studies, or related field;
  Six years of related experience; or an acceptable equivalent.
• Extensive knowledge of collection management, exhibition development, and current museum practices.
• Excellent skills in conducting primary research, writing, effective verbal communication and team-building skills.
• The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and work well in a team environment is also necessary.

Application:

Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.

Please submit your resume and cover letter to hr@moca.org with the subject line “Senior Curator”.