Assistant Curator

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In 1988, the James A. Michener Art Museum opened as an independent, non-profit cultural institution dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and exhibiting the art and cultural heritage of the Bucks County region. The museum is named for Doylestown’s most famous son, the Pulitzer-Prize winning writer who first dreamed of a regional art museum in the early 1960s. The museum has evolved from a modest facility with a locally derived mission to an accredited world class-facility with a broad vision. A world-class collection of Pennsylvania Impressionist paintings and special exhibitions showcasing a wide range of historical and contemporary work attracting visitors from around the world.

The Michener Art Museum in Doylestown, PA, seeks an Assistant Curator to steward, research, interpret, exhibit, and strategically grow its collection of contemporary art (ca. 1950 to the present) from Bucks County and the greater Delaware Valley region. The Assistant Curator collaborates with staff across the museum and the community to broaden the Michener’s connection with local, national, and international audiences. They will have a strong interest in, and enthusiasm for, presenting a history of regional, contemporary art production that is diverse and inclusive and welcomes multiple viewpoints and perspectives. Reporting to the Chief Curator, the Assistant Curator curates exhibitions, identifies and proposes acquisitions, makes studio and gallery visits, builds relationships with regional artists and collectors, and presents public programs.

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

With Curatorial and Exhibition staff, contributes to an overall programmatic vision for exhibitions and collections. Conceives, researches, and coordinates temporary exhibitions, permanent collection gallery rotations, and related publications in accordance with the museum’s mission.

Cultivates private collectors of contemporary art and establishes and maintains relationships with contemporary artists.
Identifies and proposes acquisitions for purchase, gift, or bequest. Prepares agendas and minutes for Collections Committee meetings.
Contributes to successful fundraising for exhibitions and programs in collaboration with the Advancement Department.
Partners with the Learning and Engagement department to develop and participate in public programs, lectures, gallery talks, and tours.
Coordinates with the Marketing and Communications department to ensure unity of message regarding exhibitions and related programming, particularly as it relates to content in press releases, publications, media relations, and organization of digital assets.
Researches and documents artwork, including provenance. Updates and adds information to the museum’s collection management database, in collaboration with the Registrar. Coordinates photography of the collection and exhibitions.
Fields and responds to inquiries about the collection from scholars and the public.
Assists the Chief Curator in day-to-day operations of the department and performs other related duties, as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements:

M.A. degree in art history or related field from an accredited college or university. Ph.D. welcomed.
3-5 years’ experience working in a museum or related institution with experience working with collections and curating exhibitions.

Strong commitment to advancing diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion within the museum.
Strong record of research and scholarship.
Knowledge of modern and contemporary art, especially modern and contemporary art of the Bucks County and Delaware Valley region.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, as well as strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail.
Previous experience with object-based, archival, and provenance research
Experience navigating collections management databases.
Strong interpersonal skills and willingness to collaborate with colleagues, museum patrons and supporters, community partners and the public.
Ability to work independently, handle multiple priorities/projects, and meet deadlines.
Understanding and dedication to museum ethics and standards as outlined by AAM and AAMD.
Proficient in Office 365, including SharePoint, Word, Power Point, Outlook, and Excel.
Previous art handling experience.

Position includes benefits package and salary commensurate with experience.

Interested candidates should submit your resume, cover letter, and three professional references to jobs@michenerartmuseum.org. Please indicate your last name and “Assistant Curator” in the subject line. No phone calls, please. We will respond to those candidates whose qualifications are best aligned with the components of this job description. Applicant review will continue until the position is filled.