Curator-in-Charge of American Art

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Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco Together, the de Young in Golden Gate Park and the Legion of Honor in Lincoln Park make up the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, the largest public arts institution in the city and one of the largest art museums in the United States. Both sit on the land of the Ramaytush Ohlone, the original inhabitants of the San Francisco Peninsula. Opened in 1895, the de Young is home to American art from the 17th century through today, textile arts and costumes, African art, Oceanic art, arts of the Americas, and international contemporary art. Opened in 1924, the Legion of Honor showcases European painting, sculpture, and decorative arts, ancient art, graphic arts, and contemporary art.

Mission

To connect our visitors with local and global art in order to promote their knowledge of and curiosity about the past, deepen their engagement with the art and ideas of today, and stimulate their creative agency in their own futures.

The Ednah Root Curator-in-Charge of American Art oversees a permanent collection of more than 5,000 American art objects spanning the 17th century to the present and serves as Department Head of the American Art Department. In this capacity, the department head has primary responsibility for managing all exhibition, research, publication, acquisition, installation, donor and patron relations, personnel and budgetary matters within the department.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities:

Assumes overall responsibility for the installation, interpretation, classification documentation, and publication of the Museums’ American art collections to a broad and diverse audience.
Conducts research in connection with identifying and publicizing objects in the collections. Makes recommendations for acquisitions and deaccessioning. Makes recommendations regarding the loan of the Museums’ objects requested by other institutions.
Plans and organizes exhibitions. Makes cost estimates, corresponds with lenders, coordinates the installation of exhibitions with other staff, assembles data and photographs, prepares labels, and researches and writes catalogues and brochures.
Conducts research on the permanent collection and exhibitions and interprets this research through publications and education programs, including lectures, symposia, docent training, etc.
Consults with conservators and other staff members on the conservation of art objects.
Organizes and supervises the work of departmental staff.
Corresponds and confers with scholars, specialists, and the public. Works closely with collection support groups.
Cultivates donors and constituents for the American art collections.
Serves as the main departmental liaison to other museum departments, relevant Board of Trustee committees, and community groups.

Minimum Qualifications: Education:

MA (required) or PhD in Art History (or related field), with an emphasis on American art, from an accredited university.

Work Experience:

At least 7 years of progressively responsible museum work experience in the field of American art, including 2 years of supervisory experience, OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Skills and Abilities:

Considerable knowledge of art, and art history. Specialized knowledge in the history of American art is required.
Strong facility for teaching art and art appreciation.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to communicate with tact and courtesy with the public. Ability to deal with sensitive issues related to museum collections.
Excellent research and organizational skills.
Experience in museum policies and procedures, including the proper methods of handling, storing, and processing a variety of art objects, and the general care of properties in a museum.
Knowledge of museum exhibition methods and practices, including the proper method of developing, planning, and implementing museum exhibitions.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Ability to establish and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with staff, volunteers, the general public, individuals, and outside agencies, organizations, and groups.
Ability to achieve and sustain best curatorial practices.
Flexibility to work after hours and on weekends for special programs and events.
Flexibility and strong follow-through on work assignments.
Ability to work simultaneously on multiple projects in a highly demanding and fast-paced work environment.
Ability to achieve cross-functional teamwork.
Ability to plan, supervise, and undertake curatorial management and administration.

Benefits:

This position includes a full benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, 401(k), and paid time off. The estimated annual salary range for this position is $130,000-150,000. The final offer amount within this range will be based on experience and internal equity. Application Deadline: Open until filled If you require an alternative method of completing this application please contact humanresources@famsf.org.

All new COFAM employees are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Please contact humanresources@famsf.org with any questions.