Associate Curator and Head of Media, Technology, and Culture

SFMOMA is a place for the infinitely curious to explore, support, and experience the art of our time. We believe that modern and contemporary art can influence the way we think, view the world, and embrace the many voices and perspectives around us. We aspire to foster an environment that elicits joy, nurtures a sense of belonging and purpose—where difference is seen as a strength, and every one is appreciated for their whole self.

Under the supervision of the Chief Curator, the Associate Curator and Head of Media, Technology, and Culture (MTC) is responsible for shaping and advancing the Museum’s engagement with contemporary art practices at the intersection of culture, media, and emerging technologies through acquisitions, exhibitions, and publications.

This position combines curatorial expertise with a collaborative, cross-functional approach to program and institutional development, with a focus on innovation and impact bringing together artists, technologists, designers, and thinkers to expand the museum’s cultural reach and relevance.

This role manages the MTC Department and represents the Museum in local, national, and international forums, and to museum supporters.

Responsibilities & Duties

• Lead the care, research, presentation, and interpretation of the Museum’s media arts (specifically video and electronic image disciplines, film related projected image screenings and other time-based animated art forms, including technology-driven performance art and sound), and further develop the depth and quality of these collections through acquisitions, gifts, and commissions.
• Initiate and organize exhibition projects that reflect the dynamic intersections of art, culture, and emerging technologies. Ensure projects meet the highest professional standards and supervise the presentation of exhibitions organized elsewhere.
• Collaborate with and support the Education and Public Engagement division to develop programs and resources that complement exhibitions, engage a broad range of audiences, and deepen public understanding.
• Guide and support the work of staff and interns within the department, fostering collaboration and contributing to professional development.
• Manage department and project operating budgets responsibly, ensuring alignment with museum priorities and efficient use of resources.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams, including IT, AV, and Digital Experience, to ensure that technological infrastructure and capabilities support innovative exhibitions, programs, and media art installations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with artists, technologists, dealers, collectors, critics, scholars, and museum colleagues. Engage with local and international arts and technology communities and encourage the development of private collections that have a chance of eventually enhancing the museum’s holdings.
• Contribute to fundraising and public relations efforts in collaboration with Philanthropy and Communication teams to support Media Arts programs and promote the Museum’s work more broadly.
• Maintain active engagement with developments in contemporary art, media, and technology, through research, publishing, presenting, and participating in relevant professional networks.
• Represent MTC interests on museum-wide committees and initiatives, ensuring cross-departmental alignment and contributing expertise to institutional projects.

Qualifications & Skills

• Advanced degree in art history, media studies, or a related field with an emphasis on modern and contemporary media arts.
• Minimum of five (5) years of museum, gallery, or cultural institution experience, with a focus on contemporary art and/or media/technology.
• Deep knowledge of contemporary art practices, particularly in media, technology-based, time-based, and interdisciplinary art forms.
• Experience organizing exhibitions, publications, and public programs of high caliber.
• Experience with collections care, documentation, and acquisition processes.
• Experience managing projects through execution, including coordinating teams and working across departments.
• Ability to build and maintain productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and the broader creative community.
• Understanding the technical requirements for media art presentation, including AV systems, installation, and digital preservation.
• Experience in staff supervision, mentorship, or team leadership within a collaborative work environment.
• Excellent communication and public speaking skills; able to engage diverse audiences, from general visitors to specialists.

Working Conditions

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed to support exhibitions, programs, research, and professional development.
• Availability to work occasional evenings and weekends in support of programs, openings, and donor