Chief Curator
Institution: Montclair Art Museum
Deadline: 15 January 2026 (extended)
Location: Montclair, New Jersey, United States
Department: Curatorial
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Reports to: Executive Director
Direct reports: Curatorial Department
Salary: $90,000 – $105,000 per annum
The Montclair Art Museum (MAM) is seeking a Chief Curator to lead its curatorial programme and shape the future direction of the Museum’s exhibitions and collections. Founded in 1914, MAM holds a collection of over 14,000 works of American art, including a major collection of Native American art. This role offers the opportunity to influence the creative vision of one of New Jersey’s leading cultural institutions through innovative and community-engaged curatorial practice.
The Chief Curator will work closely with the Executive Director and senior leadership to advance the Museum’s mission, overseeing exhibition and collection programmes while fostering collaboration across departments and cultivating inclusive visitor experiences.
Key Responsibilities
- Curate rotations and installations of American art from the Museum’s collection and loans
- Conceive and organise innovative, fundable exhibitions
- Develop and implement a collection strategy, including acquisitions and deaccessions
- Collaborate with education, development, and marketing teams to expand audience engagement
- Cultivate relationships with collectors, donors, and supporters
- Support the Museum’s Strategic Plan and community-based curatorial approaches
- Supervise curatorial staff and foster an inclusive departmental culture
Requirements
Applicants must have:
- An MA in Art History or Curatorial Studies (PhD strongly preferred)
- A minimum of 10 years of curatorial experience in an art museum
- Broad knowledge of American art, particularly modern and contemporary art
- A demonstrated record of exhibitions, publications, and original scholarship
- Experience with budgeting, donor cultivation, and collection development
- Strong leadership, communication, and collaborative skills
- Familiarity with current technologies supporting curatorial and collections management
