Head of Collection – German, Dutch and Flemish Paintings before 1800

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Institution: Städel Museum
Location: Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Contract: Full-Time (39 hours per week), Permanent
Start Date: 1 July 2027
Deadline: 6 September 2026

This job posting has been translated from German. Proficiency in German is likely essential for this position. Please contact the employer if you are unsure about the language requirements.

About the Role

The Städel Museum is seeking an experienced Head of Collection for German, Dutch and Flemish Paintings before 1800 to lead one of the museum’s most significant collection areas. This permanent senior curatorial position offers the opportunity to shape the research, presentation, and long-term development of one of Germany’s foremost collections of Northern European painting.

Working closely with the Museum Director, the successful candidate will oversee the curatorial management of the collection while leading ambitious exhibitions, scholarly research, publications, acquisitions, and collection documentation. The role combines academic leadership with strategic planning, team management, fundraising support, and public engagement.

This position is suited to an established museum professional with extensive expertise in Northern European painting before 1800 and a strong record of curating major exhibitions, conducting original research, and managing museum collections at an international level.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the curatorial development of the German, Dutch and Flemish painting collection before 1800.
Provide scholarly oversight and long-term management of the collection.
Develop, curate, and deliver temporary exhibitions and permanent collection displays.
Conduct original research and contribute to the expansion and documentation of the collection.
Develop and manage new research projects.
Produce scholarly publications, catalogue essays, and exhibition catalogues.
Support the development of interpretation and public engagement programmes.
Represent the museum in professional, academic, and public contexts.
Manage departmental staff and oversee the collection budget.
Work closely with the Museum Director on strategic curatorial planning.

Candidate Profile

The Städel Museum is looking for a senior curator with outstanding expertise in European art history, particularly German, Dutch, and Flemish painting before 1800. The successful candidate will combine academic excellence with leadership experience and a demonstrated ability to develop internationally recognised exhibitions and research projects.

You should be equally comfortable conducting scholarly research, working with collectors and patrons, leading curatorial teams, and communicating specialist knowledge to broad public audiences.

Requirements

University degree in Art History, preferably with a doctoral degree (PhD).
Several years of professional experience as a curator, keeper, or museum researcher.
International museum experience is desirable.
Extensive knowledge of European art history with a specialisation in Northern European painting before 1800.
Proven experience developing major museum exhibitions.
Strong record of academic research and publications.
Experience with collection management and digital collection documentation.
Excellent communication skills and experience working with donors and patrons.
Fluency in English and additional relevant foreign languages.
Experience using museum collection management systems, preferably Axiell Collections.
Strong leadership, organisational, and project management skills.
Collaborative working style combined with initiative and strategic thinking.