Director of Collection

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Institution: Dia Art Foundation
Location: New York, USA
Contract: Full-Time
Salary: USD $145,000–167,000 per year

Dia Art Foundation is seeking an experienced Director of Collection to provide strategic leadership for one of the world’s most significant collections of contemporary art. Based at Dia Beacon and reporting to the Deputy Director of Program, this senior position oversees the Foundation’s collection strategy, archive, exhibition implementation, and curatorial operations while helping shape the long-term vision of Dia’s internationally renowned programme.

The Director of Collection will work closely with curators, artists, registrars, conservators, archivists, and exhibition teams to develop long-term collection presentations, acquisitions, research initiatives, and touring exhibitions. The position also serves as the principal curatorial representative at Dia Beacon, ensuring the highest standards of collection care, exhibition production, and scholarly interpretation.

This role combines strategic museum leadership with hands-on collaboration across multiple departments, including Publications, Learning & Engagement, Development, Marketing, Communications, and Visitor Experience. It offers an exceptional opportunity to contribute to one of the leading institutions dedicated to post-1960 contemporary art.

Key Responsibilities

Collection Leadership

Develop and implement the long-term strategy for Dia’s collection.
Lead discussions on acquisitions and collection development.
Research, interpret, and present works from the permanent collection.
Oversee long-term collection displays and monographic exhibitions.
Develop partnerships with museums and external venues for touring exhibitions.
Manage relationships with artists and artists’ estates.
Support the Board of Trustees’ Collection Committee and Collection Sub-Committee.

Exhibitions & Curatorial Projects

Oversee exhibition implementation and installations at Dia Beacon.
Collaborate with curators on exhibition planning and public programmes.
Lead collection-related public initiatives and special projects.
Represent the curatorial department for site-specific installations at Dia Beacon.
Support exhibition planning across Dia’s multiple locations.

Collections & Archives

Oversee the management, care, conservation, storage, and documentation of the collection.
Develop long-term strategies for Dia’s archive.
Collaborate on conservation initiatives and collection care projects.
Support funding applications for collection and archive projects.
Ensure the highest professional standards for collection management.

Leadership & Administration

Supervise the Director of Registration and Collection Management, Director of Exhibitions, Archivist, and Curatorial Associate.
Manage departmental planning, budgets, and strategic priorities.
Mentor staff through performance reviews and professional development.
Promote diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion across departmental activities.
Collaborate closely with senior leadership across the organisation.

Research, Publications & Public Engagement

Develop scholarly publications and exhibition catalogues.
Write accessible and specialist texts for exhibitions and publications.
Present lectures, gallery talks, tours, and media interviews.
Support fundraising initiatives, grant writing, and donor engagement.
Represent Dia Art Foundation nationally and internationally.

Candidate Profile

Dia Art Foundation is looking for an accomplished museum leader with extensive experience in contemporary art, institutional collection development, and exhibition making. The successful candidate will combine scholarly expertise with strategic leadership and a collaborative approach to managing complex museum programmes.

The ideal applicant will possess an international perspective on contemporary art, strong relationships across the museum sector, and the ability to guide multidisciplinary teams while advancing Dia’s mission of supporting ambitious artistic practice.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Art History or a related field (or equivalent experience).
At least 10 years of professional experience in an art museum or comparable institution.
Extensive experience in collection development, strategy, and management.
Minimum five years of senior management and staff supervision experience.
Demonstrated expertise in international contemporary art.
Experience developing exhibitions, acquisitions, and public programmes.
Excellent leadership, organisational, and project management skills.
Outstanding academic and public writing abilities.
Experience with fundraising and grant writing is desirable.
Established international professional network within the contemporary art world.
Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.
Knowledge of Spanish, German, Korean, or French is considered an advantage.