Chief Curator

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The Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis seeks a Chief Curator to lead its ambitious exhibition program. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Chief Curator is responsible for strategically generating curatorial vision for the institution and creating, developing, and implementing exhibitions. The Chief Curator actively and effectively engages in fundraising and cultivation activities in the St. Louis community and worldwide. S/he manages a department of two, overseeing the Assistant Curator and Registrar. This position is part of the senior staff group responsible for setting direction and strategy for the Museum.

Specific Responsibilities

Exhibition Program Strategy/Vision: Lead CAM’s efforts to create a distinctive exhibition program that contributes to the field and garners critical
Exhibition Design and Implementation: Identify and recommend exhibition ideas; develop exhibition plans and checklists; work closely with artists and dealers; lead and manage exhibition staff; and oversee installation design and successful
Staff Management: Lead and manage a staff of two in the implementation of the exhibition and programmatic activities of the Museum; team building skills and leadership experience
Writing: Contribute texts to a range of materials in conjunction with the exhibition program, including grant proposals, press releases, didactic and educational materials; plan, write, edit, and oversee design and production of publications as
Fundraising: Lead fundraising efforts for the exhibition program, including identification and solicitation of individual and institutional donor prospects; development of earned income opportunities such as artist editions, auctions, or traveling exhibitions; and grant writing. Assist Museum’s Development department with major gift fundraising from individuals and foundations, including solicitation and cultivation
Budgeting: Develop and oversee budgets for exhibitions, including expense and revenue projections; work with Finance and Administration Director to create and update reports for Executive Director and Board of
Advanced Exhibition Planning: Work with Executive Director to plan three-year exhibition calendar, with emphasis on variety and diversity of artists, media, scope, scale, and audience impact; plan strategically to include an array of curatorial
Local Audience Development: Work collaboratively with Learning and Engagement, PR/Marketing, and Development departments to maximize the outreach and impact of the Museum and its exhibitions among the local community. Foster relationships with local arts organizations as well as dialogue with regional artists.
National Relationship Development: Work to build mutually beneficial relationships between CAM and the wider local, national, and international art communities; develop and maintain relationships with a broad group of collectors, donors, dealers, and

Qualifications

A Master’s degree in Art History or Museum Studies with emphasis on contemporary visual culture
A minimum of seven years curatorial experience
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Must evidence the energy and enthusiasm to reach ambitious growth goals while creatively applying problem-solving skills
Must be outgoing, self-starting, well-organized, tactful, detail-oriented, innovative, and capable of working under pressure to meet deadlines
Experience managing staff and working effectively within a fast-paced, creatively driven organization

Compensation

Compensation, including benefits, is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Application Instructions

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references as a single PDF to Tara Morton at tmorton@camstl.org with the subject line “Chief Curator.”

About the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis

The Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis (CAM) presents, supports, and celebrates the art of our time. It is the premier museum in St. Louis dedicated to contemporary art. Focused on a dynamic array of changing exhibitions, CAM provides a thought-provoking program that reflects and contributes to the global cultural landscape. Through the diverse perspectives offered in its exhibitions, public programs, and educational initiatives, CAM actively engages a range of audiences to challenge their perceptions. It is a site for discovery, a gathering place in which to experience and enjoy contemporary visual culture.

CAM is an equal opportunity employer.

More info: http://camstl.org/jobs/

Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis
3750 Washington Blvd
St. Louis, MO 63108
http://camstl.org/