Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2022, Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (BMoCA) is at an exciting time in its history. Over the past decade, the museum has reached new heights thanks to record-breaking attendance numbers, dramatic programmatic growth, and the critical support of its community. BMoCA is now bursting at the seams, and in 2022, the museum will launch a capital campaign to support an expansion of its facilities. With an expanded facility, BMoCA will be able to realize its vision of becoming a leader in the global conversation about art and culture.
BMoCA is seeking a Curator who will provide leadership and vision for the museum’s exhibitions with conception, research, planning, design, coordination, and execution of a range of exhibitions and projects of different scales. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in curation and in exhibition design, coordination, and project management, preferably in a contemporary art museum environment and an interest in engaging diverse audiences through the curatorial programing. The candidate should also have excellent interpersonal skills, communication skills, and strong attention to detail, as well as the ability to multitask, solve problems, think creatively, and prioritize in a fast- paced environment. The Curator supervises the Curatorial Department and works collaboratively and collegially with all museum departments including education, development, exhibitions and interpretation, marketing, finance, and outreach to further the mission and vision of the institution. In partnership with museum leadership, the curator develops and monitors curatorial department budgets. The Curator reports to the Executive Director and Chief Curator.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Conceive, propose, plan, and deliver ambitious, rigorous, thought-provoking and diverse contemporary art exhibitions that further the mission of the museum; develop and propose budget estimates; correspond with lenders and secure loan agreements.
- Work collaboratively and collegially with the Manager of Exhibitions and Interpretation to coordinate exhibition production, installation and de-installation, and interpretation, including labels, interpretative materials, research and writing, catalog, marketing, budget, gallery guides production, and shipment of artworks.
- Conduct select tours, training/education sessions and participate as needed in public programs, such as artist talks and exhibition opening events.
- Provide exhibition details and images to Marketing Department for the development of marketing materials promoting exhibitions to media and general audiences. Review marketing materials as needed.
- Maintain paper and electronic files for each exhibition, including condition reporting for incoming and outgoing artworks, invitation letters, and loan agreements, among other documentation
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge and industry expertise by building local, regional, national, and international relationships with artists, cultural organizations, and institutions for the benefit of the museum; maintain current knowledge of relevant legal, copyright, and property issues; advise Executive Director of necessary action/initiatives.
- Organize and supervise the work of junior staff, interns, and volunteers as directed.
- Nurture and develop strong donor relations on behalf of the museum; participate in fundraising efforts specific to museum programs and general initiatives, including special events.
- Attend organizational and community functions and meetings, representing and advocating for the museum and promoting BMoCA’s strategic goals; present to the board as requested; communicate sensitively and effectively to diverse audiences fostering goodwill among the museum’s members and guests as well as board members, donors, media contacts, and the city’s civic leaders and organizations.
- Exercise leadership skills and curatorial experience by working on site-specific commissions and commissions of new works in an ever-evolving environment and art practice.
- Collaborate with Education Department team members to develop and present interpretive materials and programs for all ages about current and relevant topics as it relates to curated exhibitions
- Promote a culture of safety and environmental protection by working in a safe manner; immediately reporting unsafe situations and accidents; following museum procedures; and participating in appropriate safety training.
- Demonstrate environmental sustainability by using museum resources wisely and supporting the museum’s sustainability initiatives and innovation.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Education and/or Experience
- Master’s degree or the equivalent in art history or curatorial studies with expertise in 20th -century art or contemporary art.
- Six years of progressive responsibilities and curatorial experience in the museum field developing and executing imaginative and innovative exhibitions on complex subjects designed to appeal to broad audiences.
- Demonstrated excellence in exhibitions and museum publications.
Qualifications
- Knowledge of the different approaches to and methods used in the curation of contemporary art.
- Outstanding writing skills and public presentation skills.
- Ability to effectively communicate with general audience about contemporary art and inspire viewers through public lectures, gallery presentations, video presentations, and print media
- Excellent project management and organizational skills, including ability to plan and organize multiple projects, prioritize duties, meet deadlines, manage budgets, and work effectively both as part of a team and independently.
- Abilities in delegating work, problem solving, negotiation, and conflict resolution.
- Ability to achieve and sustain best curatorial practices and ethical standards of the field.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Suite, and Google Drive.
- Comfortable and up-to-date concerning the use of technology.
- Committed to diversity and inclusion as key strategies toward broad-based institutional excellence, representing a range of perspectives, thought, and actions.
- Proven ability to forge mutually respectful, trusting, and effective relationships with a diverse group of staff, artists, guest curators, Board members, community leaders, and decision makers.
- Strong negotiation and collaboration skills
- Pragmatic, grounded, decisive, and disciplined; mentally flexible and creative as circumstances demand
- Ability to maintain balance and perspective, and a proactive “can do” attitude that can motivate others
- Committed to staying abreast of trends in the field and enhances the reputation of BMoCA as a leader in the field of contemporary art; deep knowledge and understanding of national and international contemporary art.
Hours & compensation
The Curator works full time for 40 hours per week and will be required to attend occasional off-site and on-site events in the evenings. Occasional travel may be required. The salary range for this position is based on experience and includes a comprehensive benefits package. This position includes health and dental benefits, paid vacation, access to a 401K plan, an RTD EcoPass, and a complimentary gym membership to One Boulder Fitness.
To Apply
Send a cover letter and resume to jobs@bmoca.org. No phone calls please.
Application deadline: July 25, 2022
Start date: as soon as possible
Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art is an equal opportunity employer and considers all candidates for employment regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, creed, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or political affiliation.
