Assistant/Associate Curator

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The Columbia Museum of Art (CMA) seeks a collaborative, team-spirited individual to join a dynamic Curatorial department as Assistant/Associate Curator. The successful candidate will possess strong art historical knowledge in one or more of the museum’s collecting areas (American, European, Asian, and Modern & Contemporary); a minimum of 2 years’ experience working in a Curatorial department at an art museum; and a commitment to inclusive programming for diverse audiences.

The Assistant/Associate Curator will work with colleagues to develop new presentations of the permanent collection; support, manage, and develop exhibitions; and actively participate in programming that informs, engages, and expands audiences. This position reports to the Director of Art and Learning and will work collaboratively within the Division of Art and Learning to promote the museum’s commitment to be welcoming, community-centered, vibrant, playful, and inspiring. In addition to these values, the CMA staff and board eagerly embrace diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion to contribute to an open environment for the communities we serve. The person selected to fill this position will have demonstrated the capacity to promote these attributes.

Scope of Work:

Serve as coordinating curator and project manager for assigned exhibitions, contributing interpretation, writing, and research as needed; securing loans, developing layouts, collaborating on graphic identity, and coordinating administrative and logistical tasks across departments.
Initiate and manage relations and contractual agreements for assigned projects with institutions, colleagues, artists, community partners, collectors, donors, and/or businesses.
Establish and monitor assigned exhibition budgets and contribute to departmental budget planning.
Generate permanent collection rotations; develop and maintain a schedule of thematic gallery changes in consultation with colleagues.
Champion the museum as a welcoming place by serving as a positive museum representative through presentations and participation with internal training, programs, lectures, development, publicity marketing and networking activities.
Communicate gallery activities museum-wide in a timely manner.
Contribute ideas to annual planning of the exhibition schedule, including projects initiated by the CMA, exhibitions originating elsewhere, artist installations, and loans.
Review exhibition proposals and ideas for artistic merit, mission fit, budget, and scheduling factors.
Research collection objects and potential acquisitions.
Utilize best practices in collection care.
Maintain object files and exhibition records.
Contribute to assigned grant applications and general fundraising activities.
Actively solicit, cultivate, and steward relations with colleagues, artists, donors, members, and lenders.
Support the day-to-day operations of the Curatorial department.
Develop, maintain, and strengthen relationships with members of the broader arts community including artists, curators, educators, writers, journalists, collectors, and cultural institutions both nationally and internationally.

Requirements:

BA required, with MA or greater preferred, in art history or related field.
2+ years of full-time curatorial experience in an art museum; additional curatorial experience necessary to be considered for Associate Curator.
Experience coordinating exhibitions.
Growing expertise in at least one of the museum’s collecting areas (American, European, Asian, and Modern & Contemporary).
Object-based experience and knowledge of best practices for object handling and care.
Knowledge of the latest art historical and museological research tools and methodologies.
Experience developing and managing projects, timelines, budgets, and goals.
Mastery of the English language and demonstrated ability to write, edit, and deliver oral and written communications that make an impact, persuade, and inform their intended audiences.
Ability to effectively navigate through the complexity of key issues, challenges, and opportunities to affect action.
Proactively model the importance of timely collegial interaction, personal accountability, maturity, professionalism, communication, and exchange across disciplinary boundaries.
Self-directed and motivated.
Ability to perform a variety of tasks involving sitting, standing, and walking for extended periods with reasonable accommodations. Occasional lifting up to 25 lbs.
Monthly evening and weekend time and occasional travel.
This is a Full-Time, Exempt position and requires a criminal background check.

Salary Range:

Commensurate with experience that demonstrates proven successes and results: $42,733 -$68,907, plus benefits.

How to apply:

Contact: The Columbia Museum of Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to diversity, accessibility, equity, and inclusion. Confidential inquiries, applications, and recommendations are welcome. Please email cover letter and resume to Mrs. Jeanna Dixon-McCray, at JDixon-McCray@columbiamuseum.org with “Curator Position” in the subject line.