Assistant, Associate or Curator of American Art

The Pauline Gill Sullivan Assistant, Associate or Curator of American Art at the Dallas Museum of Art

Application deadline: Not specified
Location: Dallas, Texas, United States
Position type: Full-time, exempt
Salary: Commensurate with experience
Department: Curatorial
Reporting to: The Eugene McDermott Director
Benefits: Full Museum benefits
Collection focus: American and Texas art before 1945

The Role

The Dallas Museum of Art is seeking an Assistant Curator, Associate Curator or Curator of American Art, with the appointment level determined by the successful candidate’s experience.

The Pauline Gill Sullivan Curator of American Art is responsible for the Museum’s collection of American and Texas paintings, sculpture and graphic arts created before 1945. The role encompasses the development, research, interpretation, exhibition and care of the collection, alongside responsibility for departmental programmes, staff and resources.

Reporting to The Eugene McDermott Director and working closely with the Deputy Director, the Curator will collaborate with colleagues across the Curatorial, Education, Exhibitions and Collections divisions.

Collections and Acquisitions

The Curator will:

• Develop and implement plans for the growth, display, care, research and publication of the American and Texas art collections
• Research and recommend works for acquisition through purchase and donation
• Ensure that proposed acquisitions meet the highest standards of connoisseurship
• Acquire works in accordance with the DMA’s policies, procedures and relevant professional codes of ethics
• Encourage the development of private collections with the long-term aim of strengthening the Museum’s holdings
• Maintain knowledge of the American art market and relevant networks of collectors, dealers and specialists

Exhibitions and Research

Responsibilities will include:

• Conceiving and organising installations drawn from the DMA’s permanent collection
• Developing original temporary exhibitions
• Identifying and presenting travelling exhibitions, from initial selection through installation
• Producing publications and interpretive resources for exhibitions and collection displays
• Conducting scholarly research on American and Texas art
• Writing catalogues, collection texts, exhibition materials and related publications
• Collaborating with the Exhibitions and Collections Division to deliver institutional projects within agreed budgets

Interpretation and Public Programmes

The Curator will collaborate with the Education Division to develop accessible materials and programmes relating to the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions.

These may include:

• Gallery texts
• Scholarly and public-facing publications
• Lectures and gallery talks
• Digital and electronic media
• Training materials for Museum docents
• Other interpretive resources for broad audiences

Fundraising and External Relations

Working closely with the Director, Chief Development Officer and Development Department, the Curator will support fundraising for acquisitions, exhibitions and departmental programmes.

They will develop and maintain relationships with:

• Artists and critics
• Collectors and donors
• Art dealers
• Museum colleagues
• Trustees and supporters
• Professional and scholarly organisations
• Local, national and international cultural partners

These relationships will help strengthen the DMA’s relevance and profile in Dallas and across the national and international museum sector.

The Curator will also work with the Directors of Marketing and Communications and Public Affairs to promote departmental and Museum activities.

Leadership and Management

In collaboration with the Director and Deputy Director, the Curator will take a leadership role within the department and the wider Curatorial Division.

Responsibilities will include:

• Participating in cross-departmental teams
• Supporting the development of the Museum’s programmes and strategic goals
• Developing operating, exhibition and programme budgets
• Monitoring departmental and project expenditure
• Supervising the Curator of Native American Art
• Supervising the shared curatorial administrative assistant and interns in coordination with other curators
• Supporting effective communication across the institution
• Upholding Museum policies and management decisions

Education

Applicants must have:

• An MA in art history or a comparable field

A PhD is preferred.

Experience Requirements

The level of appointment will be determined by the successful candidate’s professional experience:

• Assistant Curator: One to three years of curatorial experience in a museum or equivalent setting, specifically relating to American and Texas art
• Associate Curator: Three to five years of museum curatorial experience and a strong record of achievement in American and Texas art
• Curator: At least five years of museum curatorial experience, with a significant record of exhibitions, acquisitions and publications relating to American and Texas art

Applicants must also have:

• Fundraising and donor relations experience
• Management experience
• The ability to collaborate with internal and external teams
• Strong problem-solving skills and the initiative to recommend solutions
• Digital literacy, including the ability to use museum content management systems, Microsoft Office and electronic archival systems
• The flexibility to work evenings and weekends when required

Preferred Qualifications

The Museum is particularly interested in candidates with:

• A specialisation in American art from the postbellum period through the first half of the 20th century
• Experience acquiring works through purchases and donations
• Experience developing national travelling exhibitions
• Knowledge of the American art market
• An established national network of art dealers and other professional contacts

About the Dallas Museum of Art

The Dallas Museum of Art describes itself as a space of wonder and discovery where art comes alive.

The Museum places art and its diverse communities at the centre of its activities. It aims to pursue excellence in collecting and programming, present art across cultures and historical periods, and serve as a driving force in contemporary art.

The DMA’s institutional values include integrity, inclusivity, respectful communication, innovation, collaboration, balance and curiosity.

 

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