Assistant Curator of Exhibitions and Programs

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Assistant Curator of Exhibitions and Programs Katonah Museum of Art

Status: Full-Time, non-exempt
Reports To: Executive Director

Summary:

The Katonah Museum of Art, a non-collecting institution, located 45 miles from New York City in Westchester County seeks an Assistant Curator of Exhibitions and Programs (ACEP), a full-time position. Reporting to the Executive Director, the ACEP plays a vital role in advancing the KMA’s long-term exhibition mission to serve as a creative and intellectual hub for the region. In coordination with the Executive Director, Registrar, and occasional outside guest curator, the ACEP will organize, curate, research and mount exhibitions originating from the Executive Director, from other institutions and sources, as well as conceive and organize their own original exhibitions. They will also carry out special exhibitions and installations which further the Museum’s educational mission and serve its diverse audiences.

A significant part of the ACEP’s responsibilities centers on bridging the Museum’s curatorial and education activities and proactively contributing to audience engagement by translating knowledge into clear, accessible, and inspirational experiences. This includes authoring wall text and other interpretive materials as well as the design, promotion, and implementation of public programs to foster cultural and human connection.
The successful candidate will have an advanced degree in art history, curatorial studies, or the equivalent, and two to five years or more of professional experience curating and designing visual art exhibitions for museums, galleries, or non-profit art spaces. Experience in organizing loan exhibitions is a plus.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Generating original research/content and supplying creative input on exhibitions
Working with Registrar and leadership to finalize and monitor relevant exhibition and program budgets, bringing projects in on time and on budget
Liaising with artists and external contacts such as outside curators, galleries, and other institutions
Liaising with key Trustees and collectors, as well as members of the Exhibitions Committee
Compiling checklists; designing installations; developing floorplans; researching and securing loans; coordinating tour schedules; and other related responsibilities
Developing written exhibition materials for the KMA’s audiences, including catalogue essays, exhibition brochure text, labels, and didactic texts
Collaborating with the Communications Manager to generate press releases, calendar copy
Conceiving, publicizing, and executing public programs relevant to exhibitions and general Museum activity including select public speaking, presentations, and tours for KMA supporters, members, and the general public
Working with the Development Department on grants and fundraising to support specific initiatives
Collaborating with the Education Department on educational materials/concepts and co-leading docent trainings

Qualifications:

An M.A. or Ph.D. in art history or related field
Two to five years or more of museum or equivalent curatorial experience
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
An enthusiastic attitude and ability to work collaboratively across departments with a small team
Appreciation of all forms of artistic expression and innovation

Application:

Interested candidates should submit salary requirements with a cover letter, a CV, two writing samples, and two exhibition & associated public program proposals to jobs@katonahmuseum.org. Please include “Assistant Curator” in the subject line.

About the Katonah Museum of Art:

Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the Katonah Museum of Art, through innovative exhibition and education programs, promotes the understanding and enjoyment of the visual arts for diverse audiences. The Museum presents exhibitions that explore ideas about art, culture, and society – past and present – and originates three to four major exhibitions annually, covering a broad range of art and humanities topics, interspersed with several smaller exhibitions often originating from the Katonah Museum Artists Association. From the beginning, the KMA was committed to presenting exceptional art from all cultures and time periods. The founders’ decision to be a non-collecting institution resulted in a dynamic and flexible exhibition program, which remains one of the most distinctive features of the KMA. The KMA offers lectures, films, workshops, concerts and other events for a general audience and presents innovative and substantive programs for more than 100 member schools. Our Learning Center is the only interactive space in Westchester County where children can come on a daily basis to explore and create art. Our outreach programs for the local Hispanic immigrant population are at the forefront of community-based education programs. The KMA works intensively with schools and service organizations to develop literacy and assimilation skills among this population. Annual attendance is approximately 25,000 people.

The KMA is located at 134 Jay Street, Katonah, NY 10536. Museum hours are: Tuesday through Saturday from 10am – 5pm, Sunday from 12pm – 5pm, closed Monday. For more information, please call (914) 232-9555 or visit www.katonahmuseum.org.

The Katonah Museum of Art is an equal opportunity employer and considers all candidates for employment regardless of race, color, gender, age, national origin, creed, (dis)ability, marital status, sexual orientation or political affiliation. The KMA strives for an inclusive work environment and actively embraces a diversity of ideas, talents and experiences.