Under the leadership of Museum Director Christina Olsen, the University of Michigan Museum of Art is in the midst of a dynamic and creative transformation. With a renewed focus on anti-racism and social justice issues, nationally important exhibitions and research, and an expansion of strategic institutional and artistic partnerships, UMMA is building an international profile and a broad and diverse public both within and far beyond the boundaries of our campus.
We are seeking applicants who are committed to building diversity in our sector, which is expressed in myriad forms, including race and ethnicity, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, language, culture, national origin, religious commitments, age, (dis)ability status, and political perspective. When you join UMMA, you can expect to be part of an innovative team that views the Museum as a vital space for exploring contemporary social issues, building community and equity, and celebrating artistic expression and achievement. During this exciting moment of transformation, we seek staff who thrive in settings that foster creative, cross-organizational collaboration. In deciding whether to apply for a position at UMMA, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with our “Commitment to Anti-Racist Action and a More Inclusive Museum.”
For full consideration please provide a resume with a cover letter, describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position requirements. All candidates including those under-represented in the Museum and/or Curatorial field are strongly encouraged to apply.
UMMA seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitment to serve the diverse people of Michigan, to sustain the excellence of the university, and to offer our students richly varied disciplines, perspectives and ways of knowing and learning.
Job Summary
The Assistant Curator of Global Contemporary Art is responsible for researching, growing, and rethinking the current collection at UMMA, focusing on making contemporary global art practices and discussions available and accessible for UMMA’s audience. This includes acting as an important member of the Museum’s curatorial team, assisting in current and future exhibition projects, collaborating with and providing support for curatorial colleagues; organizing and implementing exhibitions, planning and participating in programs, and publications; overseeing maintenance, conservation and installation of loans and/or artworks from UMMA’s collection; initiating research on acquisitions, loans, and the permanent collection; fielding public inquiries and overseeing presence in this area on UMMA’s website; maintaining energetic contacts with artists, collectors, museum patrons and members of the University community, and assuming stewardship and donor cultivation responsibilities in conjunction with priorities set by the Director. This is a two-year limited-term appointment. The position reports to the Helmut and Candis Stern Curator of African Art and Interim Chief Curator at UMMA.
Mission Statement
The University of Michigan Museum of Art seeks to transform individual and civic life by promoting the discovery, contemplation, and enjoyment of the art of our world.
Responsibilities*
Exhibitions (50%):
- Performing tasks assigned by collaborating Curators, providing support in exhibition research, developing exhibition checklists
- Collaborate with Collections and Exhibitions Technicians on developing exhibition layouts
- Research and write scholarly texts and exhibition texts (labels, intro texts, promotional materials)
- Collaborate with Museum educators to prepare didactic materials, special seminars, and classes
- Participate in public programs associated with museum and exhibition projects
Collections management (40%):
- Assist with and activate permanent galleries through regular rotations and reinstallations
- Recommend works for purchase, as well as recommend accepting or declining proposed donations
- Assist in the upkeep of the collection’s database
Admin (10%):
- Create and monitor budgets
- Assist with grant writing
- Perform exploratory research or special projects, as assigned
- Field inquiries from the general public and scholars
Required Qualifications*
- A degree in art history or a related field is preferred, with evidence of the ability to write clearly for a general audience.
- Minimum of two years experience working in a curatorial department or equivalent experience is necessary.
- Must have a keen eye and broad knowledge of art and specifically global contemporary conversations, as well as of professional museum practices.
- Prior experience in a university or museum setting is preferred.
- Significant experience working with diverse constituencies, including artists, collectors, donors, and the general public is required.
- The ability to work as part of a team, with an interest in teaching and mentoring students is also necessary.
- Excellent computer skills, written and oral communication abilities are required.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
U-M COVID-19 Vaccination Policy
COVID-19 vaccinations are now required for all University of Michigan students, faculty and staff across all three campuses, including Michigan Medicine, by the start of the fall term on August 30, 2021. This includes those working or learning remotely. More information on this policy is available on the Campus Blueprint website or the U-M Dearborn and U-M Flint websites.
