Assistant Curator of Native American Art

Yale Art Gallery – Curatorial
67664BR
University Job Title

Curator 2
Bargaining Unit

None – Not included in the union (Yale Union Group)
Time Type

Full time
Duration Type

Regular
Compensation Grade

Galleries & Museums
Compensation Grade Profile

Curator 2 (23)
Work Location

Central Campus
Worksite Address

1111 Chapel Street
New Haven, CT 06510
Work Week

Standard (M-F equal number of hours per day)
Searchable Job Family

Museum/Curatorial
Total # of hours to be worked:

37.5
Position Focus:

This dynamic role bridges two of Yale University’s cultural institutions, the Yale University Art Gallery (YUAG) and the Yale Peabody Museum (YPM). The position is housed at YUAG and reports to the Chief Curator; it will also have the status of Collection Manager at YPM under the direction of the Curator-in-Charge of Anthropology and Director of Collections & Research. The position will provide curatorial oversight for both YUAG’s and YPM’s Native American collections which encompass historic art, contemporary art, and archaeology, with particular strengths in Plains Nations objects and Southwest, California, Northwest Coast, and Eastern Woodlands basketry. It is fully integrated with the teaching mission of the museums and the University as well as dedicated to serving the wider public of New Haven and Southern New England. In tandem with colleagues at the museums and across the University, the Assistant Curator will plan exhibitions, programs, and publications; direct conservation projects and gallery installations; lecture on aspects of the University’s holdings; initiate research on acquisitions, loans, and on the permanent collection; field public inquiries; and assume stewardship and donor cultivation responsibilities. The position will help sustain partnerships with local indigenous communities and wider communities that are represented in Yale’s collections.

• Conceive and implement exhibitions, publications, and interpretive projects designed to promote knowledge of the collection, including public programs, wall texts and labels, brochures and instructional ephemera, electronic records, and permanent collection catalogues.
• Research and execute proposals for acquisitions through gift and purchase and proposals for deaccessioning.
• Contribute to and assist in the maintenance of the collection database and its accessibility through YUAG’s and YPM’s websites.
• Manage departmental research archives; facilitate access to works of art and collection storage for faculty, students, and visiting scholars; assist with oversight of the maintenance and conservation of the collection; coordinate with the NAGPRA researcher.
• In collaboration with Conservation, evaluate the suitability of loan requests and perform courier duties as necessary.
• Assist with fundraising for exhibitions, acquisitions, and departmental projects.
• Assist with stewardship of the YUAG Governing Board, YPM Leadership Council, donors, collectors, students, and faculty.
• Serve on internal committees and represent the museums and University to local, national, and international communities to promote the institution and its collection.
• Serve as a liaison and partner with local indigenous communities and communities that are represented in Yale’s collections.
• Additional duties of teaching, publishing, and lecturing in the candidate’s area of expertise are strongly encouraged, with particular emphasis given to collaborating with museum colleagues, Yale faculty and students, and local communities.
• Work closely with YPM’s Repatriation Compliance Coordinator as necessary.
• Other projects and travel as requested by YUAG and YPM.

Essential Duties

1. Cares for, coordinates and accesses collection. 2. Discusses the condition and breadth of the collection with other Curators. 3. Decides on the organization of the collection. 4. Recommends acquisitions for the collection. 5. Recommends objects to be conserved and conservation priorities. 6. Supervises and administers the exhibitions of the collection. 7. Initiates the scholarly cataloging of objects in the collection. 8. Negotiates loans for objects. 9. Assists in formulation of policy regarding the collection. 10. Interprets the collection to assist scholars with research. Teaches and lectures in a specific subject area. 11. Assists in writing of grant proposals. 12. Supervises staff of exempt and non-exempt employees. 13. Promotes knowledge of the collection through writing, teaching and exhibitions. 14. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

Masters Degree in Art History and two years of curatorial experience or an equivalent education and experience.

Required Skill/Ability 1:

Independent and self-directed, with the ability to take initiative, anticipate actions needed, and to exercise discretion and independent judgment.

Required Skill/Ability 2:

Excellent interpersonal skills and superior organizational skills. An effective collaborator both within the department and in the larger YUAG and YPM environments, with a positive attitude that supports the University’s goals.

Required Skill/Ability 3:

Ability to conduct original research, to write lucidly, and to communicate effectively among diverse audiences.

Required Skill/Ability 4:

Demonstrated expertise in at least one aspect of the collection’s holdings, as well as a broad knowledge of Native American art history, archaeology, and Native American cultures.

Required Skill/Ability 5:

Experience with exhibitions, publication, donor stewardship, public speaking, and teaching.
Preferred Education, Experience and Skills:

Ph.D. and at least two years of museum experience or the equivalent. Experience with object maintenance/handling; collaboration with painting or object conservation Experience with collections management and digitization. Experience collaborating and consulting with indigenous/Native American communities. Knowledge of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.
Physical Requirements

Ability to lift 35 pounds.

Preferred Licenses or Certifications:

Valid motor vehicle license
Weekend Hours Required?

Occasional
Evening Hours Required?

Occasional
Drug Screen

No
Health Screening

No
Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. Please visit www.yale.edu/hronline/careers/screening/faqs.html for additional information on the background check requirements and process.
Covid Vaccine Requirement

Please note that the university has a COVID vaccination requirement; visit for details. For up-to-date information visit COVID-19 website
Additional Background or Health Screening Requirements

Selected incumbent must have successful completion of a DMV check, a valid driver’s license and a car available.

Posting Disclaimer

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the particular position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring departments.