Chief Curator

The Chief Curator of Acron Art Museum is responsible for leading all curatorial functions: organizing and coordinating exhibitions from the collection and outside sources; producing interpretive materials; and communicating to the public. Maintains strong relationships with donors, lenders, artists, dealers, arts organizations, and the academic community to develop the collection and further the mission of the museum. Commits to becoming established as a key artistic leader in the Akron community. Leads the curatorial department. Directly leads Collection Manager, Research Scholar, Curatorial Fellow, and occasionally part-time assistants, interns and volunteers. Works closely with Collections Manager, Senior Operations Officer, Director of Design to ensure proper handling, transportation, installation, security of works in exhibitions and the collection and exhibition design. Works closely with other department directors to further the objectives of the museum in education, marketing, management and advancement. Works closely with the chair of the Collections Committee.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Formulates and coordinates a balanced exhibition schedule and interpretive plan in concert with the Executive Director and the Deputy Director. Assigns appropriate staff member(s) or guest curator to coordinate each exhibition.

B. Determines and prepares exhibitions.

Organizes traveling exhibitions, including those to be accompanied by comprehensive catalogues as funding allows.
Organizes large and small exhibitions exclusive to AAM.
Coordinates exhibitions originated by other institutions to be shown at AAM.
Prepares ancillary interpretive materials for exhibitions.
C. Researches and writes catalogue essays, website entries, digital content, and supervises other staff in these endeavors.

D. Develops and supervises collections

Oversees maintenance of curatorial files on collection.
Supervises installation of exhibitions.
Researches and documents work in the collection.
Plans, coordinates and oversees execution of a conservation program.
Initiates ideas for grant projects; prepares or assists advancement office in preparing grant applications.
Ensures timely preparation and distribution of exhibition schedule.
E. In concert with the Executive Director, strategically develops the collection through gifts and purchases.

Maintains relations with artists and collectors locally and nationwide to develop and improve the museum’s collection through gifts and purchases.
Maintains knowledge of the art market through relationships with dealers, galleries, critics and auction houses to enhance the development of the museum’s collection through gifts and purchases.

F. Attends Collection Committee meetings and, at the discretion of the Executive Director, Board of Directors meetings or other meetings.

Recommends and presents gifts and purchases to the Executive Director, and to the Collection Committee and/or Board of Directors as applicable.
Directs the scheduling, preparation of agendas and preparation of minutes for Collection Committee meetings.
Recommends and supervises possible de-accessions.

G. Prepares departmental budgets and policies as well as other museum-wide policies.

Plans and supervises implementation of the departmental budget.
Monitors and oversees exhibition contracts
Maintains fiscal control of collection and exhibition expense, including conservation.
Initiates, prepares, and presents to the Executive Director for approval key departmental policies and plans, including accessioning and deaccessioning plans, conservation plans and exhibitions strategic plans.
Works with Executive Director in preparation of institution-wide strategic plans, collection policy, facilities development plans, and other long-range plans.

H. Represents museum in the community, nationwide.

Serves on local committees in consultation with the Executive Director.
Communicates to public media under guidance of Marketing and Communications Manager.
Develops regional and national profile through various activities.
Attends evening and weekend events throughout the community as needed to strengthen museum and community relations.
Participates in periodic travel as required.

G. Undertakes other assignments as designated by the Executive Director.

QUALIFICATIONS

Advanced degree in Art History or related experience and expertise in contemporary art and emerging forms of media. Minimum five years museum management experience; publications and lectures in the field.

Demonstrated strong leadership skills. Excellent verbal and writing skills, public speaking skills, and computer proficiency. Exceptional artistic judgment. Demonstrated command of public relations functions. Superior program planning and implementation skills, with demonstrated management and organizational ability. Ability to work well as part of a team; good interpersonal skills; creativity, energy and enthusiasm. Mature judgement: flexibility and willingness to adapt to changing needs of organization. Able to remain calm in stressful situations. Safety-oriented. Eagerness to assume a leadership role in the museum and in the community.

JOB KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Understands job procedures and methods; demonstrates ability to acquire necessary skills; understands how job relates to others; makes effective use of resources; demonstrates skill in performing assigned tasks.

Quality of Work – Produces work that is accurate and thorough; demonstrates commitment to excellence and continuous improvement; ability to monitor quality of own work; applies feedback to improve performance; takes initiative to find ways to improve and promote quality work.
Planning /Organizational Skills – Independently plans/prioritizes work; sets goals and objectives; displays appropriate sense of urgency toward top priorities; manages time efficiently; plans for additional resources; integrates changes smoothly.
Dependability – Meets attendance and punctuality requirements; keeps commitments; accepts responsibility for own actions; follows instructions and responds to management direction; responds to requests for service and assistance; commits to doing the best job possible.
Interpersonal Skills – Maintains a feeling of hospitality with team and visitors all times; displays tact and consideration; works actively to resolve conflicts; displays positive outlook/pleasant demeanor; conducts self in a professional manner at all times; assists and supports co-workers and others engaging with the museum.
Communication – Expresses ideas coherently; demonstrates good listening and comprehension; always keeps others properly informed ; selects appropriate communication tools.
Initiative – Volunteers readily; undertakes self-development activities; seeks increased responsibility; takes advantage of opportunities; seeks creative ways to improve skills; asks for help when needed.
Problem Solving – Identifies problems in timely manner; gathers/analyzes information skillfully; resolves problems in early stages; looks for alternative solutions; works cooperatively in group problem solving situations.
Use of Technology – Demonstrates required skills; adapts to new technology; uses technology to increase quality and productivity of work; accepts training opportunities to improve technical skills.
Personal Appearance – Always dresses appropriately for work; demonstrates acceptable personal hygiene and grooming habits.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Subject to many interruptions, pressure due to multiple calls and inquiries, meeting deadlines. Work areas are primarily indoors, in a climate-controlled environment. The employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The noise level is usually moderate. Wears personal protective equipment as required. May be unable to maintain proper social distancing at times due to guest needs or unforeseen circumstances that may arise occasionally.