Chief Curator

Akron Art Museum

SUMMARY

$90,000-$110,000

The Chief Curator 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 Associate Curator, Collection Manager and Registrar and Registrar, Research Scholar, Curatorial Fellow, and occasionally part-time assistants, interns and volunteers.  Works closely with Collections Manager and Registrar, Manager of Building Services and Security, 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 including education and programming, advancement and communications, accounting, and design. Works closely with the chair of the Collections Committee.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Formulates and coordinates a balanced exhibition schedule and interpretive plan in concert with the Executive Director. Assigns appropriate staff member(s) or guest curator to coordinate each exhibition.
2. Determines and prepares exhibitions.
   1. Organizes traveling exhibitions, including those to be accompanied by comprehensive catalogues as funding allows.
   2. Organizes large and small exhibitions exclusive to AAM.
   3. Coordinates exhibitions originated by other institutions to be shown at AAM.
   4. Prepares ancillary interpretive materials for exhibitions.
3. Researches and writes catalogue essays, website entries, digital content, marketing content as needed, and supervises other staff in these endeavors.
4. Develops and supervises collections
   1. Oversees maintenance of curatorial files on collection.
   2. Supervises installation of exhibitions.
   3. Researches and documents work in the collection.
   4. Plans, coordinates and oversees execution of a conservation program.
   5. Initiates ideas for grant projects; prepares or assists advancement office in preparing grant applications.
   6. Ensures timely preparation and distribution of exhibition schedule.
5. In concert with the Executive Director, strategically develops the collection through gifts and purchases.
   1. Maintains relations with artists and collectors locally and nationwide to develop and improve the museum’s collection through gifts and purchases.
   2. 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.
6. Attends Collection Committee meetings and, at the discretion of the Executive Director, Board of Directors meetings or other meetings.
   1. Recommends and presents gifts and purchases to the Executive Director, and to the Collection Committee and/or Board of Directors as applicable.
   2. Directs the scheduling, preparation of agendas and preparation of minutes for Collection Committee meetings.
   3. Recommends and supervises possible de-accessions.
7. Prepares departmental budgets and policies as well as other museum-wide policies.
   1. Plans and supervises implementation of the departmental budget.
   2. Monitors and oversees exhibition contracts
   3. Maintains fiscal control of collection and exhibition expense, including conservation.
   4. 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.
   5. Works with Executive Director in preparation of institution-wide strategic plans, collection policy, facilities development plans, and other long-range plans.
8. Represents museum in the community, nationwide.
   1. Serves on local committees in consultation with the Executive Director.
   2. Communicates to public media under guidance of Chief Advancement and Communications Officer.
   3. Develops regional and national profile through various activities.
   4. Attends evening and weekend events throughout the community as needed to strengthen museum and community relations.
   5. Participates in periodic travel as required.
9. 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.