Chief Curator Opportunity
Location: La Jolla, CA
Position: Full-Time
Department: Curatorial Affairs
Level: Senior Manager/Supervisor
Organisation: Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
Reports to: David C. Copley Director & CEO
Employee Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Primary Work Location: La Jolla
Pay Range: $116,660 – $122,800
Application Deadline: August 23, 2024
Job Summary
The Chief Curator leads all aspects of artistic programming, managing MCASD’s acquisitions, exhibitions, education, and interpretive programming. This role ensures alignment with the Museum’s mission and vision.
Essential Functions
- Extend the institution’s artistic vision in collaboration with the Director & CEO.
- Supervise curators to maintain high standards in exhibitions, acquisitions, and publications.
- Set priorities for the education team to develop programs that align with Museum and community interests.
- Structure digital projects and public programs for cohesive messaging and engagement.
- Plan, budget, and implement exhibitions, including traveling shows, and oversee incoming exhibitions.
- Conduct original research and contribute to publications and gallery texts.
- Manage content development for MCASD catalogues.
- Establish institutional partnerships for joint programming, exhibitions, and acquisitions.
- Assist in the accessioning of artworks into the permanent collection and set collecting priorities.
- Participate in quarterly Board of Trustees Collections Committee meetings.
- Develop and maintain the departmental budget, covering exhibitions, publications, education, and salaries.
- Work with development staff to secure funding and cultivate patrons, including organizing donor trips.
- Collaborate with the communications team to enhance MCASD’s profile.
- Build and maintain a network of contacts, including artists, dealers, curators, museum directors, and collectors.
- Represent MCASD on external advisory boards and committees.
- Provide leadership and mentoring to assigned staff.
- Travel and work during special events, including weekends and after hours as needed.
- Ensure a safe work environment by adhering to safety policies.
Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
- Excellent administrative, communication, and management skills, both strategic and operational.
- Ability to motivate and work well with artists, colleagues, trustees, and visitors.
- Capacity to lead the Museum’s mission and vision in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
- Proven experience in donor cultivation.
- Ability to travel as necessary for essential initiatives.
- Expertise in organizing contemporary art exhibitions and publications.
- Familiarity with museum practices and knowledge of American and international art markets.
- Broad knowledge of art history, with expertise in art since 1950.
- Proficiency in MS Office.
- Master’s degree in Art History or Fine Arts with at least eight years of relevant experience, or equivalent education and experience. A Ph.D. is preferred.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) is preferred.
