Chief Curator/Director of Curatorial
Chief Curator/Director of Curatorial
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
About the Museum
Opened to the public on 11-11-11, Crystal Bridges was founded in 2005 by the Walton Family Foundation as a nonprofit charitable organization. In its first year of operation, the Museum welcomed more than 650,000 visitors and garnered more than 7,500 households in its membership. 11,500 schoolchildren have taken part in the Museum’s Willard and Pat Walker School Visit program.
The Museum takes its name from a nearby natural spring and the bridge construction incorporated in the building, designed by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie. A series of pavilions nestled around two spring-fed ponds house galleries, meeting and classroom spaces, and a large, glass-enclosed gathering hall. Sculpture and walking trails link the Museum’s 120-acre park to downtown Bentonville, Arkansas.
Crystal Bridges’ permanent collection spans five centuries of American masterworks ranging from the Colonial era to the current day. The permanent collection, which will grow over time, is on view year-round and is further enhanced by an array of ongoing temporary exhibitions.
Position Summary
The Chief Curator/Director of Curatorial will lead a curatorial team toward accomplishing the Museum’s mission of welcoming all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of landscape.
This position will strive to create an organization that transforms lives through experiences that foster the discovery of new ideas, expanded dreams and inspired actions.
Primary responsibilities include strategic design, development, and supervision of the Curatorial Department; and ongoing development of plans for the department, its staff, volunteers, and associated programs. This position requires a recognized scholar skilled in collaboration to lead in the development and growth of the permanent collection, the scope and framework of a dynamic exhibitions program, research and scholarship, and coordinate resources to produce publications.
The Chief Curator/Director of Curatorial serves as a key member of the senior management team and must bring strong management experience, a track record of innovative projects, and a desire to create a distinctive experience in a dynamic museum environment. The position reports to the Executive Director and works in collaboration with all divisions of the Museum.
Minimum Qualifications
Education, Training, and Traits:
- Master’s degree in art history or related field, PhD or equivalent preferred
- Applied knowledge of professional museum principles, practices and procedures
- Knowledge of research tools and methodology
- Self-directed and motivated
- Very flexible and helpful; occasional evening and weekend hours required
- Must have mastery of English language; both written and verbal
Work Experience:
- Minimum of 6 years management-level museum experience required
- Minimum of 7 years applied curatorial experience
- Demonstrated experience managing substantial department, project and program budgets
Application
To be considered for candidacy for this position, submit cover letter and resume online athttp://www.crystalbridges.org/Careers-and-Internships/job-detail.aspx?SCJobGUID=30133e3e-4753-4659-a034-2f77253b7762 or to Human Resources, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, 600 Museum Way Bentonville, AR 72712. If submitting by mail, please reference Chief Curator/Director of Curatorial position opening. No phone calls please.
Crystal Bridges
Museum of American Art
600 Museum Way
Bentonville, Arkansas 72712
www.crystalbridges.org
