Position Title: Department: Division: Supervisor: Schedule:
Curator and Head of Photography Photography
Curatorial
Chief Curator
Full-Time
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Under supervision of the Chief Curator, the Curator and Head of Photography is responsible for the strategic vision of the department and the Museum’s research, acquisitions, exhibitions, and publications in the area of photography. This position maximizes the potential of our dedicated facilities—the Pritzker Center for Photography—while managing the Department and representing the Museum in local, national, and international forums and to museum supporters.
This position also works closely with the Executive Team, senior staff, as well as SFMOMA trustees and donors. SFMOMA believes the art of our time is vital and shares it with passion and purpose. As an ambassador for SFMOMA, the Curator and Head of Photography strives to reflect the values of the museum (inclusive, passionate, brave, and empathic) and support the Chief Curator in implementing SFMOMA’s strategic goals:
• Affirm our role in making the art of our time matter.
• Become a human-centered, community-driven museum.
• Transform our culture from the inside out.
• Cultivate sustainability and growth with creativity and impact.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
• Directs the research, exhibition, and care of the Museum’s photography collection, and further develops the depth, quality, and diversity of this collection through purchase and gift.
• Develops the Photography Accessions Committee by attracting and retaining new members through lively, educational, and informative meetings about the program.
• Works collaboratively with SFMOMA’s other collecting departments, as well as the Exhibitions, Collections, Community Engagement, and other departments to further the programmatic goals of SFMOMA including the elevation of under-represented voices.
• Originates, organizes, and directs both special exhibition and collection-based projects and accompanying publications, where relevant, at a level commensurate with the highest professional standards; proposes and oversees the presentation of borrowed exhibitions.
• With the goal of deeply engaging audience, develops effective interpretive programming for the public on site and online pertaining to the collections and special exhibitions, including publications, lectures, and digital content, working collaboratively with departments within
the Community Engagement division.
• Selects, supervises, develops, and evaluates department staff and interns to maintain the
quality of the department. Deploys staff to provide rich, varied, and relevant offerings to the
museum’s audience. Encourages the professional development of the department staff.
• Develops operating budget and program budgets, and maintain budgets responsibly.
• Aligns program with SFMOMA’s 2018 strategic plan, a living document with regular review to
assess progress towards goals and update or revise as necessary with key stakeholders, as
well as the museum’s 2021 strategic refresh (currently in development).
• Plans and advises on the requirements of the department, and its collections and program to
maximize the opportunity of the museum building within budgetary and staff capacities.
• Develops and maintains advantageous relationships with the community of artists, critics,
dealers, museum colleagues, professional organizations, collectors, trustees and friends of the museum; encourages the development of private collections that have a chance of eventually enhancing the museum’s holdings; provides professional counsel and leadership to museum auxiliaries.
• Works closely with departments within the division of Philanthropy to assists with fund raising, public relations, and marketing efforts to support and promote departmental and Museum activities.
• Continues professional development (research, publications, lectures, juries, management and academic training), and contributes to high quality original research.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS
Education & Training: Advanced degree in art history (Ph.D. preferred) with an emphasis on the history of photography.
Work Experience: Ten years museum and or related experience, which includes previous organizational and managerial experience.
Desired Skills & Abilities:
• Excellent written communication and public speaking skills.
• Demonstrated creativity and innovation.
• Outstanding management and supervisory skills that support, lead, and motivate employees.
• Exceptional judgment, professionalism, and discretion in handling confidential and sensitive situations and matters.
• Ability to work within resource constraints and exhibit flexible problem-solving skills.
• Ability to quickly master new tools and platforms as technologies evolve.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Physical Demands: Must be able to visually inspect work.
151 Third Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
www.sfmoma.org
Special Environmental Factors: None. Close office setting.
COVID-19 Environmental Factors: In keeping with city, county, and state regulations regarding large gatherings, and to contain the spread of coronavirus, the museum is following the city of San Francisco guidelines. The museum is open but at a limited capacity, this position will be required to work both remote and onsite with safety guidelines and restrictions.
SFMOMA is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
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The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is the largest museum of modern and contemporary art in the United States and a thriving cultural center for the Bay Area. We believe the art of our time is vital and share it with passion and purpose, and that art and the creative process can open minds and help build a better world. For that reason, we assemble unparalleled collections, create exhilarating exhibitions, and develop engaging public programs that connect with our community. Our remarkable collection of painting, sculpture, photography, architecture, design, and media arts is housed in an LEED Gold-certified building designed by the global architects Snøhetta and Mario Botta. In addition to our seven gallery floors, we offer 45,000 square feet of free, art-filled public space open to all. We are making SFMOMA a magnet for contemporary art and for the audiences who will engage with it.
