Curator or Associate Curator (title conferment to be based on experience)
Department of Photography at MoMA:
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) began collecting modern photography in 1930 and established the Department in 1940. The Museum’s holdings of more than 25,000 works constitute one of the most important collections of modern and contemporary photography in the world. As diverse as photography itself, the Collection includes works not only by artists, but also by journalists, scientists, entrepreneurs, and amateurs. Clément Chéroux is the Joel and Anne Ehrenkranz Chief Curator of Photography.
Position Description:
The Department of Photography seeks a Curator/Associate Curator with an expertise in the medium and experience working with a large photography collection. An in-depth knowledge of photography outside North America or Europe is preferred.
The Curator/Associate Curator’s role will include: Managing the Collection, expanding and deepening Museum holdings through acquisitions; organizing exhibitions and programs, particularly in relation to the Collection; authoring exhibition catalogues and other publications; supervising and mentoring junior staff; thinking strategically about departmental and institutional goals; and producing significant scholarship.
Collection:
• Manages the Photography Collection, including developing a deep knowledge of the Collection and serving as point person and expert for all projects related to the Collection.
• Considers, researches, and recommends potential gifts or purchases of artwork (with a focus on—primarily but not limited to—diversity, gender equity, other forms of photography) to the Chief Curator, and when appropriate presents to the Committee on Photography.
• Organizes gallery presentations or special exhibitions dedicated to the Museum Collection.
• At the discretion of the Chief Curator, represents the Department at Museum Committees and at policy/planning meetings within the Museum.
Exhibition:
• Working with relevant staff across the Museum, the Curator/Associate Curator researches, investigates, and organizes temporary and collection exhibitions with Chief Curator support and Exhibition Committee approval; produces and oversees exhibition budgets; obtains loans; assumes responsibility for exhibition research, etc.
• Works with the Publications Department to produce catalogues or other written materials to accompany exhibitions. When appropriate, solicits essays for MoMA publications from scholars in the field.
• Collaborates with Communications, Marketing, Graphics, Development and other Museum colleagues to promote and support exhibitions.
External Affairs, Public Programs and Scholarship:
• Partners with the Education and Editorial and Content Strategy Departments on programs relevant to either temporary exhibitions, collection shows, or other projects including lectures or panel discussions at the Museum or other venues.
• Attends international conferences and symposia and serves as a key representative of the Department.
• Partners with the Chief Curator in engaging the Committee on Photography and other Museum benefactors.
• Writes articles in professional journals, lectures at other institutions.
• Makes gallery and studio visits and follows the development of emerging as well as established artists.
Qualifications:
The successful candidate will be a highly-accomplished and experienced professional who brings a depth of knowledge and talent to a multifaceted and world-renowned program. Deeply passionate about art, the candidate has a commitment to excellence, curatorial expertise and is well-versed in the social and political history of their area of focus.
Creative and strategic, the Curator/Associate Curator will collaborate with talented colleagues and Museum leadership, a diverse set of external partners, and the general public. The candidate will thrive in a structured and highly professional environment, upholding a leading position in the field.
Education, professional experience, and personal attributes will include:
• Expertise and accomplishments in the field of photography.
• Significant experience in working with a large photography collection.
• In-depth knowledge of photography outside North America or Europe preferred.
• Track record of planning, programming and producing exhibitions that are accessible to a diverse public.
• Strong academic foundation and clearly demonstrated research capabilities, with a sophisticated understanding of photography and an innate intellectual curiosity.
• Willingness to engage and connect with a variety of stakeholders, including Trustees of the Museum, members of the Committee on Photography, members of the Photography Council, Museum colleagues, industry experts and other external partners as well as the general public.
• Ability to successfully and diplomatically partner with a diverse population of technical experts throughout the organization.
• Strong organizational skills; ability to set priorities, yet maintain flexibility in order to respond quickly to new opportunities.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written; superior presentation skills; sound judgment.
• Passionate about photography and art with a commitment to the Museum’s mission.
• Photography or art history background, with either a bachelor’s degree (required), master’s of art or Ph.D. (preferred) in the field or comparable experience. Demonstrated research capabilities. Five or more years of significant curatorial experience in a museum context.
Reports to:
The Joel and Anne Ehrenkranz Chief Curator of Photography
Supervises:
Curatorial Assistants, to support the Curator/Associate Curator’s research for acquisitions, exhibitions, publications and other initiatives. Other potential supervisees may include any of the following: Fellows, Research Assistants, Catalogers, Preparators and Interns, and other junior staff as designated by the Chief Curator.
Compensation:
Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience.
Title Conferment:
Title of Associate Curator or Curator will be determined by the Museum and based on the overall experience and academic credentials of the final candidate.
Application instructions:
Applicants should submit a resume and a statement of interest, including salary requirements, by no later than April 30, 2021. Interviews will start in June, with a targeted start date of September.
