Curator – Modern and Contemporary Art

Curator – Modern and Contemporary Art
Krannert Art Museum
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Krannert Art Museum, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (KAM) seeks a creative and inspiring full-time Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art.

KAM has a rich, varied, and comprehensive collection of approximately 10,000 works of art ranging from the fourth millennium BCE to the present, representing an extensive array of cultures and media and reflecting the museum’s educational mission. KAM presents 15 or more exhibitions a year (most of them organized by KAM) and over 150 educational programs and special events. Since 2004, KAM’s exhibitions have traveled to 28 cities in the United States and beyond. The museum is identified with initiatives that involve wide-ranging artists, ideas, and media, as well as those that explore compelling issues of contemporary culture and society. The topics and artists represented in its exhibitions and accompanying publications provide creative opportunities for the interdisciplinary programming that has become a signature of KAM.

KAM is a passionately engaged partner in the intellectual work of the campus, involving students and faculty in research and development of exhibitions and museum publications, organizing interdisciplinary workshops and other exhibition programming, and inviting renowned artists and scholars to campus. Most of KAM’s exhibitions and projects actively involve faculty, students, and staff as initiators, partners, and subjects. Increasing KAM’s integration into the curriculum and enlisting more of the intellectual assets of the campus into the museum’s exhibition and educational objectives are major priorities.

Primary Position Function/Summary:

The Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art reports to the director and will have two other curatorial colleagues (Curator of African Art and Curator of American and European Art). This individual contributes to the conceptualization and realization of KAM’s vision, mission, and strategic directions. The incumbent will be able to develop and execute innovative and well-researched exhibitions, collection installations, and multidisciplinary projects for KAM’s modern and contemporary program. S/he shapes the collection by conducting research, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and soliciting acquisitions through gifts and purchases. Additionally, the ideal candidate will embrace and advance KAM’s commitment to greater academic integration through dynamic curricular (and extra-curricular) collaborations with students, faculty, and staff.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:
In addition to the primary functions identified above, required duties include:

1. Conduct research and publish original material related to KAM’s exhibitions, collection, and other museum-related initiatives.
2. Maintain an active professional presence through participation in scholarly conferences, juries, and grant panels.
3. Develop interpretive materials for KAM exhibitions, collection installations, and other projects.
4. Write grant proposals and assist with fundraising efforts.
5. Develop creative academic and public programming.
6. Build strong relationships and exchange information with colleagues across campus and from other universities and cultural/arts institutions, as well as with alumni, artists, scholars, experts, collectors, and donors.
7. Coordinate guest-curated exhibitions, including faculty and student collaborations.
8. Give lectures and other public presentations on campus and off campus.
9. Help determine collection and conservation policies and priorities.
10. Develop and administer budgets and schedules related to curatorial projects.
11. Develop and implement goals related to the visitor experience.
12. Train interns, volunteers, and docents as needed.

Position Requirements and Qualifications:

Master’s degree in art history, curatorial studies, or related area is required (a PH.D. degree in modern/contemporary art history is preferred). The qualified candidate will have three to five years of curatorial experience in a museum/non-profit venue and/or as an independent curator. Candidates should have: demonstrated curatorial abilities; critical writing skills that allow publication of scholarly material; excellent verbal, interpersonal, administrative, and organizational skills are required as well as the ability to work independently and as part of a team. This position requires an extensive knowledge of international contemporary art, art history, and theory as well as a working knowledge of the national and international artist, gallery, and philanthropic worlds.

Appointment Status: This is a full-time, 12-month academic professional position.

Salary: Commensurate with experience and includes an excellent benefits package.

Proposed Starting Date: As soon as possible after the closing date

Application Deadline: April 11, 2014

Application Procedure: To ensure full consideration, all candidates must complete an online application at jobs.illinois.edu prior to the application deadline. Qualified candidates must upload a letter of application, resume, and contact information (name, address, telephone number, and email address) for three current professional references. Interviews may take place prior to the closing date; however no decision will be made until after that date. Individuals with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

For additional information regarding the application procedures, please contact:

Heidi Hardenbrook
Krannert Art Museum Human Resources
217-333-8305 (phone)
hhardenb@illinois.edu

The University of Illinois is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and ideas who embrace and value diversity and inclusivity. (www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu)

Additionally, this position is security sensitive. All finalists for this position will require a background check and final offers will be contingent upon the results of the background checks. The university ensures that all background checks are held in compliance with all federal and state statutes, and campus policy. Information attained from background check will be kept strictly confidential. Finalists will have the right to request a copy of the report the University receives.