Curator of Collections

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Transforming Lives

The University of Miami is among the top research universities and academic medical centers in the nation, and one of the largest private employers in South Florida.

With more than 16,000 faculty and staff, the University strives for excellence, and is driven by a powerful mission to transform and impact the lives of its students, patients, members of the community, and people across the globe.

The University is committed to fostering a culture of belonging, where everyone feels valued and has the opportunity to add value. Through values of Diversity, Integrity, Responsibility, Excellence, Compassion, Creativity, and Teamwork (DIRECCT) the U community works together to create an environment driven by purpose, excellence, community, and service.

The Lowe Art Museum has an exciting opportunity for a full-time Curator of Collections to work in Coral Gables, FL.

Reporting to the Lowe Art Museum’s Director and Chief Curator, the Curator will play a key role in developing and implementing the Lowe’s temporary exhibition program in addition to conducting original scholarly research, cultivating campus and community stakeholders, and co-creating engaging public programs. The Curator will assist with the care and curation of the Museum’s extensive permanent collection, ensure that the Lowe maintains the highest possible professional standards, and advance the institution’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, Inclusion, and Belonging.

Champions the Lowe’s strategic initiatives and vision, providing enthusiastic leadership that strengthens the Museum and contributes to a positive, affirming workplace culture.
Works interdepartmentally to develop and coordinate multi-year exhibition calendars as well as associated production schedules.
Collaboratively engages colleagues from across the Lowe as well as the University and further afield to conceive and develop permanent collection displays and temporary exhibitions that enhance our campus and our community’s understanding of the Lowe and its collections. This includes facilitating faculty-curated, permanent-collection displays and temporary exhibitions at the Museum.
Develops and oversees exhibition- and collections-related budgets.
Works closely with the Lowe’s Exhibitions Services team on all exhibition-related details, including (but not limited to) copyright/rights & reproduction, fine art photography, gallery didactics, catalogue production, exhibition design, preparator supervision, and/or contractor oversight.
Researches, drafts, and edits written materials for Lowe exhibitions, including (but not limited to) wall labels, wall texts, brochures, catalogues, audio guide scripts, and digital content.
Works closely with Lowe Communications Specialist to develop marketing plans for temporary exhibitions as well as permanent collection displays.
Lectures on and leads tours of permanent collection displays and temporary exhibitions.
Conducts research (including provenance research) and produces/publishes original scholarship related to the Lowe’s permanent collection.
Assists with collections management database (TMS) and object files oversight.
Assists faculty, students, scholars, volunteer guides, and members of the wider community with inquiries related to the Lowe’s permanent collection.
In concert with Lowe Exhibitions and Collection Services staff, curates and promotes traveling exhibitions drawn from the Museum’s permanent collection.
Assists with the implementation of the Lowe’s Collections Management Plan.
Researches and make recommendations on new acquisitions for the Lowe’s permanent collection.
Collaborates with Lowe Education Department to create and implement interpretive strategies, publicity materials, and public programs related to the permanent collection for a variety of audiences.
Provides Lowe Education Department with substantive input and training support related to the Lowe’s permanent collection displays and temporary exhibitions for volunteer guides and UM students.
Works with colleagues to develop collections access initiatives for both scholars and the community at large.
Participates in Lowe Advisory Council meetings and supports its Collection Committee.
Collaborates with Development and Alumni Relations staff to identify appropriate fundraising opportunities, cultivate prospects, and formulate as well as implement agreed-upon strategies. This includes identifying and applying for grants (as well as related PI responsibilities).
Maintains active, productive relationships with artists, gallerists, lenders, donors, and professional colleagues locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.
Represents Lowe at local, regional, national, and international arts initiatives, professional meetings, and events, as required.
Supports and, where appropriate, leads programmatic initiatives related to the Lowe’s Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, Inclusivity, and Belonging commitments.
Supervises the Curatorial Assistant as well as curatorial interns and student assistants.
Other duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree in Art History or Ph.D. preferred. Comparable experience will be considered.
Minimum five years’ experience in a museum environment. Any relevant education, certifications and/or work experience may be considered.
Demonstrated experience in exhibition development, publication development, and collections care.
Superior written and oral communications skills.
Effective presentation skills.
Reading and speaking skills in one or more foreign languages highly desirable.
Interest in and working knowledge of museum technologies, including in-gallery technological innovations and collection management software.
Ability to develop and maintain departmental budgets.
Excellent problem solving, planning, and organizational skills, with the ability to execute multiple projects and responsibilities simultaneously in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and process sensitive information with discretion.
Ability to operate computers and work with databases and assigned software, including Microsoft Office and TMS (The Museum System).
Ability to pass a criminal background check.
Regular attendance at the workplace is required. The majority of work is performed in a normal office environment not subject to extremes of noise, temperature, odor, etc.
Ability to operate computer, printer, photocopier, typewriter, fax machine, laminating machine, and other office equipment. Work involves extended sitting and computer use. Evening and weekend work required including at events.
Some local, regional, national, and international travel may be required.

The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law.

Job Status: Full time
Employee Type: Staff
Pay Grade: c106