Curator of Works on Paper

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Position: The Allen and Kelli Questrom Curator of Works on Paper

Reports to: Chief Curator
Department: Curatorial
Classification: Exempt, Full-time, M-F, 9am to 5pm
Benefits: Full Museum Benefits
Salary: $70,000

Mission: The Dallas Museum of Art is a space of wonder and discovery where art comes alive.

The DMA will: Place art and our diverse communities at the center around which all activities radiate.
Pursue excellence in collecting and programming, present works of art across cultures and time, and be a driving force in contemporary art.

Strengthen our position as a prominent, innovative institution, expanding the meaning and possibilities of learning and creativity.

About the Dallas Museum of Art
Established in 1903, the Dallas Museum of Art (DMA) is among the 10 largest art museums in the country and is distinguished by its commitment to research, innovation, and public engagement. At the heart of the Museum and its programs is its global collection, which encompasses more than 25,000 works and spans 5,000 years of history, representing a full range of world cultures. Located in the heart of the nation’s largest arts district, the Museum welcomes some 750,000+ visitors annually and acts as a catalyst for community creativity, engaging people of all ages and backgrounds with a diverse spectrum of programming, from exhibitions and lectures to concerts, literary events, and dramatic and dance presentations. In January 2013, the DMA returned to a free general admission. For more information, visit DMA.org.?The Dallas Museum of Art is supported, in part, by the generosity of Museum Partners and donors and by the citizens of Dallas through the City of Dallas/Office of Cultural Affairs and the Texas Commission on the Arts.

Desired Qualifications:

The Dallas Museum of Art seeks a promising and dynamic scholar in the field of art history to become the inaugural Allen and Kelli Questrom Curator of Works on Paper. We look to hire a team-oriented colleague who will promote, interpret, build, and care for all aspects of the collection, which encompasses works on paper from all collecting areas of the institution with strengths in prints and drawings from Europe, Asia, the Americas, and time periods from the 15th century to today. The Curator of Works on Paper will be an active participant in executing the Museum’s Strategic Plan, including diversifying and reinterpreting the collection through strategic acquisitions, gallery installations, exhibition development, publications, presentations, and audience engagement.
Candidates should demonstrate excellent research, writing, and speaking skills, as well as the ability to manage complex projects effectively and to attract as well as deepen relationships with donors and supporters. They should demonstrate a breadth of knowledge, connoisseurship, and experience in their specialty, as well as a willingness to gain new expertise. Candidates should be committed to exploring the changing nature of art museums and their relationship to diverse audiences.

Scope of Position:
The position of Allen and Kelli Questrom Curator of Works on Paper is a new position for the Dallas Museum of Art and will be responsible for directing the overall collections, exhibitions, programs, and material resources of the works on paper collection, comprised of almost 6000 works. Working in partnership with the Curatorial, Education, Exhibitions, Publications, Collections Management, Marketing and Communications, and Development departments, The Allen and Kelli Questrom Curator of Works on Paper will support the mission and artistic program of the Dallas Museum of Art and will serve as an advocate of the Museum locally, nationally, and internationally with a high degree of integrity and professionalism.

Essential Functions:

Actively directs acquisitions, exhibitions, research, and publications related to the works on paper collection.
Supports the acquisitions program for the department with a goal to enhance and deepen the range and quality of WOP collection through purchases and gifts. Acquisitions must represent the highest standards of connoisseurship and be acquired in accordance with the policies and procedures of the DMA and national and international laws.
Develops major exhibition and publication projects that tour nationally and internationally; conducts research and exhibition preparation and coordination, and solicits loans; ensures that projects are of the highest quality and are managed within project budgets and timelines.
Maintains an active regional, national, and international presence and sustains a comprehensive network of dealers, curators, collectors, and private and foundation funding entities.
Develops and maintains advantageous relationships with the community of artists, dealers, museum colleagues, professional organizations, collectors, trustees, and friends of the Museum so as to enhance the DMA’ s position and relevance locally, nationally, and internationally.
Conducts research for exhibitions, publications, and the documentation of the DMA’s Works on Paper collection.
Authors and edits publications, including exhibition and collection catalogues of the highest scholarly standards and international significance.
Conceives and organizes installations of the DMA’s collections, including the supporting publications and interpretive resources.
Encourages the development and cultivation of private collections within the Dallas community with the goal of enhancing the Museum’s holdings by partial, promised, and outright gifts of art.
Plays an active role within the Curatorial Division by participating on interdivisional teams to further the goals and programs of the Museum.
Collaborates with the divisions of Education, Conservation, Collections Management, Design and Interpretation, and Exhibitions and Publications to assure communication and completion of institutional projects within defined budgets and timelines.
Supports key institutional initiatives.
Supports the conservation needs and treatment program for works on paper in the collection in partnership with the Conservation Department.
Assures that the collection records for the Works on Paper collection are accurate and updated within The Museum System (TMS).
Collaborates with the Education and Design and Interpretation Departments to develop and present resources and programs relating to the interpretation of the collections and special exhibitions for the public, including gallery texts, publications, lectures, electronic media, and docent training.
Assists with fundraising and public relations efforts to support and promote departmental and Museum activities through intensive collaboration with the Development Division and specific collections support groups.
Actively works with Marketing and Communications Division in press relations and public appearances, as well as on a variety of media, both broadcast and print.
Conforms to the AAMD code of ethics governing the art museum profession.
Continues professional development, including research and publication, lectures, symposia, and participation in museum and arts organizations.

Requirements

Other Responsibilities:

Works with other departments to develop operating, exhibition, and program budgets, and assists in monitoring and maintaining budget responsibility for the department and its projects.
Collaborates with the divisions of Collections Management, Conservation, Exhibitions, Publications, Design and Interpretation, and Education to assure communication and completion of institutional projects within a defined budget and audience focus.
Adheres to Museum policies and supports management decisions in a positive, professional manner.

Education, Experience, and Certification

MA in Art History, or comparable field; PhD preferred
5+ years curatorial experience working in a museum or equivalent institution, specifically in the area of prints and drawings
Reading proficiency in language(s) related to area of expertise preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Proven record of organizing exhibitions
History of scholarly publications including exhibition catalogues and essays
Ability to work collaboratively on projects with internal and external teams
Ability and initiative to recommend solutions and solve problems

Our Core Values
Act with Integrity: Be open, honest, and ethical.
Communicate Openly: Be constructive, transparent, and respectful.
Build Inclusivity: Diverse backgrounds make us stronger.
Join Forces: Support collaboration and unity.
Work Passionately: Be fearless, creative, and solutions driven.
Embrace and Drive Change: Be nimble, there is always a way to yes.
Invest in Each Other: Pursue learning.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy
The Dallas Museum of Art fosters equity, celebrates diversity, and supports inclusion. We acknowledge that diverse backgrounds and voices of visitors, volunteers, trustees, staff, and communities represented in the collection make us stronger and better equipped to make positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally.

Equity
Society’s historical legacies and systemic barriers have created disparities in the communities we serve. Knowing this, we strive to expand and enhance arts opportunities for all.

Diversity
Many factors—including but not limited to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetics, economic backgrounds, and experiences—make individuals and groups unique. Our goal is to ensure visitors, volunteers, trustees, staff, and collections reflect this diversity.

Inclusion
We commit to listening to and learning from diverse voices and perspectives. We create a vibrant and accessible social space that encourages dialogue and the exchange of ideas through arts and culture.

EOE
The Dallas Museum of Art is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The DMA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.