Curator / Department Head (Contemporary Art)

POSITION TITLE/DEPARTMENT

Curator/Department Head
Contemporary Art Department

CLASSIFICATION/GRADE/SALARY RANGE

Full-time, Exempt
Salary, commensurate with experience

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Detroit Institute of Arts seeks a full-time Curator and Department Head of the James Pearson Duffy Department of Contemporary Art 1950 to the present. The Detroit Institute of Arts Contemporary Art collection is strong in post-World War II American art and includes more recent mixed media and new media works. The ideal candidate must be a high performer able to innovatively engage a broad audience through exhibitions of art from 1950 to the present and related public programs.

In addition, candidates must have a proven record and experience in the following areas: developing and managing a major art collection; planning strategic acquisitions; installing and managing permanent collection galleries; developing special exhibitions and related programs; researching toward original scholarship; cultivating patrons and fundraising; managing staff and budgets, and performing related departmental duties. Successful candidates must also be able to work collaboratively in a dynamic environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Oversee and manage the James Pearson Duffy Department of Contemporary Art 1950 to present;
• Create and implement a long-term vision for the museum that utilizes contemporary art to engage audiences in innovative ways;
• Conduct research on the museum’s collection and produce scholarly publications;
• Oversee and develop collection strategies and acquisition proposals;
• Propose and develop exhibitions, as well as related publications;
• Manage permanent collection galleries;
• Collaborate with the Collections Management staff to install artworks;
• Maintain collection records in accordance with DIA data and archival standards;
• In collaboration with the Conservation Department, regularly assess the conservation needs of the collection;
• Work collaboratively with educators in developing and producing interpretive strategies and materials for exhibitions and permanent gallery projects, as well as conduct training for gallery teachers and docents;
• Foster and maintain good working relationships with existing and potential patrons, trustees, and museum colleagues, as well as with the academic community, art dealers, and collectors;
• Engage donors, sponsors, and foundations in support of fundraising;
• Act as staff liaison to the Friends of Modern and Contemporary Art (FMCA) auxiliary support group;
• Conduct training, and develop presentations, lectures, and tours for enrichments to support museum activities and community relations.

QUALIFICATIONS

• M.A. in Art History or M.F.A.
• Extensive knowledge of twentieth and twenty-first century art, from 1950 to the present
• At least seven years of curatorial experience, with at least five years in museum administration
• Evidence of and commitment to original scholarship, with an outstanding record of research, publications, exhibitions, and acquisitions
• Experience with patron cultivation and management
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent working relationships with collectors, artists, gallerists, and scholars
• Exceptional writing skills and public-speaking ability
• Proficiency in foreign languages an asset

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Interested applicants for this position must submit a cover letter, resume/curriculum vitae, and writing sample online at www.dia.org. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

THE DETROIT INSTITUTE OF ARTS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER