Head Curator

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Colby College Museum of Art

Deadline: 20 June 2025 (priority consideration)
Location: Waterville, Maine, United States
Contract Type: Full-time, salaried
Department: Museum of Art
Reports To: Museum Director
Team Supervised: 5 full-time staff + student interns
Application Materials: Cover letter and resume

The Colby College Museum of Art is seeking a dynamic and strategic Head Curator to join its senior leadership team. This is a pivotal role for an experienced and imaginative professional to shape the curatorial vision, manage a growing collection and staff, and lead ambitious exhibition and publication programs. The Head Curator will directly report to the Museum Director and work collaboratively across departments to drive institutional goals, broaden access, and cultivate community and academic partnerships.

Eligibility Criteria

Education: Master’s degree in art history or related field
Experience: 7–10 years in arts, culture, or education; minimum 5 years in curatorial leadership roles, with at least 2 years managing full-time staff
Key Skills:
- Strong leadership, mentoring, and project management skills
- Demonstrated experience in exhibitions, collections research, publications, and fundraising
- Ability to communicate curatorial vision to diverse audiences
- Commitment to equity, access, and interdisciplinary collaboration

Key Responsibilities:

Direct planning and execution of 10–12 exhibitions annually, including traveling shows
Lead collections strategy, acquisitions, deaccessions, and stewardship of 11,000+ objects
Collaborate with the Lunder Institute for American Art and faculty to support interdisciplinary initiatives
Oversee scholarly publications and curatorial texts
Contribute to strategic planning, including new programs in conservation and art-in-public-spaces
Represent the museum locally, nationally, and internationally