MARIE AND HUGH HALFF JR. CURATOR OF AMERICAN ART

Title: Marie and Hugh Halff Jr. Curator of American Art
Job Location:  San Antonio Museum of Art – SAN ANTONIO, TX
Department: Curatorial
Reports To: Chief Curator
Job Type: Full-time | Exempt
Pay: $65,000-$90,000, commensurate with experience
Deadline: No deadline specified on the listing

Job Summary

The San Antonio Museum of Art seeks a dynamic and engaging individual to serve as the next Marie and Hugh Halff Jr. Curator of American Art. Reporting to the Chief Curator, the Halff Curator oversees the museum’s American Art collection, which comprises more than 1,500 works representing major artists and developments in the United States from the late 18th to early 20th century, primarily in painting, decorative arts, works on paper, and photography. The Halff Curator also holds curatorial responsibility for the European Art collection, including the renowned Rowan Collection of Irish silver. The position is offered at open rank, and candidates at all stages of their careers are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Oversees the proper care, conservation, installation, and maintenance of the American and European Art collections
• Shapes the vision for the collections with the Director and Chief Curator, including long-range strategic planning
• Enhances the collection through acquisitions and loans
• Conducts research and produces collection-related publications
• Develops and implements a balanced exhibitions program
• Presents an expansive narrative of American and European art in collaboration with Curatorial colleagues
• Works with Collections and Exhibits Departments on digitization, conservation, loan assessments, and scholar access
• Partners with Development on fundraising and cultivation
• Works with Education to create public programs and docent training
• Collaborates with Marketing to produce content for the collections
• Develops and manages project budgets with the Chief Curator and Finance
• Represents SAMA publicly, engaging with board members, donors, officials, and the community
• Builds partnerships with community organizations
• Maintains relationships with museum professionals and dealers
• Travels nationally and internationally for research and development
• Lectures, publishes, and participates in conferences supporting SAMA’s mission
• Supervises or mentors interns, fellows, and junior curatorial staff

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Passion for art and commitment to best museum practices
• Professional, collaborative, and strategic approach
• Strong organizational and management skills
• Adaptability in short- and long-term projects
• Strong art historical research skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication across diverse audiences
• Competence with collection and digital asset management tools

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of curatorial experience in an accredited arts institution
• M.A. in Art History, American Studies, or related field; Ph.D. strongly preferred

Physical Requirements

• Working onsite in a historic building on a 12+ acre campus
• Walking, bending, climbing, stooping, and lifting up to 35 pounds
• Ability to sit and stand for long periods
• Ability to climb stairs and work in a multi-level building

Benefits (Eligible Employees)

• Health Insurance (low-cost employee-only options)
• Dental, Vision, Life Insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability
• 403(b) with 5% employer contribution after 1 year
• Paid Time Off, Sick Time, and Holidays

About the San Antonio Museum of Art

The San Antonio Museum of Art serves as a forum for exploring art across world cultures, periods, and genres. Its nearly 30,000-object collection spans 5,000 years, with particular strengths in arts of the Americas, ancient Mediterranean art, Asian art, and contemporary art.

San Antonio is the seventh-largest city in the U.S. and among the fastest-growing. The Museum, housed in the historic Lone Star Brewery on the Museum Reach of the River Walk, is committed to highlighting the city’s cultural heritage. SAMA hosts hundreds of events annually—concerts, performances, tours, lectures, symposia, and interactive programs—and plays an important civic role in enriching the region’s cultural life and supporting its creative community.