Sonja Novak Koerner Senior Curator of Collections and Assistant Director of Curatorial Affairs

The Davis Museum at Wellesley College seeks highly skilled and dynamic applicants for the newly named Sonja Novak Koerner Senior Curator of Collections and Assistant Director for Curatorial Affairs A key leadership role, this position has both senior management and curatorial duties, and supervises direct reports and students.

The Koerner Senior Curator of Collections and Assistant Director for Curatorial Affairs reports to and works closely with the Director/Chief Curator, Lisa Fischman, to oversee all curatorial matters at the Davis: defining direction for the exhibition calendar and collections growth (permanent collections galleries and temporary exhibition spaces; policies and procedures; surveys and conservation priorities; acquisitions including gifts and purchases); advocating for, coordinating, and realizing richly exceptional exhibitions, publications, and programs that draw on and expand collecting strengths, enhance the mission of the institution, complement curricular goals, inspire students and faculty, and heighten the visibility of the Davis Museum in the regional, national, and international art spheres. Supervises the curatorial team, including education and public programs, and administers the department, including budgets and planning; coordinates closely with other Davis Museum departments, including Collections Care and Management, as well as with faculty, students, and staff on campus; and interacts with Wellesley alumnae, volunteers, and donors around the world.

QUALIFICATIONS
Ph.D. in Art History required. The ideal candidate will be a European specialist with recognized scholarly expertise and curatorial achievement, as well as demonstrated administrative competence, proven knowledge of curatorial and museum best practices, significant supervisory experience, 5-7 years of work in an art museum, a track record of substantial and inventive exhibitions, and publications of significance in the field.

The position requires: excellent oral and written communication skills, the ability to work effectively as a manager and to demonstrate leadership within a genuinely collaborative environment, organizational and interpersonal acumen, grant writing and administration experience, proficiency in a digital environment, flexibility, collegiality, cordiality, and a sense of humor. Travel and event attendance are required; other duties as assigned.

The successful candidate will join the staff of a museum at the center of the intellectual life of a vital undergraduate campus, and to be effective will possess a strong commitment to the unique orientation of the academic museum and to the teaching mission of the Davis.