Senior Curator of Contemporary Art

John and Barbara Vogelstein Senior Curator of Contemporary Art – Brooklyn Museum, New York, USA

Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Salary: $126,072 per year
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 9 am–5 pm (35 hours per week)
Reports to: Director of Curatorial Affairs

About the Role

The Brooklyn Museum is seeking an experienced and visionary curator specializing in contemporary art to lead its contemporary art program. As the John and Barbara Vogelstein Senior Curator of Contemporary Art, you will oversee the development, interpretation, and presentation of the museum’s contemporary art collection, organizing innovative exhibitions and expanding the collection with works of cultural and artistic significance. This role plays a key part in advancing the museum’s mission of promoting personal transformation and social change through art.

Key Responsibilities

1. Collections and Exhibitions:
   • Expand and deepen the museum’s contemporary art collection.
   • Organize exhibitions that challenge and expand artistic canons.
   • Collaborate with other departments on innovative collection-related projects.
   • Conduct advanced research on the collection, acquisitions, and loans.
2. Community and Public Engagement:
   • Engage with diverse audiences to amplify voices, narratives, and perspectives.
   • Partner with local communities and artists to align exhibitions with the museum’s mission.
   • Support public and educational programming that increases the collection’s visibility.
3. Fundraising and Donor Relations:
   • Cultivate relationships with donors and secure grants to support acquisitions and exhibitions.
   • Collaborate with trustees and the development team to generate funding.
4. Institutional Leadership:
   • Serve as a key member of the curatorial team, working closely with the museum’s leadership.
   • Supervise and mentor the Curatorial Assistant and interns.
   • Promote DEIA principles within the curatorial program and the museum’s initiatives.

Qualifications

Required Skills and Experience:

• Education: MA or PhD in art history or a related field preferred.
• Experience: 7–10 years as a curator, with significant exhibitions and publications.
• Knowledge: Strong expertise in contemporary art, with a critical understanding of race, class, ability, and gender in art history and institutional contexts.
• Leadership: Proven success in conceptualizing curatorial strategies and mentoring staff.
• Collaboration: Strong ability to work with diverse teams, donors, and community stakeholders.
• Fundraising: Demonstrable success in donor cultivation and grant writing.

Preferred Skills:

• Advanced degree in a relevant field.
• Fluency in multiple languages for broader research and collaboration.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid time off, including holidays, vacation, and personal days.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Access to museum events and activities.