Position: Curator or Associate Curator of European and Modern Art
Department: Curatorial
Closing Date: 2008-06-01
Position Description
Department: Curatorial
Reports to: Chief Curator
Supervises: Interns and Volunteers
Position Status: Full-time, exempt, Level C
Date: 4/17/08
Position Summary: This position is responsible for the care, development, and use of the Museum’s collection of European and Modern art and of The Scott M. Black Collection and The Albert Otten Collection. The incumbent shall translate the Collections and Exhibitions Goals of the Strategic Plan into specific projects in pursuit of the Museum’s mission.
Responsibilities:
Under the supervision of the Chief Curator, accurate, effective, and efficient completion of the following:
1. Effective development and enhancement of the Museum’s collection through acquisitions, research, and exhibition.
2. Effective publication of aspects of the Museum’s collection through catalogues, brochures, labels, and other avenues.
3. Effective provision of curatorial expertise for particular exhibitions (both internally and externally generated), including theme development, object selection, evaluation of external offerings, preparation of written materials, and plan of installation.
4. Effective provision of curatorial expertise for particular educational programs, including preparation of written materials, docent training, gallery talks and other lectures, and other assistance requested by the Education Department.
5. Effective service as a resource to various internal and external constituencies on matters of conservation, research, and display. Provide referrals on authentication and appraisals.
6. Development and implementation of a comprehensive program for conservation of the collection in collaboration with the Curatorial team and contract conservators.
7. Effective fund-raising, including grant writing, for particular projects (collection, exhibitions, and general) in conjunction with the Director of Development, Chief Curator, and the Director. Effective management of appropriate grants.
8. Regular monitoring of exhibition and project budgets as assigned by the Chief Curator.
9. Attendance at appropriate Board committee meetings (e.g., Collections and Friends of the Collection) to provide information and/or direct activities.
10. Supervision of curatorial interns and volunteers.
11. Cultivate donors with the goal of building strong collector base for benefit of the Museum.
12. Oversee loans to and from the collection in concert with other members of the Curatorial Division.
13. Effective service in other capacities as assigned by the Director or Chief Curator, including serving as the Museum’s representative in appropriate professional and community circles.
14. Comply with all PMA safety rules and procedures.
15. Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
1. M.A. in Art History (Ph.D. preferred), a record of scholarly achievement, with specialty in nineteenth- and twentieth- century art.
2. 2 to 4 years of professional curatorial experience.
3. Demonstrated experience in exhibition development, publication development, and standards of conservation.
4. Knowledge of and commitment to professional museum standards.
5. Superior organizational and communication skills.
6. Ability to work independently.
7. Ability to work cooperatively and productively with co-workers.
8. Ability to pass a criminal background check.
Please forward letter of interest, resume, and completed PMA job application (available on the website) by June 1, 2008 to:
Curator Search
Portland Museum of Art
Seven Congress Square
Portland ME 04101
The Portland Museum of Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Applications for this position require a completed PMA Job Application in addition to any materials requested above.