The Menil Collection seeks a Curator of Collections dedicated to the research and interpretation of the museum’s holdings of non-Western art, most specifically those areas encompassing the cultures of Africa, Oceania, and the American Pacific Northwest.

The Curator of Collections will supervise research and publication of works of non-Western Art, undertake original research, and provide scholarly contributions to publications and gallery texts.  The Curator will be called to plan and implement internally generated exhibitions and oversee traveling exhibitions.  In collaboration with the Menil’s Director, the curatorial team, and the Collections Committee, the Curator will propose donations, purchases, and help define and uphold the Menil’s collection priorities.  The Curator with work closely with other members of the Menil staff such as the Director of Advancement to identity and secure funding sources and grants, and the Director of Public Programs to generate programs that highlight the Menil’s strengths in non-Western art to the Houston community and beyond.  The Curator of Collections will be expected to develop and maintain a strong network of national and international contacts including curators, collectors, dealers, museum directors, and artists.

Considered one of the most important privately assembled collections of the twentieth century, the Menil Collection houses approximately seventeen thousand paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, photographs, and rare books. Masterpieces from antiquity, Byzantium and the medieval period, the cultures of Africa, Oceania, and the American Pacific Northwest and the twentieth century, including significant surrealist and post World War II holdings, are particularly well represented.

Qualifications: Master’s degree or Ph.D. in art history with expertise in non-Western art as described above; survey knowledge of modern and pre-20th century art is also desired.  Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively as a team member required.  Five years museum experience with a demonstrated record of scholarly research and publications, as well as experience organizing exhibitions strongly desired.  Curators with an academic background and experience with broad collections are encouraged to apply.  Reading and/or conversation skills in at least one European language preferred.

Interested candidates should submit a resume, two writing samples, and a list of professional references to:  Director of Human Resources, The Menil Collection, 1511 Branard Street, Houston, Texas 77006.  Application materials may also be emailed to smmaloch@menil.org.