Posted August 25, 2014.

The Utah Museum of Fine Arts is searching for an experienced, knowledgeable, collaborative, and audience-minded professional to serve as Chief Curator. Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Chief Curator will have responsibility for oversight of the curatorial department of the UMFA and, as a member of the senior management team, will play a leadership role in Museum-wide strategy and visioning. The Chief Curator will provide curatorial and administrative leadership to the Curatorial Department and oversee the development and implementation of visitor-centered curatorial projects and exhibitions, ensuring that the Museum’s artistic programming achieves the highest quality of scholarship and innovation. The Chief Curator will be an experienced educator and deeply committed to providing an outstanding visitor experience and to meeting the interests and needs of the UMFA’s diverse audiences both on campus and in the region. Additionally, the Chief Curator will be responsible for overseeing the management and growth of the UMFA’s collection of European (Medieval to early 20th Century) and American art (18th century to early 20th century) with an emphasis on regionalism and the art of the American West. The Chief Curator will conduct research on the collections, recommend acquisitions and deaccessions, develop relationships with donors and collectors, and lead the Museum’s collections planning.

Responsibilities:

Provide curatorial leadership and direction for the Museum by managing and motivating a dedicated staff and working collaboratively with others in the Museum, across campus and in the community.
Develop and curate rigorous exhibitions (large and small) using works of art from the UMFA’s collection as well as loaned objects.
Develop and implement a cohesive vision, strategy, and plan for the UMFA’s diverse collections and oversee the Museum’s collection of European and American works of art to benefit both the University community and the broader public.
Conduct original research and produce scholarship interpreting the UMFA’s European and American collections and related exhibitions.
Encourage and facilitate the use of UMFA resources and collaborative programming with University of Utah faculty and students. Assist faculty, students, scholars, docents, and members of the community in research of the UMFA’s collections and exhibitions.
Work with Museum staff to develop fundraising strategies for the European and American art collections, and develop and steward donor relationships to cultivate gifts to the Museum.
Interact, as needed, with the Museum’s Board of Directors and Collections & Program Committee.
Work with Development staff to oversee the Friends of Utah and Western Art, a donor affinity group aimed at supporting the UMFA’s regional art collection and exhibition program.
Collaborate with the Director of Education and Engagement and other Museum staff in the creation and management of interpretive strategies, publicity materials, and public programs for a variety of audiences.
Collaborate with collections staff to develop and implement preservation and conservation strategies of the highest professional standards for the UMFA collection.
Lecture on and lead tours of the Museum’s exhibitions and collections, and participate in other program activities related to the European and American art collection. Train docents and volunteers in specific content areas and museum best practices.
Perform administrative duties related to the functions of the position, including the management of budgets for exhibitions and programs.
Job Requirements
Minimum Qualifications:

Master’s Degree in Art History, Humanities, related field or equivalency, plus five years of curatorial experience required. Demonstrated knowledge of European and American art and participation in the national and international art and curatorial community. Demonstrated knowledge and experience with current museum and curatorial best practices; exhibition and program development and implementation; collection management and preservation principles; managerial and supervisory experience; demonstrated knowledge of budgetary best practices. Proven history of excellent scholarship, as well as excellent writing, communication, interpersonal, management and administrative skills. Desire to facilitate and motivate others in experimenting with new practices and ways of working to support a culture of innovation and collaboration.

Preferences:

PhD in Art History, or related field, strongly preferred.
Knowledge of art of the American West and regional art of Utah and an interest and ability to relate those narratives to the broader scope of Western art history.
Teaching experience at the University level.
Excellent working relationships with colleagues in the field, including collectors, artists, gallerists, critics, and scholars.
Demonstrated integrity in all professional matters.
Enjoys working with students, docents, college interns, volunteers, and general audiences.
APPLY FOR THIS JOB
Contact Person: Send Cover Letter and CV to UMFA Human Resources
Email Address: UMFAJobs@umfa.utah.edu