Curator [Colgate University]

Reporting to the Director of University Museums, the curator (open rank) of collections of the Longyear Museum of Anthropology is responsible for, but not limited to, the study, care, use, interpretation, scholarship, publication and management of the Lonyear Museum’s collection in its current facility, in anticipation of an envisioned Center for Art and Culture (CAC), designed by architect David Adjaye and to be located in downtown Hamilton, New York. An exciting time in Colgate’s history, the newly conceived Center for Art and Culture will become home to two university museums with distinctive missions: the Lonyear Museum of Anthropology and the Picker Art Gallery. These distinguished university museums play a significant role in the teaching mission and the reputation of one of the country’s leading liberal arts universities, with a student population of about 2,850 and a faculty of 300. The Longyear Museum of Anthropology is located on Colgate University’s beautiful campus in Hamilton, New York. Its collection features approximately 16,000 objects, including extensive collections of indigenous peoples of the Americas and Africa.

The level of the appointment will be based on the years of experience and capabilities of the successful candidate.

Please visit the Museum’s website at: http://www.colgate.edu/campus-life/arts-on-campus/longyear-museum.

– To support the teaching mission of the university and the museum, work closely with faculty of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, the Africana and Latin American Studies Program, the Native American Studies Program, and other related academic units to facilitate access to the collections and the use of the objects in teaching. This may include bringing materials into the classroom, as well as facilitating visits by groups of students to exhibits and storage facilities where objects are curated. Facilitate access to the collections by students doing advanced research utilizing these materials.

– Work closely with members of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology to develop exhibits which support and enhance the curriculum, which are linked to specific courses and topics, and which respond to changing priorities in the teaching of Anthropology.

– In collaboration with the director of university museums and staff members, implement best practice in the areas of curatorship, collection development, exhibitions, and research. Direct and support the museum’s daily curatorial programs, maintain contacts with scholars, museum professionals and collecting institutions.

– Develop and manage an active exhibition and public educational program, help develop a vision for collection, evaluate current standards of collection care, assess preventative conservation goals for the museum, maintain collection records, and be responsible for proposing acquisitions and deaccessions.

– Represent the museum at professional organizations, assist and work with the director, building committee, Colgate faculty and Hamilton constituencies in regard to the envisioned CAC. Responsibilities also include the development and implementation of strategic goals, policies, and objectives related to collection and exhibition management, which adhere to the highest museum standards and best practices. Engage Colgate’s students and faculty while working closely with the educator and senior curator of collections at the Picker Art Gallery.

– In coordination with the director of university museums, supervise the curatorial assistant who will also report to the senior curator of collections at the Picker Art Gallery, collections management (registrars), installation (preparator) students (work- study and interns) when working at and with the Longyear Museum of Anthropology collection, and interact with museum staff, students, faculty, collectors, donors, volunteers, and the public.

– MA in Anthropology; MA in other related fields of expertise is also welcome.

– All candidates must have a minimum of 3 years museum and curatorial experience working with anthropological collections. The successful candidate’s experience ideally includes a proven record in one or more of the following: exhibitions; anthropological collection building; publications; or knowledge in collections management software.

– The successful candidate ideally has administrative experience; excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills; the ability to work effectively in a leadership position within a collaborative environment; and proven experience in grant writing.

– Must be capable of working collegially with a diverse group of faculty, staff and students on a daily basis.

– Experience in a university museum setting preferred.

– PhD or equivalent desirable.

Applicants are required to provide a brief sample of writing that demonstrates their abilities (ex: published essays, brochure text) along with a cover letter, resume and list of professional references.

Colgate takes great pride in sustaining a collaborative work environment that provides a comprehensive total rewards benefit package. Colgate is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to attracting and retaining a diverse faculty, staff, and student population. We strive to be an inclusive community, one that embraces and explores difference in an environment of mutual respect, communication and engagement. Women and candidates from historically underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply.

Applications should be submitted through Colgate’s career site at https://careers.colgate.edu.

Recruitment will continue until the position is filled.