Curator [San Jose Museum of Art, CA]

Description

The San Jose Museum of Art seeks a curator with an interest in innovative curatorial approaches, collaborative ventures, and community engagement.  The ideal candidate will have a thorough knowledge of contemporary art as well as a strong art-historical background, with six to eight years of experience in the field and established peer networks. Excellent organizational, research, and communication skills; a commitment to diversity and cultural context; a proven track record of publications and projects of note; successful grant writing and donor cultivation; and prior budget management are required. The ideal candidate will have broad interests in art, architecture, and design as well as in multi-disciplinary approaches. He/she will be a strong, open team player able to develop, lead, and manage new strategic initiatives.

The San Jose Museum of Art is a modern and contemporary art museum that reflects the diverse cultures and innovative spirit of Silicon Valley. The Museum fosters awareness of artists’ broad contributions to society: it engages general audiences with the art of our time and the vitality of the creative process. SJMA presents ca. ten exhibitions a year, (including thematic installations of its growing permanent collection) and ca. 50 public programs, ranging from lectures and panel discussions to DIY workshops. SJMA is an acknowledged leader in interpretive practices, including the creative use of technology for in-gallery education.

The curator will collaborate with the deputy director for curatorial affairs, the assistant curator, and curatorial associate.

Summary Job Description:  The Curator participates in the organization, contract development, and implementation of exhibitions and special projects, and s/he participates with colleagues in related grant writing, fund development, and interpretive programming.  The Curator works as a team player, in concert with the curatorial, education, marketing, development and related departments; and, with the curatorial team, stewards the Acquisitions Committee.

The Curator works collaboratively with the members of the curatorial department, the Deputy Director for Curatorial Affairs, and with the Executive Director to shape an exhibition schedule that addresses the Museum’s strategic priorities and the full range of the Museum’s mission.

Responsibilities:

• Conceive, develop, plan, and organize well-researched, timely, and cross-disciplinary special exhibitions that have the potential to circulate nationally and that fulfill SJMA’s strategic priorities and goals for community engagement. Author the related didactic materials, essays, and web and print catalogs.
• With special attention to audience needs, and in close collaboration with the Executive Director, Deputy Director and curators, contributes to a dynamic multi-year exhibition schedule that represents the full range of the Museum’s mission and showcases the permanent collection.
• Organizes a balance of historical modernist projects and contemporary exhibitions; accessible projects and innovative endeavors; exhibitions of national/international scope and those of regional significance.
• Advance the Museum’s advocacy for diversity and service to the arts community.
• Work closely with educators, the exhibitions department, and the development and marketing staffs to ensure successful implementation of exhibitions, opportunities for community partnerships, and outreach.
• Develop exhibition budgets to meet defined parameters.
• Formulate and implement plans for dynamic special projects, partnerships, and collaborations.
• Network actively with other curators and peer institutions to circulate SJMA-generated exhibitions and to maintain current knowledge of traveling exhibition opportunities.
• Establish and maintain close relationships with collectors, artists, and peers in the Bay Area, nationally and internationally.
• Assists the Deputy Director for Curatorial Affairs, Executive Director, and curators to steward the Acquisitions Committee process, recommending and researching works for acquisitions and deaccession.
• Participates with curatorial team planning programs and travel for the Council of 100, a donor support group, working in close collaboration with the development staff and Council chairs.
• Work with donors, collectors, Board members, galleries, and artists to generate donations and to develop a collection of the highest quality.
• Research and write copy for exhibition catalogues, programs, newsletters, gallery guides, interpretive materials, web site(s) and articles for publication.
• Present lectures for the public and peer groups.
• Serve on grant panels and in other professional consultancies; participate in community groups to build the Museum’s relationships with its audiences.

Minimum Qualifications:

Master’s degree in art history, museum studies or equivalent practical experience; a six to eight years related museum experience and/or training or equivalent combination of education and experience; thorough historical grounding in modern and contemporary art, and architecture and design; innovative and/or cross-disciplinary curatorial practice; excellent writing skills and a track record of  publication production; strong organizational, project planning, interpersonal and communication skills; successful grant writing and experience with development teams; a commitment to multi-cultural audiences and cultural diversity; a collaborative team player and team leader.

Special Requirements:    Ability to work evenings and weekends as required.

Department:                     Curatorial

Reports to:                        Deputy Director for Curatorial Affairs

Status:                              Full Time, exempt

Salary and benefits are competitive. Please email a cover letter, resume, at least three references, and recent writing samples to lgiraldo@sjmusart.org.

Requirements