Posted July 31, 2014.

The ICA’s Barbara Lee Chief Curator leads and directs the curatorial programs of one of the oldest contemporary art institutions in the United States. Known as a civic and cultural anchor in Boston, the ICA presents and contextualizes outstanding contemporary art and artists to its audiences. The ICA has organized exhibitions of local, national, and international significance in contemporary art since its founding in 1936. Since opening its new Diller Scofidio + Renfro designed museum on Boston’s waterfront in 2006 – the city’s first new art museum building in 100 years – the ICA has received public and critical acclaim for its exhibitions, architecture, performing arts, teen programs and growing collection.

The Barbara Lee Chief Curator is responsible for overseeing the strategic development of all curatorial programs, and providing leadership and vision to the curatorial department and the institution. The Chief Curator works closely with ICA staff, Boards of Trustees and Overseers, and local, national and international artists, collectors, curators, galleries and organizations to enhance the ICA’s curatorial programs and reputation. S/he also works closely with the Exhibitions and Collection Committees of the Board of Trustees. The Chief Curator directs the timely development and presentation of innovative exhibitions and catalogues; conducts rigorous scholarly research; travels on behalf of and with the ICA; and participates in active and ongoing development and stewardship of key institutional relationships and funding sources. The Chief Curator is responsible for all stages of planning the museum’s exhibition program and for leading and managing the curatorial department.

The Chief Curator works closely with the Director and the Collection and Exhibitions Committees to build a permanent collection for the ICA, and to set a bold and balanced curatorial program. This includes but is not limited to researching ideas and artists; planning the exhibition schedule; writing catalogue essays; organizing the publication of catalogues; arranging and negotiating loans and travelling exhibitions; and coordinating installation and production schedules with artists and ICA staff.

The Chief Curator collaborates with other areas in the museum to ensure ongoing communication, coordination, and audience access, and actively works with other departments – including performing arts, development, special events and education – to develop and promote funding and educational and marketing opportunities that advance the ICA’s mission of connecting contemporary art and artists with audiences.

As a liaison between the field, the museum and its audiences, the Chief Curator maintains an active, wide and deep connection to the world of contemporary art and culture. In this regard, s/he will build and maintain contacts with other local, national, and international museum professionals, artists, gallerists and collectors.

The position reports to the Ellen Matilda Poss Director and is part of the senior management team.

Job Requirements
The candidate will have at least 5 years experience as a curator or senior curator. Other qualifications include previous museum experience organizing domestic and international loan exhibitions, travelling shows and building and maintaining collections; experience with publications; must have worked directly with artists on new works and specific projects; experience managing a department, collaborating across departments, and mentoring staff; an active interest in working with diverse communities including board members, donors, collectors and governance structures. The candidate must possess strong public speaking skills, an interest in civic and public artistic endeavors, and a passion for communicating and unpacking contemporary art to variety of audiences.

Interested candidates should send letter of interest, resume and salary history to jobs@icaboston.org. When applying include “Barbara Lee Chief Curator” in the subject line of email.

The ICA is an equal opportunity employer. We are located at 100 Northern Avenue, Boston and accessible by public transportation (Red Line and Silver Line).

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Email Address: jobs@icaboston.org