deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum is seeking a dynamic Associate Curator passionate about contemporary art and sculpture to join the Curatorial team. This position will report directly to the Chief Curator and Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs, and work closely with the Registrar, Curatorial Fellow, Preparators and other members of the curatorial team in the planning and implementing of exhibitions, and research, interpretation and acquisition for the Permanent Collection.  The Associate Curator represents the Museum to a local, national, and international community to promote the institution and its programs.

 

General Areas of Responsibility with Specific Duties:

 

  1.  Permanent Collection
  • Assists the Chief Curator in all aspects of the preparation, presentations, research, cataloguing, preservation, and interpretation of the collection. Conducts research on pending and future acquisitions
  • Presents at meetings of the Board and Curatorial Programming Committee

 

  1. Exhibitions
  • Conceptualizes, organizes and coordinates exhibits, both with other curators and independently.  Related tasks include:

o   Writing essays for publications and preparing  checklists and exhibition didactics

o   Assisting with developing and implementing public programming related to exhibitions with Learning and Engagement Department

o   Working with External Affairs to identify exhibition funding opportunities and the writing of grants

o   Assisting the Registrar in the coordination of loans

o   Presenting gallery talks and lectures to the public, donors, and Museum Guides

o   Working with artists to develop proposals and facilitate projects

  •  Assists with planning and overseeing Sculpture Park installations

 

  1. General Museum Responsibilities
  • Continually expands personal knowledge base of new contemporary artists and the art community both regionally and nationally for the curatorial team in order to enrich the breadth of the deCordova’s work in acquisitions and exhibitions and be an active leader in scholarship in the field.
  • Interacts with the general public, staff, and donors, during and outside the Museum’s regular business hours
  • Researches and writes for the contemporary art field
  • Assists with the stewardship of donors
  • Contributes to and assist in the maintenance of the collection database.  Prepares scholarly materials for new acquisitions and works not previously catalogued
  • Participates in the establishment, submittal, and monitoring of the departmental and project budgets.  Ensures projects under her/his direct control are appropriately budgeted and budgets are managed to meet goals.  Apprises DDCA and Finance Department of any variances in a timely manner
  • Mentors and oversees interns and volunteers under his/her supervision
  • Publishing, lecturing, teaching, jurying, curating, and participation in symposia are encouraged as guided by the museum’s ethics policy and approved by the Chief Curator

Qualifications:

 

 

  • Must have an understanding, high level of interest and extensive knowledge of the contemporary art field and experience working in the art community on a local and national level; knowledge and interest in sculpture preferred
  • Master of Arts degree or Ph.D. candidate in Art History or in a related field
  • Three to five years curatorial experience in a museum preferred
  • Demonstrated record of curatorial creativity and leadership
  • Excellent written, verbal communication, and research skills
  • Attention to detail; excellent organizational skills.
  • Ability to speak well publicly to large and small groups
  • Ability to work well with staff, donors, volunteers and the art community
  • Ability to multitask, work well under pressure, meet demanding deadlines
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite software (esp. Word, Excel, Power Point)
  • Communicates clearly and constructively to colleagues and the public
  • Self-directed; ability to take initiative and be a leader, anticipate actions needed
  • Team player with a positive attitude that supports departmental and institutional goals

How To Apply:

Interested individuals should send a cover letter and resume to: hr@decordova.org.

When applying by email, include “Associate Curator” in subject line of email.  Applications may be mailed to: deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, Attn:  Human Resources, 51 Sandy Pond Road, Lincoln, MA 01773.  Please, no phone calls.

Apply by:
February 06, 2015