Assistant Curator, Exhibitions, Photography [San Francisco Museum of Modern Art]

Assistant Curator, Exhibitions, Photography

Art transforms lives. It provokes us to think, to express, to explore our own creativity, to envision new possibilities. SFMOMA is expanding the museum to provide a better experience for our visitors and a better home for our expanding collections, including the SFMOMA collection and the Fisher Collection, one of the finest collections of contemporary art in the world. The new SFMOMA, designed in collaboration with the architecture firm Snøhetta, is scheduled to open in 2016. With this project, we are transforming not just the museum’s physical presence, but also our contributions to the community, enhancing SFMOMA’s role as a place for learning, inspiration, and interaction for visitors from the Bay Area and beyond. We are making SFMOMA a magnet for contemporary art and for the audiences who will engage with it.

Under the direction of the Curator, Contemporary Photography, the Assistant Curator is primarily responsible for assisting in the development and management of special exhibitions. The Assistant Curator is also responsible for supporting the growth and interpretation of the permanent collection.

• Assist the Senior Curator; Curator; Curator, Contemporary Photography; and Associate Curator with major special exhibitions and accompanying catalogues including research; managing loans; writing object labels, wall text, press releases, and grant proposals, etc. Head and/or facilitate interdepartmental communication, working closely with exhibitions, registration, installation, conservation, education, marketing, development, publications, and graphic design departments.
• Conceive, propose, and organize small-scale loan exhibitions, and/or permanent collection installations. Participate in the New Work exhibition program.
• Oversee installation of travelling exhibitions, as assigned.
• Working with curatorial colleagues, recommend acquisitions in support of the departmental strategy for accessions.
• Lead research of Permanent Collection in area of expertise, under supervision of Curator.
• Act as spokesperson for the department and museum. Present lectures and walkthroughs to docents, visitors, and special groups.
• Foster and maintain strong relationships with the community, including artists, dealers, scholars, museum colleagues, collectors, donors, and trustees.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Training: Possession of Master’s or PhD degree in art history with major course work in the history of photography required. Proven ability in a second language.

Work Experience:  Three to five years’ museum experience, or equivalent.

Skills and Abilities: Commitment to scholarship in photography at the highest level. Demonstrated ability to work with different kinds of people, especially with colleagues and collectors but also with donors, artists, and the general public.  Superb oral and written communication skills essential. Excellent research skills, and ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines. Strong organizational skills: ability to prioritize and organize multiple activities. Proficiency in standard office equipment and software. Familiarity with collection management databases required: Embark experience a plus. 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Physical Demands:  Must be able to physically inspect art works.

Special Environmental Factors:  Close office setting.