Job Description

The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco invites applications for the head of the Chinese Art department.  The Curator of Chinese Art will provide strong leadership in the research, interpretation, and presentation of the museum’s Chinese art collections, and will play a key role in the development of the collections. Reporting to the Deputy Director, Art and Programs, the Curator will supervise and collaborate with an Associate Curator.

The Chinese Art department encompasses an encyclopedic collection of Chinese ceramics including representations from every time period and every major kiln throughout China over 4,500 years; a collection of nearly 300 Chinese ritual bronzes, some approximately 3,000 years old, and considered the most comprehensive outside of Asia; a Chinese jade collection that spans 6,000 years of history; Chinese Buddhist art encompassing stone sculpture, paintings, and bronzes; paintings and calligraphic works from the 10th to 20th century; textiles and Chinese lacquers and objects made of cloisonné, ivory, bamboo, glass, and horn.

The Curator must possess:

  • Curatorial vision, passion, and excellence, and the intellectual innovation required to curate compelling exhibitions.
  • Scholarly standing and distinction among peers in the field.
  • The ability to form positive, effective relationships with external communities, including support groups, major donors and  collectors, and professionals at other institutions.
  • The ability and commitment to collaborate successfully with colleagues throughout the museum.

Job Requirements

  • Ph.D. or equivalent in Asian Art History; specialization in Chinese art
  • Eight (8) years of progressively responsible work experience in a museum or related educational/research organization; or an equivalent combination of education/ training, and experience
  • Distinguished record of professional accomplishments and publications
  • Strong familiarity with the latest archaeological developments in China; excellent network of contacts with Chinese museums and provincial Cultural Bureaus
  • Knowledge of the methods, techniques and procedures involved in the interpretation and exhibition of a museum collection and traveling collections of Asian art
  • Knowledge of museum management principles and practices; budget development and management; general administrative principles, practices, and methods
  • Knowledge of current intellectual developments in the fields of Art History and Museum Studies
  • Experience in planning, assigning, supervising, and evaluating the work of others
  • Excellent managerial and interpersonal skills; strong written/oral communication skills and public speaking abilities; high level of organizational, planning, and research skills
  • Written and oral proficiency in Mandarin
  • Ability to analyze complex administrative problems, evaluate alternative solutions and adopt effective courses of action; develop and manage budgets; manage and supervise staff
  • Ability to design creative and innovative ways of interpreting objects in the museum’s collection in light of recently excavated material
  • Ability to conduct original research that results in published scholarly materials in the field of specialization; attract, negotiate and implement major exhibitions; lecture effectively
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, visitors, volunteers, donors, dealers, collectors, professional colleagues, and members of the museum community

Note:  This position, funded by the City and County of San Francisco, provides an excellent compensation and benefits package, including a defined benefit retirement plan.