Frances B. Bunzl Family Curator of European Art [Woodruff Arts Center, Atlanta, GA]

Department:                                  Curatorial

Reports To:                                    Chief Operating Officer

FLSA:                                              Exempt

Employment Status:                       Regular/Full-time

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Frances B. Bunzl Family Curator of European Art is responsible for the development of programming in the field of European paintings, sculpture, and works on paper to 1945.  This individual will also oversee the development, preservation, research and growth of the European art collection, and be responsible for the overall management of the department.

Work Schedule:

• Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm with some evenings and weekends.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: including the following

COLLECTIONS:

• Working closely with the Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, provide leadership and expertise in the identification and acquisition of outstanding works of art for the permanent collection.
• Provide leadership and expertise in the presentation of the permanent collection of European art.
• Make recommendations for loans of works of art from the collection.
• Create and maintain excellent donor relations.  Expand existing donor base through proactive outreach on the regional, national, and international level.
• Encourage and facilitate the effective support of the museum’s vision by the Friends of European Art through engaging and inspiring programming and activities.

EXHIBITIONS

• Conceive outstanding ideas for original exhibitions to be organized by the High and effectively present these to museum staff and Board of Directors; negotiate loans and venues for exhibition tours, conduct research, prepare installation plans, develop and participate actively in educational programming, give tours, draft grant proposals, write brochures/catalogues in support of the exhibitions.
• Seek out proactively excellent exhibition projects organized by other institutions and present ideas to museum staff and Board of Directors; prepare installation plans, review and edit all written material, develop and participate actively in educational programming, and give tours of traveling exhibitions.
• Work closely and effectively with colleagues in development to raise funds for exhibition projects.

ADMINISTRATIVE:

• Attend meetings and make presentations.
• Answer public inquiries and work with local, regional, and national collectors.
• Manage department of European art, including the preparation and maintenance of departmental budgets.
• Supervise assistants and interns.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of a Master’s degree in Art History, in European fine art before 1945; however, Ph.D. is preferred; at least three years of experience in a museum or curatorial position.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

• Reading and speaking skills in one or more foreign languages highly desirable.
• Must possess superior written and oral communications skills.
• Ability to effectively present information to the museum staff and Board of Directors.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals and other publications, catalogues and correspondence.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

• Ability to develop and maintain departmental budgets.
• Ability to present information in report form.

REASONING ABILITIES:

• Ability to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.
• Ability to solve problems and prioritize needs in a variety of situations where immediate decisions may be necessary.

Physical Demands/Work Environment:

The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Some standing, walking, bending, frequent use of hands, stooping and light lifting (at least 10 pounds) is needed.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.