Assistant Curator [Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum at Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI]

Description

The Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum at Michigan State University seeks a dynamic and experienced Assistant Curator. Opened in 2012 at Michigan State University, this world-class museum, designed by Pritzker Prize winning architect Zaha Hadid, has emerged as one of a handful of University museums devoted to international contemporary art.

The Assistant Curator will join an energetic and professional group developing and implementing exhibitions and commissions of international scope. This is an extraordinary opportunity to be involved in the continued growth of a young museum of contemporary art. The Broad MSU is unique among contemporary museums in that it possesses an historical art collection dating back to Greek and Roman times. The museum’s exhibition program will actively engage dialogues across the centuries with the benefit of this historical collection.

POSITION Description:

Reporting to the Curator and Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs, the Assistant Curator assists in the selection, research, development, planning, production, and interpretation of the permanent collection and special exhibitions, both organized by the Broad MSU and hosted. Additionally, the Assistant Curator conceives, organizes, writes publications for, and installs special and collection-based exhibitions as assigned and in collaboration with the Curator. These exhibitions require that the Assistant Curator lead a team of co-workers drawn from a variety of museum areas.  He/she is charged with the hiring and supervision of non-salaried curatorial internships, also is also involved in supporting the acquisitions process. The Assistant Curator presents lectures and provides educational information including didactic materials, docent talks, etc., and will maintain advantageous relations with the art community, local as well as national and international, including artists, collectors, and prospective donors.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists in the selection, research, development, exhibition, and interpretation of the department’s permanent collection.
• Proposes and curates exhibitions within the Museum exhibition program as assigned by the Curator and Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs.
• Conceives, organizes, prepares publications for, and installs special and/or permanent collection exhibitions.
• Oversees and coordinates travelling exhibitions.
• Heads and/or facilitates inter-departmental communication and communications with freelance workers regarding exhibitions, working closely with departments of exhibitions, registration, preparations, PR and marketing and external affairs.
• Heads and/or facilitates external communication with artists, collectors, lenders, dealers, and staff members from other museums.
• Assists curator in the research and development of The Broad Art Museum collection.
• Assists with drafting and producing correspondence, loan forms, manuscripts, exhibition wall labels, memoranda, and other materials related to the permanent collection and special exhibitions.
• Oversees computer database of checklists for exhibitions.
• Assists with acquisition and exhibition research including, but not limited to: research and compilation of biographies, chronologies, and exhibition histories, and specific documentation of individual works.
• Supervises the work assignments and activities of interns, contract workers and volunteers.
• Acts as spokesperson for the department and the Museum as needed. Presents lectures and walk-throughs to visitors, docents, or other special groups.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

About Michigan State University: Michigan State University (MSU) was founded in 1855 as the nation’s first land-grant university. With more than 46,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in 17 colleges, MSU is known internationally as a major public research university with global reach.  With more than 200 academic programs, many nationally ranked, MSU attracts scholars worldwide and students from all 50 states and approximately 130 countries.  The 5,200 acre campus is located in East Lansing, three miles from the state capitol, 80 miles from Detroit, 210 miles from Chicago, and 90 miles from the shores of Lake Michigan.

All candidates must submit an application through the Michigan State University Human Resources web based system (MAP). The URL for this website is https://jobs.msu.edu and the posting number for this position is 2116. This posting will remain open through February 25, 2016.

Michigan State University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer.  MSU is strongly committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity.  The University actively encourages applications and nominations of women, persons of color, veterans, and persons with disabilities.

Requirements

Education and Training:  Possession of Master’s degree in Art, Art History, Museum Studies or other related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.

Work Experience:  Three years related museum experience.

Skills and Abilities:  Knowledge of international contemporary art, art history and terminology, superb writing and diplomatic skills essential. Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.   Strong organizational skills a must: ability to prioritize and organize multiple activities, as well as supervise the activities of staff members around a common project.  Ability to deal effectively with donors, artists, Museum staff, colleagues, and the general public, whether in person, on the telephone, or in writing.