Senior Curator of Drawings [The J. Paul Getty Trust, Los Angeles, CA]

Description

The J. Paul Getty Museum invites applications to the position of Senior Curator of Drawings. The ideal candidate will possess a broad knowledge of European art, a keen eye for drawings, and a record of scholarly accomplishment to lead one of the most active curatorial departments in the United States. The Senior Curator of Drawings will guide the ongoing effort to enhance the collection of more than 800 drawings through the acquisition of major works by both purchase and gift; spearhead a vibrant departmental program of exhibitions, including international loan exhibitions; and work with curatorial colleagues and the senior staff to further the mission of the Museum. The successful applicant will have a Ph.D. or equivalent in art history, at least ten years of successful curatorial practice, experience with and understanding of the art market, an international network of professional relationships, excellent verbal and written skills, and sound management ability. The Senior Curator will also have a desire and ability to work effectively within a highly collaborative environment.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Follows the market for European drawings closely and proposes acquisitions on a regular basis
• Curates exhibitions, including rotating displays from the collection and major loan exhibitions; publishes the collection in both print and on-line platforms; and develops associated scholarly and public programs
• Supervises the daily work of the curatorial department, including all exhibitions, research, and publications; the oversight of the study room; performance reviews; and staff development
• Works closely with senior management and the development office to cultivate donors to the collection and sponsors for exhibitions and associated programming; acts as the principal liaison with the department’s support council
• Works with conservators to ensure the care of the collection to the highest professional standard
• Works with Education, Publications, Communications, and other departments to ensure the public accessibility of the collections within the museum, in print, and on-line
• Collaborates with colleagues in the three other programs of the Getty Trust (The Research Institute, the Conservation Institute, and the Foundation)
• Administers the departmental budget

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in art history, art or art education OR 10+ yrs of curatorial experience OR Ph.D.
• Fluency in at least one foreign language (modern or ancient) required
• Highest level technical contributor in specialized curatorial functions

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Master’s degree in art history, art or art education; Ph.D. preferred
• 10-plus years curatorial or equivalent experience
• Reading skills in two or more foreign languages and conversation skills in one foreign language preferred
• Recognized ability to build long-term relationships, collaborate and direct teams across disciplines
• Competent with collection management and digital asset management tools
• Accomplished in art historical research and writing
• Proven ability to communicate and distill information for a specialized audience or the general public
• Ability to adapt written material for a variety of audiences online or in print