Curator of Photography [Carnegie Museum of Art]

The Carnegie Museum of Art is seeking a Curator of Photography. The curator is a motivated, dynamic professional who serves as Head of the Photography Department. S/he provides vision, long-range planning, staff management, and collection oversight. Staff includes a program manager, a curatorial assistant, and occasional interns and volunteers.

The Curator is the primary person responsible for the presentation, loan, and development of the museum’s collection of photographs, comprising more than 4,500 works acquired since the 1970’s. As such, s/he

• organizes original collection- and loan-based temporary projects, including major traveling exhibitions, and identifies borrowed exhibitions from other institutions for possible presentation at the museum.
• pursues acquisitions and evaluation of the collection
• conducts scholarly research
• contributes to and originates publications, and interprets art works for the museum’s audiences
• actively cultivates donors, lenders and patrons, as well as participates in museum fundraising for photography initiatives.
• serves as lead curator/agent, in concert with the Program Manager, of the Hillman Photography Initiative (HPI), an incubator for innovative thinking regarding the photographic image and its currency in the 21st century
• works collaboratively with the Curator of Contemporary Art on issues of collection development and programs that address the increasing overlap of these curatorial disciplines
• engages with the curator of Fine Arts regarding photography before 1945.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: The position requires a Master’s Degree or PhD in the history of photography, art history or other relevant field, along with at least 5 years of progressively responsible curatorial experience in an accredited art museum. Proficiency with Microsoft Office software and basic office equipment is required; s/he will be expected to be knowledgeable with KEmu, the museum’s collections management software.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

The Curator of Photography

• has a track record of superior curatorial achievement in acquisitions, exhibitions, and publications
• has a comprehensive knowledge of the artistic, practical, and technological history, as well as contemporary discourse in the medium
• has an understanding of the principles and practices of sound collections care and management
• is eager to develop intentional strategies to engage visitors
• works collaboratively within cross-disciplinary teams
• has strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills
• is enthusiastic and resourceful
• has excellent oral and written communication skills
• is skilled in cultivating board and donor relationships
• assumes an active role in both the local community and the national and international art world

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Work is primarily sedentary in nature. Ability to sit, walk, and stand for varying periods of time, and to travel nationally and internationally, are required. S/he might be asked to handle works of art, with proper training, up to 25 lbs.