Curator of Collections & Exhibitions [Springfield Museum of Art]

Curator of Collections & Exhibitions

The Springfield Museum of Art is a small, AAM Accredited American Art Museum and an Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. The Museum serves a local community of nearly 60,000 Springfield city residents and a larger regional community of over 500,000 people in Southwest Ohio.  The Museum recently renewed its focus on art education to better engage the community in relevant ways. This was instrumental in a “turn around” and resulted in significant increases in attendance, membership, grants, and contributed revenues. The Museum staff is small in number however formidable in their work together implementing a shared vision for the Museum’s role in engaging the whole community through partnerships and programs.

We are seeking a museum professional with a keen interest in American art, particularly art of Ohio and the Midwest, and museum operations. The Curator of Collections & Exhibitions will collaborate on exhibition planning, prepare exhibitions, and manage all aspects of the Museum’s collection of approximately 2,000 works of art. This includes collections management (Past Perfect data base, care, access, storage, use, Collections Plan, policies), caring for the physical spaces where the art is exhibited and stored, overseeing security for the collections and facility, and managing the Museum’s exhibitions.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for implementing policies that relate to the care of the collection and exhibitions.
• Oversee and implement routine Cleaning Program for collection storage areas and galleries, integrated pest management program, and climate monitor/tracking.
• Oversee and implement security policies and procedures, including responsibilities for Front Desk staffing.
• Manage all collection records including object files, rights and reproductions, and cataloging of new acquisitions.
• Oversee incoming and outgoing loans, maintaining all related records.
• Maintain the Collection Management Database (PastPerfect), including complete and accurate electronic and hard copies of all object records; responsible for all digital and paper documentation, and images related to the permanent collection and exhibitons.
• Manage correspondence and logistics associated with loans to the museum including loan agreements, loan records, insurance, shipments, and condition reports.
• Work with artists, organizations, guest curators, Museum staff, relevant committees, and others to install/de-install exhibitions as well as foster collaboration and build relationships in the broader community.
• Fabricate exhibition text and labels, and/or manage outside contractors doing this work.
• Participate in regular staff meetings
• Supervise assistant curator, interns, and volunteers working on collections and exhibition projects.

Additional Duties

As a staff members of a small museum, we are flexible and able to work on tasks or projects outside our immediate scope of responsibilities. The Curator of Collections & Exhibitions will join a team that contributes equally to the overall operation and success of the Museum. S/he must be self-motivated, have excellent research, writing, problem-solving and communications skills, and be able to effectively work as part of a team. The position is full time and will require occasional evening and weekend work.

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of accepted registration, collection management, art handling, and preventative conservation practices in line with AAM standards of care.
• Working knowledge of PastPerfect museum database and other computer programs
• Detail oriented with strong organizational and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work flexible hours when required
• Skill with tools and knowledge of building materials
• Ability to lift objects weighing 50lbs or more
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team

Required Education and Experience:

• B.A., M.A. or equivalent experience in art history, museum studies and/or fine art.
• 2-3 years working with collections and exhibitions in a museum setting.

Please send a letter of application, resume, and list of references by June 15, to Ann Fortescue at afortescue@springfieldart.net