Job Information
Detroit Institute of Art Rank Curator, African American Art in Detroit, Michigan
JOB TITLE: Rank Curator , African America n Art
DEPARTMENT: Curatorial
REPORTS TO: Department Head
CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time, Exempt
REMOTE WORK ELIGIBILITY: Partial Remote
SALARY RANGE: Assistant Curator - $60,026 $72,031, Associate Curator - 72,031.00-86,437.00, or Curator - 86,437.00-108,047.00
GENERAL SUMMARY
Under the direction of the department head , the Assistant Curator, Associate Curator, or Curator will develop, expand, research, publish, and present the DIA’s collection of African America n art . The curator pro poses acquisitions and conducts collection review; makes studio and gallery visits ; coordinates projects, installations, and commissions ; devises public programs ; and cultivates donors and gifts for the collection.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Assist the department head and other curator s in day-to-day operations of the department .
Create, m aintain , and updates physical and digital departmental records in accordance with the DIA’s archival and data standards .
Research and document objects, including provenance , and archival research .
Field and respond to inquiries about the collection from scholars and the public .
Contribute to the strategic vision for the DIA’s collecting and exhibition of African American art.
Identify and propose significant acquisitions with the Deputy Director for Art Education and Program, department head, and other curators for purchase, gift, or bequest.
Support, conceive, research, and coordinate exhibitions .
Collaborate with museum conservators and registrars to care for the permanent collection and objects on long-term loan .
Build and maintain relationships with local, regional, national, and international artists , collectors, and dealers.
Assist with loan requests and deaccessions .
Prepare general and scholarly publications on the collection and exhibitions .
Partner effectively with the division of Learning and Audience Engagement to develop didactic materials for the permanent galleries and exhibitions .
Participate in the training of gallery teachers and Interpretive Program Volunteers (IPVs ) .
Support the D evelopment D epartment’s efforts to cultivate existing and prospective patrons and to identify, apply for, and report on grant-funded activities .
Originate and p articipate in public programs .
Travel, on occasion, as a museum courier , as well as for research and conferences .
Apply DIA values to interactions to support a culture of belonging among internal and external stakeholders.
Perform o ther related duties , as assigned .
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Master’s degree in art history or related field from an accredited college or university required. A Doctor of Philosophy (P h.D.) in art history or related field preferred. Additional years of experience may be substituted for the degree requirement.
Assistant Curator - minimum of two (2) years of experience in a museum, non-collecting institutions, or university.
Associate Curator - minimum of five (5) years of working experience in a museum, non-collecting institutions, or university
Curator – minimum of seven (7) years of working experience in a museum, non-collecting institutions, or university
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
KSAs for subsequent sections include all previous sections.
Demonstrated record of research and scholarship in area of collection expertise.
Previous experience with archival, object-based, and provenance research.
Experience with collections database software, The Museum System (TMS) preferred.
Demonstrated experience partnering on interpretation/education for gallery, re-installation, and exhibitions projects.
Demonstrated accomplishments in publication of exhibitions and collections or object-based research.
Demonstrated collaboration skills to work across departments and divisions internally and with diverse stakeholders externally.
Ability to make creative, effective, and timely decisions aligned with organizational mission, vision, values, and strategic direction.
Demonstrated ability to speak publicly, including presenting or sharing information in a clear, effective, and engaging manner suited to the audience.
Demonstrated ability to share complex information, ideas, and instructions clearly, effectively, and professionally to diverse audiences through talking or writing.
Experience with development and grant projects preferred.
Experience with developing and tracking budgets for projects and assuring adherence to approved budgets preferred.
Must possess a demonstrated understanding of ethical business conduct and professional practices including maintenance and protection of confidential and sensitive information.
Ability to work occasional weekend and evening hours as needed .
Must be proficient in the latest version of Microsoft Office 365.
Must have proficiency in the use of remote work technology such as scheduling with, connecting to, and using digital collaboration platforms such as Microsoft Teams.
Must be able to establish and maintain professional, productive, and courteous interactions that promote positive teamwork. This encompasses going beyond giving and receiving instructions and includes but is not limited to (a) performing work activities requiring interacting or speaking with others; and (b) responding appropriately to constructive feedback or suggestions for improvement from a supervisor.
Assistant Curator KSAs
Experience with acquisitions and deaccessions preferred.
Knowledge of conservation treatment practices preferred.
Demonstrated experience supporting gallery and/or collection re-installations.
Proven experience supporting organizing exhibitions.
Experience assisting with loan requests preferred.
Demonstrated skills to prioritize and complete multiple tasks to meet deadlines and goals.
Associate and Full Curator KSAs
Knowledge and experience with conservation treatment practices.
Demonstrated experience planning gallery and/or collection re-installations.
Proven experience organizing exhibitions.
Demonstrated experience with loan requests preferred.
Demonstrated organizational skills to plan, manage, prioritize, and complete multiple on-going projects to meet deadlines and goals.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Upon receiving notice, reasonable accommodations may be made, if possible, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate and exchange accurate information using various methods including in-person, telephone, and email.
This job description describes the general nature of the duties and requirements of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list or to limit the supervisor’s ability to modify work assignments as appropriate.
THE DETROIT INSTITUTE OF ARTS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
