Senior Curator
El Paso Museum of Art
Requirements
Education & Experience: Master’s Degree or higher in Art History, Museum Studies, or related field. Ph.D. that demonstrates a record of publishing and presenting peer-reviewed research is preferred. Six (6) years of experience working in an art museum, gallery, or arts-based research setting. Fluency in Spanish language is preferred.
Licenses and Certificates: Valid Texas Class “C” Driver’s License or equivalent from another state.
General Purpose
Under direction, plans and directs the activities of a special curatorial department of the museum; plans, assigns, and supervises the activities of subordinate personnel engaged in assisting with such work; and is responsible for the administration of the registration, art storage, and general planning function of the curatorial department.
Typical Duties
Research, develop, plan, and produce temporary and permanent exhibits and displays. Involves: Design, plan, and supervise the installation of the museum’s collections and traveling exhibits; identify, classify, and make descriptions of works of art; and supervise the care and preservation of works of art. Conduct research in connection with identifying and publicizing objects in the collections; make recommendations for acquisitions. Plan and organize loan exhibitions; make cost estimates; and correspond with lenders. Design and supervise installations; coordinate the installation with other museum personnel. Assemble data and photographs to notify media press to publicize special events and exhibit openings. Prepare labels; compile catalogs; and prepare brochures. Order and acquire art reference library books. Oversee and maintain files of photographs, slides, and other reproductions. Plan, supervise, and conduct programs of instruction in art history and art appreciation for children and adults. Interpret the museum’s collections and exhibitions in all fields of art. Identify and recommend the acquisition of artworks. Plan and prepare circulating exhibitions for loan to other institutions; make recommendations on the loan of museum objects to other institutions and furnish photographs and other data for catalogs and publicity. Correspond and confer with scholars, specialists, and the public. Serve as scholarly editor by managing the publishing of catalogs and handbooks of the museum’s permanent collection and special exhibitions. Ensure that proper systems and records are maintained for all areas of the museum’s permanent loan collections. Enforce policies and procedures to ensure the continued safety and accessibility of the collections. Give lectures, gallery talks, and tours relating to paintings, exhibits, and collections; prepare and publish articles and catalogs concerning exhibitions and collections.
Supervise acquisition, preservation, security, authentication, documentation, and storage of artwork collections. Involves: Conduct research to identify, restore, and exhibit art collections and individual works. Assure collections are properly handled, restored, and preserved. Initiate new museum programs studying the origin, composition, history, and current value of objects. Evaluate exhibition and program proposals from artists and other museums and make recommendations. Coordinate conservation and research of works of art in the permanent collection.
Develop content and coordinate with staff, publicity, public and community relations, and educational activities. Involves: Plan, promote, and develop invitation content for exhibitions and various curatorial projects. Deliver presentations to schools and other public groups. Maintain records of acquisitions and collections. Represent the museum at educational and social functions and in the community. Interact with museum members, advisory board, and prospective donors.
Perform administrative functions as assigned. Involves: Attend meetings as needed. Respond to inquiries and complaints with City Hall. Create and/or respond to correspondence. Supervise the preparation of insurance paperwork. Assist in the preparation and justification of annual budget recommendations. Assist in the preparation and control of the Museum’s annual operating budget. Research, prepare, and submit grant proposals. Assist in administering grants. Prepare annual property control inventory.
Supervise assigned regular and volunteer personnel. Involves: Schedule, assign, and review operational and procedural activities; Prioritize and coordinate Art Museum curatorial activities; instruct, guide and check work; prepare employee evaluations; provide training and development; enforce personnel rules and regulations, and work standards; counsel, motivate, and maintain harmony; interview applicants; recommend hiring, terminations, transfers, discipline, merit pay, or other employee status changes.
Perform related professional duties contributing to the realization of City and department goals as required. Involves: Substitute, as qualified, for coworkers or supervisor during temporary absences by carrying out specifically designed functions to maintain continuity of normal services, if assigned; provide designated support for projects or activities overseen by supervisor; engage in special projects and serve on ad hoc committees as required; explain and demonstrate work performed to assist supervisor in orienting and training less knowledgeable employees.