About the Museum

The Chief Curator will oversee research, interpretation, and preservation activities including acquisitions, exhibitions, library and archives, collection management and conservation. Supervise staff in curatorial, conservation, library, and collections and exhibitions departments. Serve on Management Committee to establish goals that set standards for the museum. Organize special exhibitions and author scholarly publications.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee the museum’s curatorial staff and exhibition program and budget and chair the Curatorial and Exhibitions Committees; organize and/or supervise permanent collection or temporary loan exhibitions from inception to implementation, including participation in conceptual outline, research, selection of objects, coordination of loans, writing and publication, and interpretation.
• Supervise collection division staff, provide guidance and training recommendations as needed; conduct annual performance evaluation and budget and planning activities. Responsible for interpreting museum policy regarding appropriate use of the collection.
• Supervise conservation staff; oversee the care and handling of the collection; participate in monthly collection meetings.
• Serve on the Management Committee working with the director, CFO, and COO to implement museum policy and oversee the daily functions of the museum.
• Conduct research, write scholarly publications, and lecture on the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions (museum and outside public audiences).
• Chair the Acquisitions Committee and assist with the development of the permanent collection through acquisition utilizing professional expertise and knowledge of the art market.
• Work cooperatively with the education department to interpret the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions and assist with program planning.
• Oversee loan request process; make recommendations based on conservation needs, appropriateness of venue, importance of the project, and the museum’s interest.
• Identify sources and participate in the preparation of funding requests. Assist with fundraising activities and audience development as needed.
• Serve on the Publications Committee to review new ideas or proposals; make initial judgments regarding the merits of manuscripts submitted for publication.
• Supervise the Library Director and assist with the development of the museum’s research collections.
• Provide information on the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions to the Public Information Officer.
• Assist outside researchers; conduct tours for special groups or individuals and assist with visits of lecturers and other guests.
• Consult with private collectors for possible loans or gifts to the museum.
• Participate in professional organizations on the local or national level by presenting papers, serving on committees or advising as time permits.
• Maintain confidentiality.

Qualifications

• PhD degree in American art history preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to employ history in relation to art; familiarity with the field of American Studies desirable.
• Proven ability to conduct original research; excellent writing skills and strong publication record highly desirable.
• Minimum of five years museum and management experience and demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with staff, scholars, and the public.
• Proven ability in grant development, including the preparation of successful grant applications to federal and state agencies.
• Experience in acquiring art for museum collections.
• Demonstrated leadership and organizational skills; ability to manage multiple projects, work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Knowledge of preservation and conservation issues and techniques; prior experience in overseeing the treatment of art objects desirable.
• Professional presence; diplomatic, comfortable in dynamic or challenging situations.
• Computer proficiency with MS Office products.

Salary and benefits competitive. Please submit letter of interest, curriculum vitae, references and a list of publications to Human Resources Manager, Amon Carter Museum, 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76107. Fax 817.665.4315 or e-mail human [dot] resources [at] cartermuseum [dot] org. EEOC.