The Montclair Art Museum (MAM), North Jersey’s preeminent art museum, seeks an exceptional and forward-thinking Chief Curator to lead its curatorial program and shape the future direction of the Museum’s exhibitions and collections. As New Jersey’s first public art museum (est. 1914), MAM has an impressive collection of more than 14,000 works of American art, including a large collection of Native American art. This position offers an exciting opportunity to influence the creative vision of one of New Jersey’s most dynamic cultural institutions through innovative curatorial practice and cross-departmental collaboration.

The ideal candidate will have broad expertise in American art, with particular strength in modern and contemporary art, and a demonstrated ability to connect art and audiences through imaginative and inclusive approaches. The Chief Curator will work closely with the Executive Director and senior leadership to advance the Museum’s mission of fostering community engagement and creative discovery.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Chief Curator is a creative, collaborative leader who will envision and implement a forward-looking curatorial program that connects MAM’s rich collections to the issues and ideas of today. The successful candidate will oversee the Museum’s exhibition and collection programs, supervise departmental staff, and work closely with colleagues across departments to create meaningful visitor experiences that reflect MAM’s values of inclusivity, accessibility, and artistic excellence.

The position reports to the Executive Director and supervises four staff members, including the Curator of Native American Art & Repatriation Coordinator and the Chief Registrar & Exhibition Designer.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

·     Curate dynamic rotations and installations of American art from the Museum’s collection and loans, interpreting works through contemporary perspectives.

·     Conceive and organize innovative, fundable exhibitions that engage and expand audiences.

·     Develop and implement a collection strategy, including acquisitions and deaccessions, in consultation with the Art Committee and Museum leadership.

·     Collaborate with education, development, and marketing teams to create programs that deepen engagement and diversify audiences onsite and in the community.

·     Cultivate collectors, donors, and supporters in partnership with Museum leadership to strengthen both funding and gifts of art.

·     Support the execution of the Museum’s Strategic Plan and its commitment to community-based curatorial and interpretive strategies.

·     Supervise curatorial staff and foster a collaborative, inclusive departmental culture.

REQUIREMENTS:

·      MA in Art History or Curatorial Studies required; PhD strongly preferred.

·     Minimum of ten (10) years of curatorial experience in an art museum.

·     Broad knowledge of American art, with particular expertise in modern and contemporary art.

·     Demonstrated record of organizing exhibitions, publications, and original scholarship.

·     Proven ability to lead complex projects and collaborate effectively across departments.

·     Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage artists, donors, and colleagues.

·     Experience with budgeting, donor cultivation, and collection development.

·     Commitment to mentoring staff and fostering a creative, team-oriented work environment.

·     Entrepreneurial, innovative, and adaptable in approach to curatorial practice.

·     Familiarity with current technologies supporting curatorial and collections management functions.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Physical demands: Occasional early morning and evening meetings and events; sitting, walking, standing, climbing stairs, lifting no more than 5–10 lbs.

APPLICATIONS:

Because we know that no one will meet 100% of what is expected for any role and that applicants may have other relevant experience or training that may make them suitable for consideration, we encourage all applicants to apply if much of this description describes you.

Please submit a cover letter and resume with a list of references to MAMCurator@montclairartmuseum.org with the subject: Chief Curator.

About the Montclair Art Museum

Located in Montclair, New Jersey, the Montclair Art Museum holds a collection of more than 14,000 works of American art, including one of the largest Native American art collections on the East Coast with approximately 4,000 works. The continually evolving collection has been widely recognized for its quality and depth. It features work by a range of artists from across the United States and Native North America dating from the 18th to the 21st centuries. The Museum has significant holdings of the work of George Inness and works by major artists across the history of American art. MAM has been a leader in collecting and exhibiting works by underrepresented artists and artists living and working in New Jersey. Since 2000, through gifts and acquisitions, the Museum has expanded its collection of contemporary and modern art as well as its holdings in photography, including such artist as Sarah Sze, Kara Walker, Derrick Adams, Adebunmi Gbadebo, Alteronce Gumby, Catherine Opie, Camila Falquez, and Nick Galanin, among many others.

The Montclair Art Museum, as a community-centered institution, is unequivocal in our stance against racism and injustice in all its forms. MAM strives to maintain an environment that fosters productivity, creativity, and individual satisfaction by celebrating the many diverse traits of our community, which includes but is not limited to race, gender, nationality, age, religion, sexual orientation, and physical abilities. We see the arts as playing a critical role as a medium of observation, insight, education, articulation, and advocacy and seek to provide a platform for facing tough issues in our society as expressed through art. We seek candidates who combine a commitment to excellence in their field with a passion for this role for the arts and have creative ideas on how our exhibitions and programs can serve as an agent for societal change.