ABOUT THE ROLE  

Collaborates with Seattle Art Museum’s (SAM) Curatorial division to bridge the department with SAM’s new vision (see attached). Supports department members to show up as their best and thrive. Alongside SAM’s Director & CEO, galvanizes external stakeholders by creating a vision for the museum's collections and exhibition program that stems from SAM’s new vision. Positive leadership, communication skills and fundraising ease are essential. A track record of directing dynamic, exciting, and community-relevant exhibition projects that have advanced the financial solvency of other art museums is fundamental. Also key for success in the role is an expansive national and international network as well as a proven track record of engaging local communities and collectors. Experience overseeing Curatorial, Exhibition, and Publication teams would set the candidate up for success in leading ten direct reports at SAM: Senior Manager for Exhibitions & Publications, Oliver E & Pamela F Cobb Curator of African & Oceanic Art, Ann M Barwick Curator of American Art, Jon & Mary Shirley Curator of Modern & Contemporary Art, Foster Foundation Curator of Chinese Art, Tateuchi Foundation Curator of Japanese & Korean Art, Curator of Native American Art, Curatorial Specialist, Curatorial Manager—Permanent Collection, and part-time Librarian.

To apply, please email hr@seattleartmuseum.org with your resume and cover letter.

FLSA Status: Full Time, Exempt

Reports To: Director & CEO

Compensation: $250,000 - $350,000/year

Work Location: SAM Downtown

Responsibilities will include the following, but are not limited to:

Leadership, Planning, and Strategy

Lead SAM’s Curatorial division, setting division priorities and goals to be reviewed monthly

Serve as a creative force on SAM’s Senior Leadership team, advocating for and supporting the institution’s mission, vision, and values—aligning department  goals with museum goals

Be a reliable, valued, and trusted senior leader who provides thoughtful analysis, thinks strategically, and engages with staff at all levels of the organization

Provide clear, effective communication between SAM’s Senior and Expanded Leadership teams and the Curatorial Department

Strategize with Development, Curatorial, Membership, and SAM’s Director & CEO to increase attendance and identify funding opportunities for SAM programs, especially as they relate to SAM exhibitions and collections

Represent SAM in the community, striving to increase the level of awareness, interest, and appreciation for art, the museum, and its leadership role in the Seattle cultural ecosystem.

Exhibition & Collections

Collaborate with SAM’s Director & CEO, the Curators, and the Senior Exhibitions and Publications Manager to develop a balanced artistic vision (deriving from SAM’s vision) for a cohesive and compelling exhibition program, including long-term planning that sets SAM apart and optimizes its unique strengths, sites, and earned and contributed revenue opportunities

Partner with interpretation, communication, education, and colleagues across all museum departments to ensure implementation of programmatic decisions as well as alignment of museum-wide goals

Initiate, cultivate, and support team efforts to maintain contacts with collectors, donors, local constituents, national and international museum and artworld contacts

Align SAM’s Curatorial division with SAM’s new vision and direction

Solicit and review exhibition proposals from other museums, organizations, and individuals and guide decisions around presentations at SAM that best align with the museum’s vision

Oversee the balance of rotations of permanent collection galleries and evaluate their effectiveness for relevance and revenue

Guide exhibition recommendations and work to define excellence in artistic programs

Present exhibition program to Board, docents, local press, and other stakeholders

Present exhibitions to visitors, give lectures, train docents, and publish articles as needed

Work with Director & CEO and Curators on SAM’s updated Collection Plan, making recommendations for purchases and gifts and developing collection priorities and funds

Directly lead efforts for the creation of annual department operating, exhibit, and capital budgets, monitor and track performance towards these targets, and adjust when necessary

Ensure vibrant and compelling exhibits at all three sites that achieve museum revenue and attendance goals

Work closely with SAM’s Conservation Department to prioritize care of the collection

Review curatorial and marketing materials concerning exhibitions and collection

Collaborate with education, public programs, marketing, technology, and membership to create connections and entry points to the collection and exhibitions

Exercise clear leadership and accountability in curatorial decision-making by embedding equity and inclusion considerations alongside provenance ethics, restitution frameworks, and community-informed perspectives into exhibition narratives, ensuring curatorial choices expand representation, deepen contextual integrity, and reflect SAM’s responsibility to the communities connected to its collections

Navigate reputational, ethical, and financial risk associated with exhibitions, collections, and donor relationships, including controversial content and external influence by partnering closely with the Director & CEO, Board, Legal, and Senior Leadership to ensure informed decision- making, institutional integrity, and responsible stewardship

Art Stewardship 

Maintain strong ties with artists, dealers, collectors, colleagues, and museums to further SAM programs

Keep current on the entire art world ecosystem, locally and globally

Actively stimulate accessions, exhibitions, and loans to SAM and thoughtfully identify candidates for deaccession that could refine and advance SAM’s global collections and institutional vision

Review repatriation requests and Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) claims with curators

Other Duties

Serve on Board Committees as assigned

Present proposed special exhibitions with associated budgets for board approval

Lead and cultivate the Board's Committee on the Collections (COC)

Participate in regional and global professional activities as appropriate

Travel on donor and trustee cultivation trips to advance SAM’s vision and programs

Represent SAM at professional gatherings and at civic social events, conventions, committee meetings, and various trustee and staff meetings

Participate in institutional learning opportunities to grow our collective understanding and integration of cultural competency and equity values into SAM’s work

WE ARE LOOKING FOR 

Required Qualifications 

Minimum of three years of curatorial experience

Minimum of five years of experience leading, building, supporting, and inspiring curatorial, exhibition, and publication teams

High emotional and social intelligence, particularly around self-awareness, self-management, and relationship management

Ability to lead change management around shared institutional goals

Strong active listening skills demonstrated in a track record of contributing to a positive workplace culture and teambuilding

Ten years of museum experience leading, building, and inspiring teams

Facility motivating teams and simultaneously managing several projects

Negotiation, project management, and problem-solving skills

Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with Board members, donors, executives, management, employees, and the public

Strong track record in exercising sound, timely judgment

Proactive, strategic, and professional verbal and written communication with an ability to tailor communications according to audience

Successfully assess priorities and work well with deadlines, exceptional time management, problem-solving, and analytical skills

Exercise discretion in maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive information

Understanding of budgeting principles and strategies

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Zoom, Asana, Slack, and internet-based research

Ability to pass and maintain a security background check clearance

Graduate degree in art history, studio art, or comparable field

BENEFITS 

Benefits include a fully employer paid HMP medical plan or an employee contribution PPO plan, dental, vision, and basic life insurance/LTD/AD&D, Flexible Spending Account, Short Term Disability, Supplemental Dental Insurance and participation in SAM’s 403b retirement plan.

Following 1 year of service and 1,000 hours worked, SAM makes a discretionary 3% employer contribution regardless of participation and provides an employer match program. Historically, this contribution has been made annually.

Additional benefits include paid time off for vacation, PSST, bereavement leave, and jury duty, 11 scheduled holidays, 1 paid floating holiday, a subsidized unlimited Orca card, onsite fitness facility, and an EAP. FT Staff also receive a Patron level membership to SAM, a Tier III membership to the American Alliance of Museums and discounts to museum shop and programming.

ABOUT SAM 

Seattle Art Museum’s vision is to be the museum for all of Seattle—a bold, dynamic hub of creativity, belonging, and cultural leadership, shaping the future of art and community. To create a welcoming community where people find inspiration and discover our common humanity through exceptional art and dynamic, engaging programs. Art is always at the start and heart of what we do. Collecting, conserving, and displaying extraordinary works of art is the governing motivation of our museum. So too is fostering a vigorous exchange of ideas while cultivating connection with the broad array of communities we serve. As the leading visual arts institution in the Pacific Northwest, SAM shares its global connections, powerful exhibitions, and dynamic programs to engage, educate, and inspire. SAM is a vibrant, three-site organization that is supported by 365 employees, 10 executive leaders, and more than 200 volunteers.

WORK SCHEDULE 

This role is typically scheduled to work business hours Monday – Friday; however, the needs of this role requires a willingness to work a flexible schedule and travel in support of the department or organization. Please connect with your Recruiter or Manager for more information about SAM’s current hybrid work policy and expectations. SAM’s hybrid work policy is subject to change.

WORK CONDITIONS  

Exposure: Work areas are primarily inside, in a climate-controlled environment with moderate background noise.

Stationary Work: Approximately 80% of time is spent stationary while working at a desk. Balance of time (approximately 20%) is spent moving around the work area. Occasional extended periods of standing may be required.

Communication: Clear and effective verbal and written communication in English with trustees, the public, and co-workers is necessary.

Vision: Ability to effectively use a computer screen and interpret printed materials, memos, and other appropriate paperwork

Office Work: Ability to effectively and regularly operate a computer, keyboard, telephone, and other office productivity machinery, such as copy machines and printers, and ability to inspect, prepare and use paperwork, files, equipment, and supplies is necessary.

ACCOMODATION 

If you need assistance applying for a role due to a disability or additional need, please let us know at hr@seattleartmuseum.org.

The Seattle Art Museum will consider reasonable accommodations for all employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions/duties of this position. If you need an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact hr@seattleartmuseum.org. For candidates, we ask that, if possible, you wait until you're invited to a screen, online technical assessment or interview before requesting an accommodation.