Reporting to the Director and CEO, and leading a team of four, The Chief Curator is responsible for all aspects of art collections and programming, including collections management, permanent collection and special exhibition installations, publications, and programming.  Duties include developing and overseeing the safekeeping of our diverse art collections, developing interpretive exhibitions and publications that enhance understanding of and appreciation for art, cultivating donors, developing and monitoring project budgets, contributing to grants for ongoing and special projects, and interpreting the art to multiple audiences through diverse media.

Additional responsibilities include strategic design, development, and supervision of the Curatorial Department; and ongoing development of plans for the department, its staff, volunteers, and associated programs. Acts as a general art resource to the institution and the community and a liaison between the curatorial department and other departments within the museum. 

This is an extraordinary time in the museum’s history, as The Dayton Art Institute prepares for its Centennial in 2019.  A key initiative in the Museum’s 2015 - 2020 Strategic Plan is to refresh, reinstall, and reinterpret the permanent collection galleries to reflect key strengths of the collection.  This planning has already begun.  In addition, exhibitions have been planned for the next two years.  This is an amazing time to join the DAI team and make a significant impact on the future of the museum and community.

Complete Position Specification available at http://www.daytonartinstitute.org/about-dai/employment

Education and Experience Requirements

• Master's degree in art history or a related field; Doctoral degree (Ph. D.) preferred.
• 10 years of progressively responsible experience in a curatorial position in an art museum or in the field, with a demonstrated record of accomplishment, and/or considerable experience in developing and presenting exhibitions of works of art.
• Demonstrated senior level experience in a small to medium size art museum.
• Specialization in European Art from the 15th to the 20th centuries preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership and management skills with an emphasis on setting direction, executing goals and providing coaching to inspire success.
• Demonstrated experience in fiscal management, project management, budget oversight, financial analysis and team leadership.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and executing imaginative and innovative exhibitions on complex subjects designed to appeal to broad audiences.
• Awareness of all necessary building mechanical, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, fire protection and security systems to ensure proper operations, and the ability to troubleshoot, and identify and respond to any conditions that are outside norm that may impact care of collection.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, electronic mail, and calendar software applications. Familiarity with collections databases (TMS) a plus.
• Comfortable with technology, including use of social media, mobile devices and other relevant media.  

Competencies, Skills and Abilities

• Enthusiastic and engaging personality that exudes a charismatic and engaging image to the public – able to communicate sensitively and effectively to diverse audiences fostering goodwill among the museum's many members and guests and recognizes the dynamics involved in working with board members, donors, and current and prospective vendors; media contacts, and the city's social, business and civic leaders and organizations.
• Innovative thinker who is able to perform well in a changing work environment and passionate about being a member of a team that is developing new art initiatives with a strong visitor-centered community dynamic.
• Exemplary written communication, planning and research skills - adept at writing in a variety of voices and styles; eagle –eye editor and proofreader.
• Excellent project management skills - able to plan and organize multiple projects, prioritize duties, meet deadlines and work effectively both as part of a team and independently.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule.  Many events are on weekends and evenings.  Work schedule may vary to accommodate special events schedule. 

How to Apply

For consideration, please submit letter of interest including salary expectation, curriculum vitae, writing sample and four (4) references to The Dayton Art Institute, Attn: Monica Walker, Human Resources/Administration Director or email mwalker@daytonart.org. Email is the preferred method for applying, with all attachments in MS Word or .pdf format only.  The subject line of your email must include your full name and title of the position for which you are applying (for example: Jane Doe, Chief Curator).  Please do not include the cover letter and/or resume in the body of your email. 

Candidates must be able to pass pre-employment drug screen, nicotine/tobacco test and criminal records check.

Submission deadline: January 31, 2017.  Please note that incomplete application materials may not receive full consideration for the position.