Current Opportunities

The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) currently seeks a curator of twentieth-century art. Reporting to the Edna S. Tuttleman Director of the Museum, this position will initiate, plan, develop, and implement 20th century American art exhibitions. The Evelyn and Will Kaplan Curator of 20th Century Art will assume curatorial responsibility for gifts and purchases of 20th century American artwork, and the care and display of works in the permanent collection made during the twentieth century with an emphasis on post-WWI to 2000. They will cultivate private collectors of 20th century American art, establish and maintain relationships with artists, galleries and artists’ estates. They will work collaboratively with historic and contemporary curators, especially in periods of overlap—early twentieth-century and 1970-2000—contributing to an overall programmatic vision for exhibitions and collections at PAFA.

The Evelyn and Will Kaplan Curator of 20th Century Art will plan, coordinate and prepare major exhibitions of twentieth-century American art. They will plan, coordinate and prepare permanent collection installations and gallery rotations. This position will develop the collection from post-WWI to 2000 including identifying and suggesting gifts and purchases. They will also contribute to successful fundraising and marketing for 20th century art exhibitions and programs. Responsibilities include managing and writing scholarly but accessible publications in conjunction with PAFA projects, whether for special exhibitions or the permanent collection. They will research and catalog works in the collection from post-WWI to 2000, developing strong internal and external interest in and awareness for 20th century art at PAFA. They will prepare and present public lectures, gallery talks and tours as applicable, cultivating interest and gifts from collectors of 20th century American art. They will also work closely with curatorial colleagues to enhance PAFA’s national reputation as a leader in American art. This position will work with the public programs department in planning educational programs, training docents, and giving tours of exhibitions and the collection as necessary, assist with general departmental operations including fielding inquiries, maintaining exhibition schedule and writing and coordinating publications. Responsibilities will also include contributing to PAFA’s national and international reputation by pursuing research which results in scholarly publications and lectures outside of the institution. They will work collaboratively with museum education, marketing, and development to ensure the institutional success of Museum exhibitions and programs. Other tasks will include managing interns and select museum staff as necessary.

Qualified candidates will hold a Masters in Art History; PhD or ABD preferred. Expertise in 20th century American art is required; familiarity with historical and contemporary American art highly desirable; familiarity with parallel developments in 20th century European and Latin American art also highly desirable. Candidates should have a minimum of 5–10 years museum experience; a network of professional contacts, including artists, curators, collectors, and galleries. Candidates should possess excellent interpersonal and presentation skills, superior written and oral communication skills, and a record of significant publications in the field of American art. Candidates should be able to demonstrate a successful track record of fundraising and developing audiences for 20th century art.

TO APPLY ONLINE TO PAFA: https://recruiting.myapps.paychex.com/appone/MainInfoReq.asp?R_ID=225018...