The Curator and Gallery Director provides a dynamic exhibition program for the benefit of the Art and Art History Department, Macalester College's mission and the larger Minnesota arts community. The gallery is a site for crucial professional development for art and art history students, especially graduating seniors. The exhibition program provides access to world-class artists and ideas in support of the goals of academic and administrative departments alike. The curator manages the college's art collection and works in collaboration with numerous departments on its display and interpretation. The curator works to support general department functions, connections to a broader art community, assists students and faculty across departments with specific projects and opportunities, and collaborates with administration and faculty to bring artistic presentations to the wider campus.

This is a full time (0.88 FTE) position that works 10.5 months out of the calendar year. 

About the Law Warschaw Gallery

Both for the classroom and the broader Minnesota community, Macalester’s Law Warschaw Gallery is a portal to local, national, and international artists, their work and artistic dialogue, as well as a space for students, faculty, and the Twin Cities community to learn from the arts as a means to examine, transform, and communicate individual and collective experiences.

Responsibilities:

Plan, install and host exhibitions

• Selection of artists and projects
• Developing an annual exhibition schedule and related task timeline and planning
• Artist studio visits and correspondence
• Arranging for shipping logistics
• Designing exhibition layout with artists
• Writing exhibition copy and wall labels
• Coordinating promotion and marketing exhibitions and events with internal and external channels, including press releases and calendar event listings
• Oversight of website and media management
• Mounting exhibitions, including related construction, procuring exhibition furniture and fixttures, framing, lighting
• Hosting receptions and artist's talks
• Producing catalogs and publications, corresponding with designer, artists, essayists, and printer, to project manage all related copy and images

 Permanent collection oversight

• Inventory and maintenance of a physical collection of over 1,600 art objects
• Coordinating insurance with finance department
• Arranging for the collection’s organization, circulation, and display on campus
• Managing object images and data in the digital collections database
• Work with the Development Office to plan, appraise, evaluate, and accept art donations

Student Engagement

• Manage 10-14 student employees by oversee their hiring, scheduling, training, mentoring, and weekly tasks
• Assist the Studio Art Senior Seminar with their individual projects through studio visits and production of their group exhibition.
• Provide guidance and consultation for student-led exhibition projects
• Support the annual juried exhibition jury process, installation, gallery maps, and promotion

 Departmental and cross-departmental collaboration

• Support Art and Art History events
• Co-host collaborative programs and events
• Coordination major collections installations
• Support public art planning
• Host annual reunion exhibitions
• Actively seek out campus partnerships and collaborations

Community Collaboration

• Foster collaboration with the larger arts community, artists and peer institutions
• Actively participate in FORUM Association of Academic Galleries
• Actively seek out community partnerships and collaborations
• Represent the Law Warschaw Gallery and Macalester at events, conferences, and community events

 Facilities, equipment, and budget maintenance

• Identify and prioritize ongoing maintenance of the physical gallery space, coordinating with Facilities as needed for larger projects
• Engage students in ongoing painting, cleaning, and organizing projects
• Tracking gallery expenses and inventory supplies and resources
• Monitor, track and reconcile gallery expenses and balance budgets

Qualifications:

Please consider applying whether you possess some or all of the qualifications.

• Bachelor’s degree in Art History, Studio Art, Museum Studies or Visual or Cultural Studies recommended, advanced degrees encouraged.
• 2–5 years of professional experience working in a gallery, museum, or academic art department exhibition program setting required
• Knowledge  of a wide range of art practices, archival operations, historical preservation methods, display traditions, and techniques to properly handle art
• Proficient in judging art practices and placing artwork in appropriate contexts. Must be culturally sensitive
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to communicate professionally, tactfully, and effectively
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as needed and prioritize work efficiently and effectively, while part of a team in support of the Art and Art History Department and the college.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and accuracy in completing tasks
• Strong project management skills with the ability to multitask and work under deadlines
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office and/or Google Applications, and have basic Photoshop and InDesign skills
• Proficient in the use of power tools, computers, printers, copiers, and other standard office equipment
• Previous experience with budget management
• Formal aerial lift operating training will be required
• Demonstrated ability to hire, train, and supervise workers
• Must be available to work some nights, weekends, and special events

Physical Requirements: 

This position requires physical activities like lifting heavy objects, climbing ladders and stairs, using power tools, complicated installation methods, and operating an aerial lift.

Compensation & Benefits: 

This is an exempt position that offers Macalester’s benefits package.

 Application Guidelines:

To be considered for this position, please submit your resume and cover letter in one pdf via Macalester’s Employment Opportunities page no later than 11:59pm on Tuesday, July 26th. 

Applications will not be received after this time. Review of applications will begin immediately. 

All inquiries regarding this position can be directed to Jaclyn Howard (jhoward3@macalester.edu)