Current Opportunities

Reporting to the Chief Curator/Director of Education, the curator will oversee all aspects of the Museum’s curatorial programs for photographic arts, including the management, research, and display of the Museum’s collection of more than 10,000 photographic objects, with additional work with the collection, particularly contemporary art and/or works on paper. The Curator will initiate plans, and oversee both loan and collections-based exhibitions, publications, and programming to enhance the understanding and appreciation of photographs, safekeeping of the collection, cultivating donors, developing, and monitoring project budgets, collaborating interdepartmentally on grants for ongoing and special projects, and interpreting photographs to multiple audiences through diverse media.

In addition to a dedicated interest in and knowledge of photography, the Curator will bring a balance of creativity and organizational skills to the wider responsibilities related to the Museum’s overall exhibition programs and related activities. Additional knowledge of either Contemporary art or a general knowledge of Works on Paper is required. General knowledge and background in art history will be needed to lead or to assist in exhibition and collection gallery planning and execution.

Our Commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility
Dayton Art Institute aspires to develop, promote, and sustain an organizational culture and reputation in the communities that we serve as an organization that values, nurtures and leverages inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility in all that we do.

Desired Qualifications and Experience

• An M.A. in art history or a closely related field is required, a Ph.D. in art history is preferred. All applicants should have at least 3 years of full-time curatorial experience caring for an art collection and experience working on exhibitions; consideration for associate or full curator rank will be commensurate with experience.
• Must have experience organizing exhibitions, writing labels and catalogue essays, developing programs, and working with donors and trustees.

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 museum team that is developing employee champions - individuals committed to developing, promoting, and sustaining the museum’s culture and reputation in the community as one that values, nurtures, and leverages Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility in all that we do.
• 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 attend and support museum special programs, projects and events, including occasional evening and weekend hours, and occasional travel.
• Proficiency working with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and other basic desktop applications.
• Knowledge of American Sign Language or multilingual a plus.

How to Apply
For full consideration, submit a letter of interest including salary expectations, curriculum vitae or resume, writing sample and statement regarding how the candidate addresses inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility through their curatorial work. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.  Relocation assistance available.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a drug, nicotine and tobacco screen and a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude museum employment. The DAI considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

All employees must comply with the Dayton Art Institute COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

Submission Deadline: This job link will remain open until the first interview phase is complete or until a satisfactory number of qualified candidates have been identified.