About the Role

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens seeks a visionary and collaborative Curator of European Art. Reporting to the Director of the Art Museum, this curator is responsible for the care and development of the collection of European art, its growth, display, interpretation, publication, and programming. The European art collection provided the foundation for art at the Huntington, and is known for extraordinary quality within a grand setting. The Chief Curator will set a strategic course for ambitious yet sustainable growth in the next phase by building relationships across all divisions of the Huntington and by effectively managing resources (both human and financial) while upholding the institutional values of collegiality, trust, and transparency. As a representative and spokesperson for The Huntington, the Curator of European Art will work with a broad range of external constituents in ways that will raise our profile, welcome new audiences, and broaden our donor base. We wish to build on our signature strengths, while also considering the connections between Europe, the Americas, and Asia in our acquisitions, our gallery installations, and our programs.

The successful candidate will have a proven record of building relationships across all levels of an organization, must be an effective manager of resources (both human and financial), and fit well within an institutional culture that values collegiality, trust, and transparency. In addition to a specialization in European art, s/he will be an advocate for multidisciplinary scholarship, and be willing to think creatively about how to create synergies between the art collection, the library, the research division, and the botanical gardens. The successful candidate will also have a wide-ranging knowledge of the history of art in general; a knowledge of and interest in the art of today; and a commitment to welcoming broader audiences through diverse programs and acquisitions.

Essential Duties

• Pursues scholarly research to support acquisitions, exhibitions, publications, and gallery installations
• Working closely with the Curator of British Art, oversees installation of the permanent collection galleries, with periodic reassessment and reinstallation, particularly as the collection grows
• Researches and develops potential acquisitions, and makes appropriate presentations to Trustees, Board of Governors Art Committee, Art Collectors Council, and other Huntington supporters
• In consultation with the Director of the Art Collections, advises on an acquisitions strategy that relates to the mission and larger strategic initiatives of the institution; fills historic gaps; and also includes more female artists and artists of color
• Proposes and organizes temporary exhibitions of significance, both traveling exhibitions and rotations of the permanent collection
• Acquires important works of European art across media through purchases and donation. Secures important loans of European art when appropriate
• Works with staff across the Huntington, and with the Education, IT, and Research departments in particular, on programs related to the American collection and didactic materials, including all interpretive digital media
• Works with the Advancement department to identify, nurture, and steward potential donors and/or art collections, and is a keen advocate for the Huntington’s European art collection within the Los Angeles donor community, the region, and beyond; helps secure support for mission critical initiatives from corporate and other philanthropic foundations and from government agencies
• Works closely with The Huntington’s curatorial corps on short and long term divisional strategic initiatives
• In consultation with the Director of the Art Collections, develops a sustainable program for contemporary art within the context of the historical art collections. Cultivates external relationships with artists

Candidate Requirements and Experience

Knowledge, skills, and experience:

• A minimum of 10 years’ museum experience
• A minimum of 3-5 years’ experience managing others, projects, and budgets
• A Ph.D. in art history, with a specialization in European art, is strongly preferred
• Commitment to welcoming diverse audiences
• Exemplary written and verbal communication skills
• A strong record of publications, exhibitions, and collection responsibilities
• Proven track record of donor cultivation and stewardship

Qualities and approach:

• Flexible and open to new ways of working, with others in the department, and across the organization, especially as new strategic priorities are developed.
• Can-do attitude, and ability to get things done with the resources at hand.
• Creative and collaborative – able to consider new perspectives and work with diverse teams.
• Comfortable giving and receiving candid and respectful feedback.

Working Conditions

• Office environment; performs work on a personal computer; extensive face-to-face discussions; occasional travel, domestic and international

Compensation & Benefits

• We provide competitive compensation, generous benefits and perks for all eligible employees including:
• Pay Range: $90k -$95k annually. Negotiable and commensurate on experience.
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• 403(b) basic retirement plan and optional matching retirement plan with an outstanding employer match
• Hybrid remote work schedule available for applicable positions
• Considerable paid time off, including annual leave, sick leave, and holidays
• Discounts for staff in The Huntington Store and restaurants
• Access to the Museums Council pass, which grants free admission to various museums and cultural institutions
• Free passes each month to welcome family and friends to visit the grounds

The Application Process

Applications must include the following:

A cover letter addressing the candidate’s interest in the position

A published paper or writing sample

A complete CV of education history, employment, honors, awards, publications,

The names and contact information of three references.

You will have the opportunity to submit additional documents on the “My Experience” section of the application.