Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego: Chief Curator

Department: Curatorial Affairs

Reports to: David C. Copley Director & CEO

Employee Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Primary Work Location: La Jolla

Pay Range:  $116,660 - $122,800

Apply By: August 24, 2024

JOB SUMMARY: Provide leadership in all aspects of artistic programming, overseeing, and managing MCASD’s active acquisitions, exhibitions, education, artistic, and interpretive programming, while keeping with the mission and vision of the Museum throughout performance of duties.   

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

·      Working with The David C. Copley Director & CEO, uphold and extend the artistic vision of the institution.

·      Supervise curators to assure efficient and impactful curatorial programming, including exhibitions, acquisitions, and publications, and to uphold high standards of exhibition production.

·      Supervise and set priorities for education team to ensure program development and deployment aligns with Museum and community interests.

·      Supervise and structure digital projects public programs and interpretation for cohesive messaging and multifaceted engagement.

·      Initiate, budget, plan, and implement internally generated exhibitions (some to travel) and oversee incoming exhibitions.

·      Undertake original research and provide scholarly contributions to publications and gallery texts.

·      Manage the content development and production of MCASD-developed catalogues for exhibitions and the permanent collection.

·      Identify and implement institutional partnerships for joint programming, exhibitions, and acquisitions.

·      Working with The David C. Copley Director & CEO and staff, contribute to the

process of accessioning works of art into the permanent collection and building collecting priorities through purchases, donations, and deaccessions.

·      Contribute to the implementation of quarterly meetings of the Board of Trustees Collections Committee.

·      Develop and maintain an annual departmental budget that includes exhibitions, publications, education programming, salaries, and general departmental needs.

·      Work closely with The David C. Copley Director & CEO and development staff to identify and secure funding sources and grants, as well as cultivate patrons and organize and lead donor trips.

·      Partner with communications team to raise the local, national, and international profile of MCASD.

·      Develop and maintain a strong network of contacts, including artists, dealers, curators, museum directors, and collectors.

·      Represent the Museum on external advisory boards and committees.

·      Provide ongoing vision, leadership, management, direction, mentoring, and scheduling of assigned staff.

·      Travel and work alternate, part time, or special event shifts, including weekends and/or after regular business hours as needed. 

·      Ensure safe work environment through knowledge of and adherence to safety policies and procedures. 

·      Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE: Excellent administrative, oral and written communication, and management skills, both strategic and operational, with an ability to motivate and work well with artists, colleagues, trustees, and visitors. Ability to articulate and lead the mission and vision of Museum. Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment and to work simultaneously on management of complex projects. Excellent experience in donor cultivation. Ability and willingness to travel as necessary to meet essential initiatives. Demonstrated excellence in organizing contemporary art exhibitions and publications, close familiarity with museum practices, knowledge of American and international art markets, and a broad knowledge of art history with particular expertise in art since 1950. Strong technical skills and proficiency in MS Office. Master’s degree in Art History or Fine Arts and a minimum of eight years recent, relevant experience or any equivalent education and experience. Ph.D. in related field preferred. Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.  

OUR WORK CULTURE: MCASD provides employees with a collaborative work culture where they can combine both their love and support of the arts and work in an enriching and diverse environment while further developing their specific professional knowledge, skills, and abilities.

ABOUT MCASD: It is an exciting time to join MCASD! Our La Jolla campus re-opened in April 2022 after a five-year expansion effort that doubled the building’s overall size. We are positioned to be a cultural beacon as the region’s foremost forum devoted to the exploration and presentation of the art of our time. From the coastal community of its La Jolla flagship building, MCASD provides an unprecedented variety of exhibition spaces and experiences for the community, showcasing an internationally recognized collection and a dynamic schedule of exhibitions and public programs.

INCLUSION, DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND ACCEPTANCE: MCASD is committed to the diverse and full inclusion of all qualified applicants. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and experiences. Studies show that people from underrepresented backgrounds and/or identities apply to positions only when they are confident that they meet 100% of the qualifications. We’d like to change that dynamic, so we don’t miss out on great candidates. If you have equivalent skills, experience, and/or education relevant to the job and are willing to learn, we value your expertise and encourage you to apply. MCASD will ensure that people with disabilities and/or qualifying medical conditions are provided reasonable accommodation. 

BACKGROUND CHECKS AND LICENSING: Professional references and criminal background check. DMV/EPN Check.

VACCINATION STATUS:  Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and demonstrate proof of vaccination upon hire, unless approved for a disability or religious accommodation.

EOE STATEMENT: We thrive by supporting and celebrating our diversity as a creative and collaborative team. MCASD prohibits discrimination and harassment against individuals based on race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy, reproductive health decisions, medical condition, covered veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Please submit your cover letter, resume and a written sample of art history or gallery interpretation here.