Organization

The Asheville Art Museum, established in 1948 by artists, engages, enlightens, and inspires individuals and enriches community through dynamic experiences developed for all ages that interpret its Collection and exhibitions of American art of the 20th and 21st centuries. Anchoring the center of lively downtown Asheville in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Museum serves residents of the Southeast and Western North Carolina region, as well as visitors from around the country and the world.  The Museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and received the National Medal for Museum and Library Service in 2022. 

Position Description

The Asheville Art Museum is currently seeking a visionary and highly motivated Senior Curator to lead the Curatorial Department in building a dynamic civic and cultural identity for the Museum as a leader in national and regional art histories.  In partnership with the Executive Director, this position will shape and implement the Museum’s curatorial objectives that advance the Museum’s Vision and Mission.  Through collection, researching, presenting, and interpreting the Museum’s rich Collection and listening to the needs of the Museum’s audiences, the Senior Curator will be relevant, experimental, and innovative through acquisitions, exhibitions, and programs.  The Senior Curator serves as a member of the senior leadership team and reports to the Executive Director.

Primary Responsibilities/ Essential Functions

• Lead Curatorial Department in presenting a dynamic schedule of exhibitions and collection installments, traveling exhibitions, educational programing, publications, and digital resources in partnership with the Executive Director and senior leadership. 
• Manage the strategic direction of the Curatorial Department in alignment with the Museum’s strategic plan.
• Lead the Curatorial Department in creating innovative exhibition content for temporary and long-term installations and associated programming.
• Research, write, and edit exhibition labels, didactics, and catalogues.
• Effectively manage guest curators; identify and manage project specific consulting teams.
• Interview, hire, onboard, mentor, and inspire growing Curatorial Team to achieve goals of the department and Museum.
• Oversee Collection research, growth, management, and care, and guide acquisition process, collaborate with Executive Director and Curatorial Department.
•  Support donor cultivation to secure works of art and funding for exhibitions, publications, and other programs. Collaborate with Executive Director, External Affairs and Curatorial departments.
• Participate in visitor and program participant evaluation to ensure community engagement with Learning and Engagement Department.
•  Develop and oversee curatorial departmental budgets with Director of Finance and Operations.
• Implement best practices for care of collections and loans with the Curatorial Department.
• Interact with the arts community and civic bodies as an advocate for the arts and the Museum.
• Other duties as assigned.

Special Requirements & Compensation

This year round, full-time position is eligible for full benefits and requires some after-hours participation in Museum events, exhibitions, openings, lectures, etc.  Annual compensation includes a salary starting at $70,000 depending on experience plus paid time off, health insurance, and retirement benefits after required probationary period.  The incumbent should be authorized to work in the United States, be able to navigate the Museum’s building and grounds, and travel periodically for meetings or Museum business.  All Curatorial staff should be able to assist in the installation of exhibitions, including the ability to lift, move, and handle art safely. 

Education/ Experience

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 7 years’ experience and extensive knowledge of American art of the late 19th century to the present preferred; be a flexible leader and astute manager with collaborative spirit; strong research, writing, and editing ability, as well as strong computer skills. Familiarity with collections management systems (e.g. EmbARK or The Museum System), Microsoft Office, and Adobe Creative Suite preferred. Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills including public speaking highly desirable.  The incumbent must be able to work independently, collaboratively, and effectively in a fast-paced, creative environment.    

To apply, please send resume/ CV and cover letter to careers@ashevilleart.org with “Senior Curator” and your name in the subject line. 

Equal Employment Opportunity   

The Asheville Art Museum provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.    

Diversity, Equity, Access, and Inclusion   

The Asheville Art Museum’s vision is to transform lives through art, and we welcome all visitors without discrimination. The Museum acknowledges that it is situated upon the ancient, southern Appalachian ancestral homeland of the Cherokee Tribe and that this region is still the home of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians today. The Asheville Art Museum is committed to being an active leader against racism. We uphold anti-oppressive and equitable practices, while striving to create opportunities for education and action to build a stronger community. The Asheville Art Museum is dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion—now and in the future. The Museum is moving with awareness and commitment, through assessment, training and engagement, to implementation and accountability.