Chief Curator and Director of Collections and Exhibitions About Plains Art Museum Plains Art Museum is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization governed by a Board of Directors. Plains Art Museum features 56,000 square feet, of which 9,000 have security, climate, and light control properties. The building is fully accessible and contains the Hannaher’s, Inc. Print Studio, The Dawson Studio, The Store, the Goldberg Art Lounge, meeting and reception space, frame shop, wood shop, visitor services center, performance areas and permanent collection storage and care areas. The Katherine Kilbourne Burgum Center for Creativity is a multipurpose arts facility offering classes for the entire community, as well as studio and exhibition space for learning, discussion, and display of creative work. The Plains Art Museum’s studio programs focus on developing people’s potential for deeper learning and problem solving through 21st -century skills: creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and communication. A skybridge connects the original museum building with this 25,500 square foot expansion. The Museum offers approximately 12 special exhibitions along with smaller exhibitions each year. These exhibitions feature art of the 20th and 21st centuries and are free to the public. Classes, lectures, studios, collaborations with other disciplines as well as social events and performances complement the exhibition schedule. Plains Art Museum is the largest, and only accredited, art museum in North Dakota, reflecting its “demonstration of the highest professional standards for education, public service and collections stewardship, and a commitment to continued institutional improvement.” Less than 7 percent of American museums have the distinction of being accredited. The Museum raises funds through community support, business support and grants and through a North Dakota state program allowing nonprofit arts organizations to conduct charitable gaming activities. Learn more at https://plainsart.org. General Statement of Responsibilities and Duties: Plains Art Museum seeks a Chief Curator and Director of Collections and Exhibitions, an executive level position, to lead the institution’s curatorial vision. This individual will provide leadership, vision and direction for the Plains Art Museum through its exhibitions, interpretive materials, and collections use and development. They will work closely with the Director/CEO on artistic vision that is realized in exhibition goals and programs and with the Director of Education to develop content, publications, interpretation and educational programming. This is a collaborative position that develops long term, mission-oriented relationships with artists, higher education institutions, the museum’s Board of Directors, community members and organizations, museum colleagues, and collectors. The Chief Curator and Director of Collections and Exhibitions will represent Plains Art Museum on the regional, state, national, and international level and be an integral voice in the Fargo/Moorhead arts community. Primary Responsibilities and Duties: • Envision, develop, and implement an exhibition strategy that contributes to Plains Art Museum’s reputation as a leader in the museum field and an asset to the region, state, and nation. • Employ the highest standards for research and knowledge of contemporary art and contemporary museum practice to develop and implement exhibitions that are timely, relevant, and encourage dialogues. • Preserve, interpret, and promote the advancement and understanding of the region’s artistic heritage though the institution’s collections, exhibitions, and interpretation. • Oversee all aspects of exhibition planning and implementation, including curation of in-house exhibitions, work with guest curators, booking of travelling exhibitions, exhibition contracts, scheduling artwork shipping, and planning installation/de-installation calendar for all galleries. • Oversee and mentor Curatorial department staff, make staffing and hiring decisions for department as needed. • Develop and adhere to Curatorial department budget, demonstrate sound fiscal responsibility. • Make recommendations for the permanent collection, including accession/deaccession decisions. Serve as liaison for Collections Committee. • Ensure the institution is adhering to AAM standards for exhibitions, collections, and curatorial programming. • Develop and offer public lectures and programming as appropriate. • Develop and maintain relationships with community leaders, faculty at colleges and universities, artists, donors, collectors, and professional colleagues. • Participates as a key member of the institution’s leadership team, works collaboratively across departments to implement the museum’s mission. • Performs other duties as assigned. Education and Experience: • This position requires a minimum of a Master’s degree in art history, studio art, museum studies, or a related field • A minimum of five years of experience related to the duties and responsibilities, 7+ years preferred • Recognized achievement for scholarship in the field • A demonstrable record of exhibitions curated & publications in the field • Experience leading a team of varied skills and functions • A strong record of relationship building with artists, collectors, donors, and peers within the field • Ability to conceive, plan, and implement exhibitions • Strong financial management skills and experience overseeing a departmental budget • Strong communication and interpersonal skills • Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEAI) Compensation Range: The salary range for this position is $70,000-$75,000, commensurate with experience. Compensation includes participation in the comprehensive benefits plan as a well as a generous paid time off package. Apply: Research shows that individuals from underrepresented groups often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a role. If much of this job description describes you, then please apply for this role. Plains Art Museum is committed to inclusivity for all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Plains Art Museum will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed in the application process, please contact Tonya Scott, Chief People and Culture Officer, at tscott@plainsart.org. To apply please submit a CV, resume, and contact information for three references to tscott@plainsart.org. Additional materials, such as exhibition catalogs, publications, and curatorial statements are encouraged. Plains Art Museum is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any applicant or employee on any grounds protected under federal, state, or local law, including race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, national origin, ancestry, marital, affectional preference, disability, or status with regard to sources of income.