POSITION: Associate Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art
STATUS: Regular Full-time Salaried, Exempt (Hours may vary to include special events and activities in the evenings and on weekends.)
 

JOB DESCRIPTION AND DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
The Tucson Museum of Art’s Associate Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art will be an experienced, visionary, collaborative professional who will lead the museum’s program in modern and contemporary art.

This position will be responsible for the museum’s collections and activities in modern art (late-19th to late-20th century American art and art from around the world) as well as contemporary art (art from 1970 to the present). This position reports to TMA’s Senior Curator, Glasser Curator of Art of the American West, works closely Associate Curator, Schmidt Curator of Latin American Art, the Registrar/Collections Manager, with various departments, and has frequent contact with the Director / Chief Executive Officer.

The ideal candidate will be attuned to dynamic changes in the museum field; maintain and expand their connections with artists, curators, and museum leaders nationally and internationally; and communicate effectively with scholarly and broad audiences.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Curate wide-ranging rotations and installations of modern and contemporary art from the museum’s collection in dedicated permanent collection galleries and throughout the main museum building.
• Conduct original research, select objects, and make recommendations for collections acquisitions and deaccessions to the museum’s Collection Committee.
• Originate, develop, and present temporary exhibitions and initiate and facilitate loans related to modern and contemporary art from other institutions and private individuals.
• Collaborate with education, engagement, and marketing staff to create and support programming to enhance community engagement with the modern and contemporary art collections and exhibitions in museum’s galleries and out in the community, with particular attention to expanding and diversifying the museum’s audiences.
• In close partnership with the museum’s CEO and Director of Advancement and Strategic Initiatives, engage in advancement efforts to support curatorial priorities, such as actively seeking and cultivating collectors and donors for both funding and gifts of art.
• Support the execution of the museum’s Strategic Plan and IDEA Plan and its commitment to community-based curatorial and interpretive strategies.

DEPARTMENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participate in monthly curatorial, program, and staff meetings as well as quarterly Collections Committee meetings.
• Collaborate with team consisting of curatorial colleagues, engagement staff, educators, registrar/collection manager, and preparator in supporting display, presentation, and installation.
• Produce and contribute to publications supporting the collection and exhibitions, including scholarly essays in addition to gallery text.
• Support and collaborate on museum wide interpretative strategies such as facilitating tours on exhibitions and the permanent collection, docent continuing education, and authoring gallery texts.
• Identify and assist with creating grant proposal content to support the museum’s exhibitions, permanent gallery installations, and collections stewardship initiatives in collaboration with pertinent museum staff.
• Visit private collections and create development reports as well as lead trips with collectors and patrons to art fairs, galleries, museums, and private collections regionally, nationally, and occasionally internationally.
• Represent the museum and contribute to the field through participation in conferences, public lectures, publications, and institutional and scholarly partnerships.
• When appropriate, serve as a key voice for modern and contemporary art for the museum in the press and media.
• Inspire members of communities in Arizona, the Southwest, and beyond to engage with the museum’s collections, exhibitions, events, and other activities.
• Serve as the liaison to the museum’s Contemporary Art Society.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS- KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

• An advanced degree in art history or a related field and at least five years of experience in an art museum, visual arts organization, or arts center in a curatorial role. (Master’s Degree preferred)
• The capacity to creatively envision, plan, and actualize exhibitions, collections acquisitions, and themes that are in alignment with the mission and vision of the museum.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and passion for modern and contemporary art and artists, including local, regional, national, and international, and for exploring new directions in the fields of modern and contemporary art and museums.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a proven ability to interact respectfully, collegially, and professionally with colleagues, other employees, donors, and lenders.
• The clarity to communicate effectively internally and externally in print, formal presentation, and informal discussion.
• The dexterity to develop realistic timelines and budgets, maintain schedules, multitask, and ensure that activities are well planned, presented and delivered on a timely basis.
• The reliability to uphold policies, develop and nurture positive relationships, maintain the highest levels of confidentiality and ethics as they relate to all aspects of curatorial endeavors.
• Ability and desire to engage diverse audiences and different types of stakeholders, from community members to artists and trustees and promote the diversification of artists when considering acquisitions and programs through the museum’s IDEA initiatives.
• Superb written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft office required and knowledge / familiarity with PastPerfect (collection database), and social media platforms preferred.

Application Materials:
• Cover letter outlining your interest in the position and commitment to TMA’s IDEA principles. https://www.tucsonmuseumofart.org/initiatives/
• Resume or curriculum vitae.
• Contact details for three professional references.

To Apply: Send resume, cover letter, and references to: jobs@tucsonmuseumofart.org
No Phone Calls Please. This position will be open until filled.