09/2024
JOB DESCRIPTION – DUMBARTON OAKS
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Position Title: Associate Curator, Byzantine Collection
Supervisor: Chief Curator
Department: Museum
Grade: 57, exempt
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours work week
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Summary
The Byzantine Collection of the Dumbarton Oaks Museum includes objects made of precious materials,
such as ivories, enamels, and illuminated manuscripts; large-scale works, for example floor mosaics from
Antioch and late Roman and Byzantine relief sculptures; and more than two hundred textiles. It is one of
the finest collections of Byzantine art in the world. In addition to the permanent displays, the Museum
runs a successful program of special exhibitions. Museum curators undertake research, digitization, and
online publication projects pertaining to the collection.
The Museum seeks an expert in Byzantine Art / Material Culture for a curatorial position at the associate
level. The associate curator must have a deep interest in interdisciplinary scholarship, be highly creative,
and interested in using the museum’s collection to emphasize international and cross-cultural exchange.
The Associate Curator of the Byzantine Collection works closely with the Chief Curator and the Museum
Team acting as an intellectual authority helping the museum to fulfill its public and research mission. The
successful candidate is expected to maintain the highest standards of scholarship and professional
practices.
Reporting to the Chief Curator, the Associate Curator is a critical member of the curatorial team promoting
dialogue, engagement, and collaboration with museum colleagues and across Dumbarton Oaks. The
successful candidate will develop special exhibitions, research projects, and publications in print and
digital media, and make recommendations regarding the interpretation, care, and conservation of the
Byzantine Collection.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
• Overall responsibility for collection care, documentation, provenance research, interpretation,
dissemination, and development.
• Advocates for the preservation of the collection. Advises in matters related to objects
conservation, restoration, photography, material analysis, and exhibit installation.
• Undertakes original research leading to the creation and development of temporary exhibitions,
including conceptual and story exhibitions, selection of content, writing, layout and concept,
and initial design development. Works closely with the Manager of Exhibitions in the exhibition
process.
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• Provides advice to the Curatorial Committee on the suitability and merit of loan requests for
objects from the collection. Works closely with the museum Registrar in the loan process.
Recommends replacement loans. Responsible for virtual and in-person courier duties for some
Byzantine Collection loans.
• Enhances the research and educational value of the collection and contributes to the
dissemination of information about it (e.g., presentations, gallery talks / tours, exhibitions,
publications). Presents talks to various museum constituencies. Participates in museum service
and community outreach, including the collaboration with the Education Manager on the
development and execution of the educational resources offered by the institution.
• Facilitates and fosters the research of the collection by fellows, interns and scholars. Evaluates
and monitors access to the collection. Addresses queries from other departments, the scholarly
community, and the general public; actively engaged with the academic community.
• Supervises and mentors fellows and interns working with the Museum Team in general and the
Byzantine Collection in particular. Hosts visits to the museum by professors and students, with
emphasis on those from Harvard.
• Advises the Chief Curator and the Curatorial Committee on the suitability of gifts for the
Byzantine Collection.
• Performs related duties as required.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
Master’s degree in art history, archaeology, or related field, with a focus on Byzantine art and history.
At least five years of progressively responsible curatorial experience or equivalent combination of
education and experience, including exhibit development, care and handling of collections.
Additional Qualifications:
Ph.D. or equivalent in Byzantine Studies, Byzantine art history, or another appropriate field.
Demonstrated record of scholarship and achievement in the field of Byzantine art; excellent analytical
and organizational skills; excellent written and oral communication skills. Attention to detail. Ability to
work collegially in a team environment. Excellent computer skills, including familiarity with digital
publication, imaging software, databases, spread sheets, and other data storage and retrieval systems.
Ability to meet deadlines.
To Apply
The position remains open until filled. Please forward résumé and cover letter detailing relevant
qualifications by clicking the link below.
https://sjobs.brassring.com/TGWEbHost/jobdetails.aspx?partnerID=25240&siteID=5341&AReq=66953B
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Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive
excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community
that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully
embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences,
perspectives, beliefs, and values.
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for
employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected
veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any
other characteristic protected by law.
Dumbarton Oaks is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).
Dumbarton Oaks is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).
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