ASSISTANT CURATOR OF INTERPRETATION (2-year temporary position)
Sheldon Museum of Art
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Sheldon Museum of Art seeks an Assistant Curator of Interpretation for a 2-year
temporary position to directly support the museum’s Senior Artistic Vision Team (SAVT),
primarily in the area of exhibition interpretation. Sheldon’s SAVT is responsible for ensuring
the artistic and conceptual integrity of Sheldon’s efforts in developing and implementing
exceptional programming that serves and engages its multiple audiences, including
University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) faculty and students, community partners, Sheldon
members, and the general public. Reporting to the Director and Chief Curator, responsibilities
of this position include writing materials for exhibitions, educational programs, publications,
grant proposals, press releases, social media, etc.; conducting original research on Sheldon’s
collection and potential acquisitions; presenting lectures and gallery talks; and developing
content to support broad academic engagement across UNL. The ideal candidate will be a skilled writer and communicator with the ability to interpret
exhibition content for multiple audiences, will have a commitment to producing original objectcentered
exhibitions, a growing intellectual track record related to her/his field of study and/or
professional endeavors, broad interests and expertise supported by Sheldon’s permanent
collection, and familiarity with and understanding of contemporary museum practices and
audience engagement strategies. S/he should have the intellectual agility to contextualize the
strengths of Sheldon’s collection within the landscape of art being made today and for the
broad academic pursuits of a Big 10 research university.
Sheldon Museum of Art’s landmark Philip Johnson-designed building houses the collections
of the Sheldon Art Association, founded in 1888, and the University of Nebraska. Together,
they comprise nearly 13,000 artworks in diverse media with prominent holdings of 19th- century landscape and still life, American Impressionism, early Modernism, geometric
abstraction, Abstract Expressionism, Minimalism, photography, and contemporary art. More
than thirty of Sheldon’s monumental sculptures are exhibited across UNL’s City and East
Campuses, including major works by Gaston Lachaise, Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van
Bruggen, Richard Serra, Jesus Moroles, Yinka Shonibare, Michael Heizer, Roxy Paine, and
Mark di Suvero. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln, chartered in 1869, is one of the nation’s
leading teaching institutions, and is recognized internationally for a wide array of research
projects aimed at broadening knowledge in the sciences and humanities.
Required Qualifications: Master’s degree in a humanistic discipline such as Art History,
Cultural Studies, English, History, Curatorial/Museum Studies or field related to Sheldon’s
collection plus 2 years of professional experience in an art museum or similar institution as a
curator, researcher, and/or writer, or in a position/positions directly supporting those roles.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for multiple audiences is essential,
including public speaking. Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, to communicate
openly, and with diverse constituencies is required. Must have ability to concurrently manage
and execute multiple tasks to meet firm deadlines. Ability to exercise discretion and
independent judgment in performing duties with general supervision or direction will be
required.
Preferred Qualifications: Demonstrated experience as an editor.
Criminal background check will be conducted. Excellent benefits including staff/dependent
scholarship program. Applicant review begins August 28, 2018. View requisition S_180591
at https://employment.unl.edu for details and to apply. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is
an EO/AA employer and encourages minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with
disabilities to apply
Categories: Job Postings