Association of Academic Museums and Galleries

https://uacareers.com/postings/31485

The Center for Creative Photography (CCP) at the University of Arizona, is seeking an experienced and energetic Associate Curator for Academic & Public Programs to create and manage multidisciplinary partnerships across university units and develop community outreach programming for a range of constituencies.

Collaborating with internal staff, faculty across campus, and outside partners, the selected candidate will facilitate the integration of the CCP fine print and archive collection into university curricula, programming for school & youth education, and adult learning opportunities. This includes working with curatorial staff to plan and interpret exhibitions in line with CCP core values and relevant to university teaching. The Associate Curator will be responsible for outreach to faculty, leading class discussions on site and off, and educating faculty on teaching strategies that enrich their curriculum and pedagogy.

At its core, the Associate Curator will help make the CCP a site of interdisciplinary and intellectual engagement where members of the UA community can expand on classroom instruction by teaching with objects and engaging with the Center. Ultimately, the incumbent will be expected to greatly expand the CCP’s public programming to best serve the regional community.

The ideal candidate is collaborative by nature, embraces being part of an academic community, is an excellent written and verbal communicator, is a creative thinker, is willing to take risks and explore new possibilities, and is well organized and can comfortably handle complex project management. We are looking for someone who appreciates the Center for Creative Photography’s collection, and has the vision and expertise to use it to create dynamic programs that reach broad audiences and enhance the Center’s mission in alignment with stated core values.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Academic Engagement

• Create a multidisciplinary model for the CCP that connects the collection with faculty and students.
• Develop and implement evaluation strategies and statistics on use, impact and effectiveness of academic programs.
• Conduct university-wide research on class offerings before each semester and contact faculty of relevant classes to encourage use of specific exhibitions and collections.
• Create and lead workshops for university faculty and graduate students on inquiry-based, object-based research and teaching techniques.
• Organize, oversee, and lead discussions for print viewings for faculty, graduate students, and classes.
• Initiate conversations and pursue collaborations that foster the use of the museum as a laboratory for learning.
• Maintain a faculty advisory board for academic programs.
• Develop and maintain program budgets.
• Seek sources of funding and work with museum and university collaborators to develop proposals and grants.

Public Programs

• Create a public programming plan for the CCP which provides diverse access to the collection to reach new and existing audiences.
• Develop high-quality programming that is mission driven, fiscally sound, and interactive for audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
• Work with the Chief Curator to develop and implement interpretative materials, interactives and activities to connect program, exhibition and collection themes.
• In concert with marketing and membership, manage public programs including but not limited to: family events, visiting speakers, panels, symposia, conferences, and other events in line with CCP priorities.
• Coordinate with the membership department for the creation of membership-related events.
• Research and develop new directions for connecting with visitors; including but not limited to audio guides, art making opportunities, written guides for adults, digital initiatives, social media, and interactive opportunities.
• In partnership with archive and curatorial staff, enhance the tour and visitor services programs through the recruitment, training, and evaluation of museum educators, docents, and volunteers.
• Coordinate exhibit-related programming, including visits by outside scholars and speakers.
• Partner with marketing and communications staff to align public engagement initiatives across the organization and to promote the CCP’s programs.
• Advise on staffing and future program development.
• Develop and maintain program budgets.
• Seek sources of funding and work with museum and university collaborators to develop proposals and grants.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• A high energy level and ability to manage multiple activities and responsibilities with a positive attitude
• Strong visual literacy and critical thinking skills
• Knowledge of contemporary practices and trends in engaging the public through creative and innovative practice
• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated experience handling program details and managing deadlines
• Excellent writing and research skills
• Deep commitment to interdisciplinary teaching using works of art

Minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or minor in art history, photography, museum studies or education
• 4 years of work experience in a museum environment in the areas of education or curatorial, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Demonstrated background/interest in the history of photography
• Proven experience in cultivating relationships, collaborations, and partnerships with regional, national and international communities
• Experience working with or in an academic environment
• Expertise in object-based teaching and learning

Preferred qualifications:

• Master’s in History, Photography, Education or related field and 6 years of professional museum experience in the areas of education or curatorial or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A demonstrated interest in multiple or interdisciplinary fields of inquiry
• Record of college-level teaching and academic research