Association of Academic Museums and Galleries

The Institution and Position

The Snite Museum of Art at the University of Notre Dame invites applications and nominations for the position of Associate Curator of the Americas and Africa. Generally recognized as among the nation’s finest university art museums, the Snite holds one of the largest academic art collections. Its collections of works from the Americas (Mesoamerica and Native) are highly regarded and its holdings of African art were greatly advanced in recent years. This is a particularly exciting moment for the museum as plans are underway for a new museum to open in autumn 2023; the new curator will play a significant and immediate role in the planning and installation of all collections in their portfolio. The new curator should be a recognized specialist in one of the areas within their portfolio with strong working knowledge in the others.   

Role and Responsibilities

The Associate Curator will report to the museum director.  This individual will be a vital member of the curatorial team working with the Curator of European and American Art before 1900, the Curator of Photography, the Director (who also serves as the Curator of Sculpture and oversees Modern and Contemporary Art), and the museum Registrar. In addition, the Associate Curator will work closely with the Education Department (Academic and Public Programs) and the exhibitions and installations teams. In the context of a robust university system, the Associate Curator will be an important resource to faculty, students, and staff. This position is a non-tenure track, academic appointment; teaching opportunities may avail themselves in consultation with the Director but early emphasis will be on the new museum installation and interpretation, and research.

This position requires strong written and verbal communication skills, precise attention to detail, and the ability to communicate and work with both academic audiences and the general public. A demonstrated team player, the Associate Curator must be able to work independently and collaboratively with a small staff and on a vigorous work schedule under the guidance and approvals of the Director. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Oversee the care, display, interpretation, and promotion of the collections in their work portfolio.
• Develop a comprehensive exhibition plan for and oversee the re-installation of the collections in their portfolio for the new museum under the supervision of the Director and with the selected exhibition designers for the new museum.
• Develop a thorough collections plan for their areas of responsibility; including opportunities for collection focus and growth with the guidance of the Director.
• Conduct original research on the museum collections. Present and publish their research in academic and scholarly venues and present at appropriate conferences and gatherings.
• Identify and coordinate research opportunities for scholars and students.
• Present on collections and exhibitions to the university community as well as the general public through gallery talks, printed materials, media opportunities, and other venues in consultation with the Director.
• Review and develop opportunities for temporary exhibitions related to their portfolio of responsibility with regard.
• Occasionally serve as coordinator on a temporary exhibition outside of their portfolio at the request of the Director.
• Serve as the primary resource and editor of collections management database and records related to collection areas within their portfolio.
• Uphold and actively assist in the museum’s 2021 AAM re-accreditation process with the Registrar, Associate Director and Director.
• Work with the entire curatorial team on donor relations and with the museum’s advisory council as needed.
• Implement museum best practices and work to develop and enhance the role of the Snite Museum of Art at the national and international levels.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of five-years collective experience in a curatorial role at an accredited museum.
• Ph.D. in an area of specialization in the art of the Americas (Mesoamerica or Native) or Africa and working knowledge of other areas within their portfolio.  
• Demonstrated research interest and publication/presentation record in the aforementioned area of expertise.
• Proven connoisseurship and critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrated experience working within the academy and the general public; additional evidence of successful interaction with donors is a plus.
• Evidence of successful teamwork in a rigorous work environment.

Process:

Interested individuals should provide a cover letter, current cv with contact information, list of three reference contacts, and two writing samples through Interfolio at http://apply.interfolio.com/83497. Materials should be addressed to Joseph Antenucci Becherer Ph.D., Director, and submitted by March 24, 2021.