Morgan State University, a historically black university (HBCU) in Baltimore, Maryland is seeking a curator for the James E. Lewis Museum of Art (jelmamuseum.org). The James E. Lewis Museum of Art (JELMA) is Morgan State’s premier art gallery with permanent collections extending from the ninth century to the present. Established in 1952, it houses over 5,000 works of art ranging from African, Oceanic, Asian, European, American and Contemporary art.
As it celebrates its sesquicentennial, the University is seeking a visionary and dynamic leader, who is inspired by the richness and diversity of the collection, and its role in furthering Morgan’s mission to serve the greater community and region as an intellectual and cultural resource by educating and empowering a diverse student population. Under the supervision of the museum director, the curator supports Morgan in its goal of promoting academic excellence through engagement with education and scholarship in the visual arts. The curator is responsible for stewarding JELMA’s extensive collection by providing leadership, vision, and guidance to the museum’s employees (full-time and part-time), as well as promoting the collection by organizing a year-round series of exhibitions that are mindful of the transformational changes currently taking place in the interpretation of objects and public outreach.
In addition to managing JELMA’s collection, the curator is expected to foster and build upon existing relationships within the university, local, regional, national, and international communities. The curator will have qualifications consistent with having an adjunct appointment in one of the University’s academic programs, specifically the museum studies and visual arts programs, and may have the opportunity to teach academic courses in his/her area of specialization.
Qualifications:
Master’s in art history, or a related discipline; Ph.D. preferred (ABD considered). Minimum of three (3) years professional experience in a museum.
Core Responsibilities:
- Develop and produce a robust schedule of compelling and timely exhibitions and public programming.
- Develop a network with major donors, foundations, area collections (museums, historical societies, and libraries), and business contacts within the arts community.
- Research, write and oversee the production of catalogs, exhibition labels, wall text, interactive digital materials.
- Assist in researching purchases and proposed gifts.
- Assist in fundraising by working closely with the museum director, university development office, dean of the College of Liberal Arts to identify and apply for grants and other sources of external funding.
- Install exhibitions, including hanging works of art, as well as exhibition and lighting design.
- Manage loan requests, consignment agreements, invoices, accessioning and deaccessioning objects, etc.
- Oversee project budgets and compliance with grants.
- Promote the collection by working with public relations to advertise exhibitions, develop museum guides using both digital and analog platforms.
- Identify preservation/conservation needs, including security and storage.
- Develop collaborative projects with faculty and staff.
- Attend evening and weekend meetings and engagements.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
- Familiarity with database/cataloging software, including PassPerfect.
- Ability mentor both undergraduate and graduate students as docents and interns.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, faculty and administrators.
For position details visit jobs@morgan.edu.
To Apply: Email jobs@morgan.edu, indicating Job # FY16 2016-346 in the subject line and attach the following items; cover letter, curatorial statement, a curriculum vitae, and a completed Morgan State University Employment Application, (which should include salary requirements and references). Alternatively, you may mail the required items to: Morgan State University, Office of Human Resources, and 1700 East Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore, Maryland 21251. Application packets can also be faxed to: 443-885-8209 (Incomplete applications will not be given consideration).
Position open until filled.
Once you have successfully submitted an electronic application, you will receive a confirmation message.
**NOTE: THE HIRING DEPARTMENT WILL CONTACT ONLY APPLICANTS SELECTED FOR AN INTERVIEW. **
MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AFFIRMATIVE/ACTION EMPLOYER As required by the 1986 Immigration Act, applicants should be prepared to present acceptable documentation showing their identities, U.S. citizenship or alien status and their authorization to work in the United States.
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