Curator – LSU Museum of Art

Job Description:

The Curator serves on the leadership team of the LSU Museum of Art and manages the development and implementation of goals for the collections, exhibitions, programs, publications, and special projects; participates with colleagues in related donor cultivation, grant writing, fund development, and directs interpretive programming. Directs programming for the museum with staff team. Works closely as a team player with the Executive Director on leadership in DEAI areas and artistic vision. Directs collections, exhibitions and interpretation areas and engages in related development needs. Collaborates with faculty, and manages artists and outside scholars, supports collaborative activities, and stewards the Collections Committee.

Job Duties:

Working with the Executive Director, develop and implement a creative and thoughtful multi-year schedule of temporary exhibitions, including traveling exhibitions program, original and loaned exhibitions. Design and oversee the installation of all exhibitions. Develop, implement, and manage exhibition budgets. Write and edit didactics that appeal to a broad range of museum visitors. Other related programming and activities. (30%)

Direct the Curatorial Department which includes collections, exhibitions, programming/education areas. Supervise, direct, and delegate work, as appropriate, to the Museum Registrar, Museum Educator & Public Programs Manager, Preparator/Exhibitions Specialist, Curatorial Fellow, graduate assistants, interns, students and any contract workers. Foster an environment of co-creation amongst staff and community partners. (25%)

Research, write, and edit exhibition didactics and articles about the permanent collection that appeal to a broad range of museum visitors and audiences. Maintain and update the permanent collection galleries, rotating art and didactics as needed to keep the galleries dynamic. Develop, implement and manage curatorial and programs department budgets. Ensure inclusive interpretation. (15%)

Work with the Executive Director, the Museum Registrar, and the Collections Committee to develop the collection through acquisitions and deaccessioning. Conduct and direct research on the existing collection and for potential acquisitions. Steward the Collections Committee process and support Advisory Board reporting and education. Develop acquisitions and steer the committee (and staff) to grow a more inclusive collection and interpretation program. (10%)

As part of the leadership team, work with the Executive Director and the Director for Development on fundraising, grant writing, strategic planning and implementing DEAI initiatives across the museum. Actively cultivate relationships with museum patrons, potential donors, sponsors, artists, and collectors. (10%)

Direct the Museum Educator, Curatorial Fellow and collaborates with the Communications Coordinator, to develop co- created/collaborative public programming, social media projects and develops content for the museum newsletter. Give gallery talks and formal lectures. Develop relationships with LSU departments and community organizations to encourage collaborative endeavors. Represent the museum to the public and press and foster regional, and where appropriate national recognition of the museum and collection. Other duties as assigned. Direct the Museum Educator, Curatorial Fellow and collaborates with the Communications Coordinator, to develop co- created/collaborative public programming, social media projects and develops content for the museum newsletter. Give gallery talks and formal lectures. Develop relationships with LSU departments and community organizations to encourage collaborative endeavors. Represent the museum to the public and press and foster regional, and where appropriate national recognition of the museum and collection. Other duties as assigned. (10%)

Minimum Qualifications:

Education Level: Master’s

Specific Degree: Art, History, Museum Studies, or related field

Years of Experience: 5

Specific Experience: 5 years of related museum experience and/or training. A minimum of 3 years experience as a Curator in an art museum. A broad knowledge of art history from the 18th century to the present.

Minimum Certifications/Licenses:

Valid Driver’s License

Special or Physical Qualifications:

Must be available to work evenings and weekends as needed.

University employees whose principal responsibilities of employment include operating a vehicle, performing maintenance on a vehicle, or supervising any public employee who operates or maintains a vehicle and positions with an expectation to travel will require an MVR and are subject to drug screens per PM-33/PS-67/FASOP HR-04.

This position may be required to report to campus in times of emergency and/or closure per PS-18.

Position requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications:

Education Level: Ph.D.

Specific Degree: Art History

Years of Experience: 5

Specific Experience: 5+ years experience as a curator in an art museum. Specialization in American, especially Southern, art and decorative art, combined with a broad knowledge of art history. Teaching experience is preferred.

Additional Job Description:

Special Instructions:

Please attach three professional references and a copy of your official transcripts when applying.

Posting Date:

October 4, 2021

Background Check – An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits – LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer:

LSU believes diversity, equity, and inclusion enrich the educational experience of our students, faculty, and staff, and are necessary to prepare all people to thrive personally and professionally in a global society. We celebrate diversity and are committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion. We actively seek and encourage qualified applications from persons with diverse backgrounds, cultures and experiences. To learn more about how LSU is committed to diversity and inclusivity, please see LSU’s Diversity Statement and Roadmap. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact the Office of Human Resource Management (hr@lsu.edu).

HCM Contact Information:

Questions or concerns can be directed to the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or emailed HR@lsu.edu

Categories: Job Postings