Association of Academic Museums and Galleries

Curator of Collections & Exhibitions
Review Date: 05/14/2015
Job Category: Exempt
Department: Art Museum
Organization: Caine College of the Arts
Posting Duration: Open Until Filled

Position Summary:
Utah State University’s Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art (NEHMA) seeks a visionary Curator of Collections and Exhibitions specializing in Modern and Contemporary art with an emphasis on art and artists of the western United States. This position requires a commitment to the study, interpretation, scholarship, and publication of NEHMA’s collection along with object-based learning in an academic environment that is collaborative and integrates with disciplines across campus. The Curator will work under NEHMA’s Executive Director and Chief Curator in a team-based environment to curate ambitious exhibition projects, undertake significant research, evaluate potential acquisitions, be a leader in the museum field and advance Utah State’s national reputation as a research institution committed to the study of art across all disciplines.

SALARY:
Compensation is nationally competitive and commensurate with experience. USU offers a generous benefits package valued at approximately 45% of the salary, including excellent health insurance, employee wellness programs, and a retirement contribution of 14.2% of the salary.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct research on the Museum’s collection.

• Conceptualize and plan exhibitions and related programs.

• Develop curatorial projects that expand upon areas of focus represented in the collection.

• Assist with planning and preparation for a major expansion and renovation of the Museum taking place in 2016.

• Collaborate across the university campus to develop innovative curatorial concepts that engage students and faculty as an integral part of their education.

• Participate in dialogues and be involved in museum, academic art museum, and curatorial organizations.

• Employ curatorial practices to garner interest from the broader community and throughout the western region.

• Work with the education curator on educational initiatives for various Museum audiences, which may include developing and leading public curatorial and gallery talks, meeting with classes, or developing didactics and other written materials for various audiences.

• Collaborate with the registrar on collection access and support; object research and records; loans; and exhibition installations.

• Work with the Executive Director/Chief Curator to develop a vision for the curatorial direction of the Museum, assist with exhibition-related grant-writing, and play a lead role in new acquisitions for the Museum’s collection.

• Foster and maintain good working relationships with patrons, academic community, collectors, University administration, museum colleagues and artists.

• Engage donors of the Museum on collection acquisitions and gifts as well as assist with special events for Donors that provide insight and support to exhibitions and collections.

• Participate in completing a comprehensive inventory of the collection.

• Conduct trainings, presentations, and tours to enrich knowledge and exhibition experience with University and community constituents.

• Teaching and team-teaching opportunities may be offered and will be encouraged.

Dept/College Highlights:
The Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art was founded in 1982 with the ceramics collection of philanthropist and namesake Nora Eccles Harrison. The Museum has since expanded to include over 5,000 Modern and Contemporary works with an emphasis on art from the Western United States.  Additionally, the museum serves as the recipient of the Vogel Collection for the state of Utah.  The Museum’s collection continues to grow with regular acquisitions and is prepared for a major expansion and renovation to take place in 2016.

Utah State University is a Carnegie Doctoral/Research University/Extensive school of more than 28,000 students, nestled in a mountain valley 90 miles north of Salt Lake City. Opportunities for a wide range of outdoor activities are plentiful. Housing costs are at or below national averages, and Cache Valley provides a supportive environment for families and balanced personal/ professional life. Ski resorts, lakes, rivers, and mountains in the area make it one of the finest outdoor recreation environments in the nation.

Minimum/Preferred Qualifications:
MINIMUM:

• Position requires a track record of innovative curatorial projects focused on art from the 20th and 21st centuries and scholarly research with publications or essays.
• Master’s Degree or PhD in Art History, Curatorial Studies, Museum Studies, or relevant discipline.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent writing skills and public-speaking ability.
• Experience working with donors, collectors, art dealers and scholars.

PREFERRED:

• Experience working in an academic environment.
• Teaching experience in or with higher education.

See https://usu.hiretouch.com/job-details?jobid=238 for more information and to apply online.

Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory background check. Utah State University is an AA/EO Employer and encourages gender and ethnic diversity.