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Assistant/Associate Curator of Paintings & Sculpture, Boston Athenæum, Boston, MA

Posted September 11, 2015

Founded in 1807, the Boston Athenæum is one of the oldest and most distinguished independent libraries and cultural institutions in the United States. The mission of the Boston Athenæum is to serve its members, the broader community, and scholars throughout the world by preserving and augmenting its collections of books and art, by providing library services and cultural programs, and by preserving and enhancing the unique atmosphere of its landmark building.

The Boston Athenæum seeks an Assistant or Associate Curator of Paintings & Sculpture to participate in overseeing the Athenæum’s storied collection of (primarily American) paintings, sculpture, and applied arts. The Assistant/Associate Curator will report to the Athenæum’s Curator of Paintings & Sculpture and Director of Exhibitions, and will join a collegial curatorial team that also includes the Curator of Prints & Photographs, Curator of Rare Books & Manuscripts, Curator of Maps, Athenæum Archivist, and, in 2016-18, a grant-funded Graduate Fellow in Paintings & Sculpture. The Assistant/Associate Curator will join the Athenæum in a period of renewal and growth, following the adoption of a new operational plan that will inform an anticipated capital campaign. The position is full-time with excellent benefits and a competitive salary commensurate with experience.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Assist in researching, documenting, displaying, moving, storing, and securing the collection (25%);
  • Participate actively in the Athenæum’s busy program of three temporary exhibitions and nine collection installations per year (25%); 
  • Together with the Curator, and in collaboration with other contributors, research, write, edit, and bring to publication, both on-line and in print, a comprehensive catalogue of the Athenæum’s collection of paintings, sculpture, and applied arts (20%);
  • Facilitate collection research by outside scholars and curators (5%);
  • Research and propose collection acquisitions (5%);
  • Coordinate loan requests (5%);
  • Collaborate with colleagues on collection-related projects and reports (5%);
  • Supervise one or two student interns (5%);
  • Support, as needed, all areas of the art department’s operations (5%).

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • The successful candidate will hold an advanced degree in Art History or a related field with a specialty in American art, and will be comfortable with and eager to explore art of various periods, cultures, and artistic media.
  • Masters degree required; Ph.D. strongly preferred.
  • A minimum of five years museum experience required.
  • A record of scholarly publication and strong public speaking skills desired. 
  • The successful candidate will be committed to fostering diversity and supporting a culture of inclusion.
  • Comfort with technology, and familiarity with the Microsoft Office suite  (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) required.
  • Experience using The Museum System (TMS) or a similar collection database desired, as is knowledge of social media for professional communications.
  • The successful candidate will be highly organized; able to balance multiple projects simultaneously without losing sight of details; diplomatic; highly collegial; discreet; a strong problem-solver; mature; dependable; articulate; a superb writer; and comfortable communicating with a broad audience of Athenæum members, donors, and trustees.

To Apply: please submit the materials listed below in a single document to [email protected]: 

  1. Cover letter
  2. Curriculum Vitae
  3. The names and contact information of three references. References will be contacted only after the applicant has been informed that s/he is a finalist.

The search committee will begin to review applications on November 1, 2015, and will continue until the position is filled. Although the specific start date is negotiable, the Athenæum seeks to fill the position no later than July 2016–and if possible, as early as April 2016.

The Boston Athenӕum is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage individuals of diverse backgrounds to apply and are committed to hiring individuals who value a diverse and inclusive work environment.

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