Curator and Head of Painting and Sculpture

Curator and Head of Painting and Sculpture

Requirements

• Advanced degree in art history with an emphasis on modern and contemporary art with expertise in painting and sculpture.
• Fifteen years museum experience, which includes previous organizational and managerial experience.
• Excellent written communication and public speaking skills.
• Demonstrated creativity and innovation in developing and leading modern and contemporary art initiatives.
• Ability to effectively manage staff.
• Language skills in addition to English a plus.
• Must be able to visually inspect works of art.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the collections and programs of the Department of Painting and Sculpture.
• Direct the exhibition and care of the Museum’s collection and the Doris and Donald Fisher Collection at SFMOMA and further develop scholarship on these collections through highly engaging exhibitions, publications, and research.
• Develop the depth, breadth, and quality of the collection through purchase and gift.
• Develop collection plans, cultivate donations, and negotiate purchases of works of art.
• Collaborate with the Director’s office, Research department, and fellow curators in the development of new areas of collection emphasis.
• Direct the activities of the Painting and Sculpture Accessions Committee including the cultivation of new members.
• Originate, organize, and direct highly engaging special exhibitions and accompanying publications at a level commensurate with the highest professional standards.
• Align the work of the department with Museum Strategy and DEI goals.
• Oversee the department’s relationship with the Fisher Art Foundation and members of the Fisher family with respect to the ongoing stewardship of the collection.
• Select, supervise, mentor, and evaluate both permanent and term department staff.
• Develop department operating and program budgets and manage budgets responsibly.
• Collaborate with colleagues in Education and Community Engagement to develop audience-facing interpretive tools and programs relating to the collection and special exhibitions.
• Actively participate in fundraising and public relations efforts to support and promote departmental and Museum activities.
• Develop and maintain mutually advantageous relationships with the community of artists, artist estates, foundations, dealers, critics, museum colleagues, professional organizations, collectors, trustees, and friends of the Museum.
• Encourage the development of private collections that might eventually enhance the museum’s holdings; provide professional counsel and leadership to the museum’s art interest groups.
• Continue professional development (research, publications, lectures, juries, management and academic training), and contribute to high quality original research.

Preferred Qualifications

• Language skills in addition to English a plus.