Curator

Under the supervision of the Chief Curator, and in keeping with institutional goals, the (Associate) Curator is responsible for the oversight, development (through strategic accessioning and deaccessioning), and interpretation of the Chazen Museum’s broad non-works on paper holdings. These holdings consist of approximately 10,000 artworks including paintings, sculpture, ceramics, glass artworks, furniture, and multi-media works that span global cultures and time periods.

The (Associate) Curator will be responsible for organizing and overseeing temporary exhibitions often drawn from the material within their purview, supporting the preservation of artworks within their purview, and facilitating scholarship around the collections they oversee in a variety of ways (such as answering scholarly inquiries, consulting with faculty and scholars, being available to researchers, shepherding student research, conducting their own research, and sharing said research with the field and the public through various avenues). They will work collaboratively with members of the Chazen’s engagement team, as well as with faculty members and students, to make the artworks in their purview accessible to the community at large. They will regularly and effectively communicate with donors, potential donors, community members, fellow staff, and colleagues in the field, establishing a positive rapport and developing and maintaining fruitful relationships that reflect well on the institution.

Occasional travel and attendance at or participation in events organized by the Chazen or UW-Madison more broadly is expected; some of this activity may occur in the evening or over a weekend and as a salaried employee, this time is not eligible for overtime/comp time.

The museum offers workplace flexibility, and a hybrid work arrangement may be negotiated.

Requirements

Key Job Responsibilities:
* Participates in and contributes to the life of the museum and the university by attending events, serving on committees as appropriate, and otherwise contributing to the academic community (5%)
* Provides operational guidance on day-to-day activities of student workers and volunteers. May supervise staff, students, and volunteers (10%)
* Participates in development of collections plans, acquisition of collection items, exhibitions or displays, educational resources, and access to collections (30%)
* Develops and maintains relationships with donors, collectors, and colleagues (15%)
* Provides budgetary input and subject matter expertise in support of funding requests (5%)
* Serves as a subject matter expert and point of contact for internal and external stakeholders regarding collection information and access (5%)
* Designs, develops, and delivers instruction to faculty, staff, students, and museum patrons (5%)
* Records, documents, and preserves collection research; contributes to object files and other institutional archives; and periodically reviews and consistently updates data on objects under their purview in the museum’s collection database to ensure that information available to constituents is thorough, up-to-date, and meets professional standards (5%)
* Produces, publishes, and presents original research (15%)

Department:
Chazen Museum of Art

Compensation:
The museum expects to hire within the following ranges.

Associate Curator level: $68,000-71,400

Curator level: $75,600-80,850.

Actual salary will be based on the selected candidate’s qualifications at the time of hire.

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off, competitively priced insurance plans, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund. Learn more at https://hr.wisc.edu/benefits/.

Required Qualifications:
* Minimum 3 years curatorial experience in an art museum (Associate Curator) OR Minimum 5 years curatorial experience in an art museum (Curator)
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to adapt both to various audiences
* Exemplary time management and organizational skills
* Demonstrated experience evaluating and assessing artwork
* Demonstrated experience curating exhibitions
* Broad knowledge of both contemporary and historic artistic production and enthusiasm to work across a variety of areas outside one’s specialty

Preferred Qualifications:
* A record of original research and publications
* Familiarity with making purchases from dealers and galleries
* Familiarity with large and bureaucratic organizations
* Established network of curators, scholars, and dealers, and a history of strong working relationships with colleagues
* Demonstrated resourcefulness and a creative approach
* Demonstrated ability to work effectively and positively with a wide variety of constituents, from donors to faculty to students.
* Flexibility in adapting to UW-Madison systems and embracing the methods and software utilized by the Chazen Museum of Art
* Comfortable working independently and collaboratively, managing multiple projects in a high-volume, fast-paced environment, and completing assignments on regular deadlines
* Ability to travel regionally and/or nationally, to meet with donors, assess gift offers, conduct research, and attend professional meetings and conferences, as appropriate to the position and in consultation with the Chief Curator and as allowed by the annual budget

Education:
* Master’s degree (MA or MFA) required
* PhD in Art History or a closely relate field preferred at the full Curator level

Application Instructions