Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art

About the role

The Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art leads one of the Blanton Museum's key curatorial areas and is an important part of the senior management team, reporting to the Chief Curator and Deputy Director of Collections.

Responsibilities

• Organize exhibitions and installations using collection objects, loans, and commissions.
• Lead development of exhibition concepts, tours, and co-produced projects in collaboration with curatorial colleagues and external partners.
• Define and implement a vision for the modern and contemporary art collection.
• Recommend and secure acquisitions and collaborate with collections staff on conservation strategies.
• Build relationships with artists and national/international institutions.
• Solicit and secure loans and externally generated exhibitions and represent the museum in collaborative initiatives that advance its mission.
• Develop interpretive strategies and materials.
• Partner with Education and Academic Affairs to create programs, train docents and gallery assistants, and support public engagement with modern and contemporary art.
• Conduct original research on the collection and contribute to exhibitions, programs, and publications.
• Supervise guest curators, visiting scholars, interns, and student researchers.
• Promote use of the collection in teaching and engage with the academic community.
• Support fundraising efforts, including donor cultivation and proposals, and manage related budgets, records, and intern supervision.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in art history or related field, or a bachelor’s degree with equivalent professional experience.
• At least seven years of museum experience with a strong record of publications, public presentations, and active participation in the national or international art community.
• Deep knowledge of American and international modern and contemporary art.
• Demonstrated excellence in scholarship, writing, communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to manage budgets and experience in fundraising, including cultivating donors and securing grants from foundation and government sources.
• Strong professional relationships across the field, including artists, collectors, gallerists, writers, scholars, and museum colleagues.
• Collaborative and collegial approach, with the ability to work effectively across departments to advance institutional goals.
• Demonstrated integrity and professional judgment in all areas of work.
• Able to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, from students and the public to scholars and specialists.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in art history or a closely related discipline.
• Specialized expertise in a particular area of modern or contemporary art.
• Successful record of acquiring works through gifts or purchases.
• Knowledge of museum collection management systems and digital collections initiatives.

Skills

• Excellent research and writing skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Effective communication and public engagement abilities.
• Experience in fundraising and donor relations.
• Collaborative and collegial approach.

Benefits

The Blanton Museum of Art at the University of Texas at Austin offers competitive benefits, programs, and services, including complimentary admission to the museum, selected museum events, and a 20% discount at the Museum Store.

Pay

$100,000 + depending on qualifications

Schedule

Standard office conditions. Combination of sitting and standing. Repetitive keyboard use. Occasional evenings and weekends. Some travel.