With its 50th anniversary on the near horizon, the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (BMoCA) is at an exciting time in its history. Over the past decade, the museum has reached new heights thanks to record-breaking attendance numbers, dramatic programmatic growth, and the critical support of its community. BMoCA is now bursting at the seams, and in 2022, the museum will launch a capital campaign to support an expansion of its facilities. With such a facility, BMoCA will be able to realize its vision of becoming a leader in the global conversation about art and culture.
BMoCA seeks a Curator who will provide leadership and vision for the museum’s exhibitions. This position is responsible for the conception, research, planning, design, coordination, and execution of a range of exhibitions and projects of different scales. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in curation and in exhibition design, coordination, and project management, preferably in a contemporary art museum environment, and an interest in engaging diverse audiences through various program offerings. The candidate should further have excellent interpersonal skills, communication skills, and strong attention to detail, as well as an ability to multi-task, solve problems, think creatively, and prioritize in a fast-paced environment. The Curator supervises the Curatorial Department and works collaboratively and collegially with all museum departments, including community engagement, development, exhibitions and interpretation, marketing, finance, and outreach to further the mission and vision of the institution. In partnership with museum leadership, the curator develops and monitors curatorial department budgets.
I. Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Conceive, propose, research, plan, and deliver ambitious, rigorous, thought-provoking and diverse contemporary art exhibitions
• Develop and propose budget estimates for exhibitions
• Correspond with lenders and secure loan agreements for exhibitions
• Work collaboratively and collegially with the Manager of Exhibitions and Interpretation to coordinate exhibition production, shipment of art works, installation and de-installation
• Develop and help produce interpretative materials, including labels, gallery guides, catalogs, and other too as is appropriate
• Conduct select tours, training/education sessions and participate as needed in public programs, such as artist talks and exhibition opening events
• Provide exhibition details and images to Marketing Department for the development of marketing materials promoting exhibitions to media and general audiences. Review marketing materials as needed
• Maintain paper and electronic files for each exhibition, including condition reporting for incoming and outgoing artworks, invitation letters, contracts, and loan agreements, among other documentation
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge and industry expertise by building local, regional, national, and international relationships with artists, cultural organizations, and institutions for the benefit of the museum; maintain current knowledge of relevant legal, copyright, and property issues; advise Executive Director of necessary action/initiatives
• Organize and supervise the work of junior staff, interns, and volunteers as directed
• Nurture and develop strong donor relations on behalf of the museum; participate in fundraising efforts specific to museum programs and general initiatives, including special events
• Attend organizational and community functions and meetings, representing and advocating for the museum and promoting BMoCA’s strategic goals; present to the Board of Directors as requested; communicate sensitively and effectively to diverse audiences fostering goodwill among the museum’s members and guests as well as Board members, donors, media contacts, and the city’s civic leaders and organizations.
• Exercise leadership skills and curatorial experience by working on site-specific commissions and other new works that are attentive to ever-evolving cultural environments and art practices
• Collaborate with Community Engagement Department to develop and present exhibition-related and general programs about current and relevant topics related to the museum exhibitions
• Promote a culture of safety and environmental protection by working in an appropriate manner, immediately report unsafe situations and accidents following museum procedures, and participating in appropriate safety training
• Demonstrate environmental sustainability by using museum resources wisely and supporting the museum’s sustainability initiatives and innovation
• Perform other duties as assigned
II. Education and/or Experience
• Master’s degree or the equivalent in art history or curatorial studies with expertise in 20th- and 21st-century art
• Six years of progressive responsibilities and curatorial experience in the museum field, including, but not limited to, the development of imaginative and innovative exhibitions on complex subjects designed to appeal to a broad audience
III. Qualifications
• Knowledge of the different approaches to and methods used in the curation of contemporary art
• Ability to achieve and sustain best curatorial practices and ethical standards of the field
• Outstanding writing skills and public presentation skills
• Ability to effectively communicate with a range of audiences about contemporary art and inspire viewers through public lectures, gallery presentations, video presentations, and print media
• Committed to staying abreast of trends in the field and enhancing the reputation of BMoCA as a leader in the field of contemporary art; deep knowledge and understanding of national and international contemporary art
• Excellent project management and organizational skills, including ability to plan and organize multiple projects, prioritize duties, meet deadlines, manage budgets, and work effectively both as part of a team and independently
• Committed to diversity and inclusion as key strategies toward broad-based institutional excellence, representing a range of perspectives, thought, and actions
• Demonstrated excellence in exhibitions and museum publications
• Proven ability to forge mutually respectful, trusting, and effective relationships with a diverse group of staff, artists, guest curators, board members, community leaders, and decision-makers
• Abilities in delegating work, problem solving, negotiation, and conflict resolution
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Suite, and Google Drive
• Comfortable and current with the use of technology
• Strong negotiation and collaboration skills
• Pragmatic, grounded, decisive, and disciplined; flexible and creative as circumstances demand
• Ability to maintain balance and perspective, and a proactive “can do” attitude that inspires others
Hours & compensation
The Curator works full time for 40 hours per week and will be required to attend occasional off-site and on-site events in the evenings. Occasional travel may be required. The salary range for this position is based on experience. This position includes health benefits, paid vacation, fitness club membership and annual public transportation pass.
Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art is an equal opportunity employer and considers all candidates for employment regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, creed, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or political affiliation.
