Andrew W. Mellon Curatorial Fellow of Indigenous Arts of North America at the Denver Art Museum

Job Title: Curatorial Fellow

Job Status: Full-time, 1-2 years

Location: Denver, CO

Salary: $53,000 – $66,200

POSITION PURPOSE: 

This two-year fellowship will provide curatorial experience, opportunities, and mentorship for an individual who seeks a career as a museum curator specializing in Indigenous Arts of North America beyond that included in their academic training.

This position reports to the Andrew W. Mellon Curator of Native Arts and Native Arts.  

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:  

  • Work with the Native Arts and Provenance departments on projects related to the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act with 50% of time dedicated toward these activities. This includes conducting research, writing correspondence and reports, as well as assisting in hosting, documenting, and facilitating access to collections for NAGPRA consultations, Indigenous community members, researchers, and collection and gallery tours, among other responsibilities as assigned.
  • Assist in planning permanent gallery rotations, including drafting labels and interpretive text.
  • Conduct object and archival research, including provenance histories.
  • Write blog posts and collections highlights online content.
  • Assist in drafting and sending correspondence.
  • Present research to internal committees and to the public.
  • Assist in editing and proofing publications and exhibition text.
  • Assist in maintaining departmental records.
  • Assist in event organizing, such as the annual powwow and symposia.
  • Attend curatorial, departmental, and cross departmental meetings.
  • Contribute to conservation and collections assessments.
  • Participating in museum-wide teams and other museum or department tasks as assigned.
  • Scholarly publication productions.
  • Community building.
  • Collection building.
  • Donor cultivation.
  • Consistent usage of the Racial Equity Lens in day-to-day operations.
  • Yearly goal setting to support Racial Equity Roadmap initiatives.

 

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS (Education, Experience, Skills, etc.):  

  • Masters degree in Art History, Indigenous Studies, Anthropology, Museum Studies, or related field
  • Clear commitment and passion to the museum profession through academic preparation.
  • Museum or cultural center experience (paid or volunteer).
  • Experience working with exhibitions or collections of Indigenous Arts of North America.
  •  Demonstrated knowledge of historical and/or contemporary American Indian arts.
  • Familiarity with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGRPA).
  • Sound work habits and organization.
  • Personal initiative.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication.
  • Ability to work in a dynamic museum environment.
  • Collaborative spirit.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES: 

  • Moderate to heavy lifting will be involved on occasion
  • Expected to adhere to a 40-hour work week

Position type: This position will not be covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement with AFSCME-CWU. 

Pay: The hiring salary range for the position is $53,000-$66,200 based on experience.

Benefits: A comprehensive medical/dental/vision plan, that can be extended to domestic partner, spouse, and children. DAM 100% paid Life Insurance, and Short/Long Term Disability. Generous sick and vacation paid time off and one personal day. Ten paid holidays. 403(b) Retirement Plan with immediate eligibility to contribute and those who meet the requirements after one year will qualify for the 3% non-elective contribution and 2% match program. A free RTD Eco Pass. Free Telehealth and Employee Assistance Program. Access to Headspace. Two weeks Paid Parental Leave. A free DAM Family Membership and perks. This position is based at the Denver Art Museum, which only has a pay to park option.  

NOTE: The DAM prioritizes adaptability and a human-centered work environment. We are happy to consider accommodations to the position. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job. We believe in cultivating an environment where there is diversity of perspectives, in hopes that we can all thrive in an inclusive environment.  

We know that searching for a job can be stressful so we would like to give you an overview of the process to manage expectations. This role may require a phone screen, interviews with hiring manager and or panel that will be held by video. 

To Apply:

Apply via AAM

DENVER ART MUSEUM: 

As an institution, we believe the Denver Art Museum is both a platform for and an amplifier of the voices of people of all races. We acknowledge that Black lives matter and communities of color – Latinx, Indigenous, Black, and others – have been underrepresented in art museums over decades, both internally and externally. We are committed to elevating all voices, artworks and perspectives and strive to support racial equity inside and out.  

We prohibit discrimination against any person or organization based on age, race, sex, color, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, political service or affiliation, genetic information, or disability, as well as any other status protected by federal, state or local law. 

We strive to provide a professional and positive work environment for our employees. The Museum expressly prohibits any form of employee harassment on the basis of age, race, sex, color, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, political service or affiliation, genetic information, disability or any other applicable status protected by federal, state or local law.  Actions based on these or any legally protected characteristic will not be tolerated. 

We encourage the freedom of gender expression and/or gender presentation.  As an institution, we do not create barriers that may prevent any employee from expressing behaviors, mannerisms, interests, and appearances that represent their authentic personality or culture. Qualified candidates are expected to exemplify the DAM’s internal values, which include being dynamic, respectful, inclusive, creative, and curious.  The ability to maintain effective and positive working relationships with visitors, employees, volunteers, representatives of public and private entities, policy making bodies, and contractors is critical to the success of this position.