Mort Harris Associate Curator or Curator Automotive, Industrial, and Decorative Design at Detroit Institute of Arts
Job Title: Mort Harris Associate Curator or Curator Automotive, Industrial, and Decorative Design
Job Status: Full-time
Location: Detroit, MI
Salary: $65,597 – $81,996
GENERAL SUMMARY
Under the direction of the department head of the James Pearson Duffy Department of Modern and Contemporary Art, this new curatorial position, will develop, expand, research, publish, and present automotive and industrial design (new collecting areas) and decorative design from 1850–present (American and European). The curator proposes acquisitions and conducts collection review; makes collector, studio, and gallery visits; coordinates installations and exhibitions; devises public programs; and cultivates donors and gifts for the collection.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
· Assists the department head and other curators in day-to-day operations of the department.
· Create, maintain, and update physical and digital departmental records in accordance with the DIA’s archival and data standards.
· Research and document objects, including provenance, and archival research.
· Field and respond to inquiries about the collection from artists, scholars, and the public.
· Contribute to the strategic vision for the DIA’s collecting and exhibition of automotive, industrial, and decorative design.
· Diversify the collection’s design holdings with an initial focus on Detroit, as well as expanded geographies, ethnically diverse designers, and greater gender parity.
· Identifies and proposes significant acquisitions in consultation with the Deputy Director, department head and other curators for purchase, gift, or bequest.
· Support, conceive, research, and coordinate exhibitions.
· Collaborates with museum conservators and registrars to care for the permanent collection and objects on long-term loan.
· Builds and maintains relationships with local, regional, national, and international artists, collectors, dealers, and Detroit-based automotive and industrial archives.
· Assist with loan requests and deaccessions.
· Prepare general and scholarly publications on the collection and exhibitions.
· Partner effectively with the division of Learning and Audience Engagement to develop didactic materials for the permanent galleries and exhibitions.
· Participate in training gallery teachers and Interpretive Program Volunteers (IPVs).
· Supports the Development Department’s efforts to cultivate existing and prospective patrons and to identify, apply for, and report on grant-funded activities.
· Originate and participate in public programs.
· Travel, on occasion, as a museum courier, as well as for research and conferences.
· Performs other related duties, as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Master’s degree in art history, design history, industrial design history or related field from an accredited college or university required. A Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in art history, design history, industrial design history or related field preferred. Additional years of experience may be substituted for the degree requirement. Requirements for ranking include:
· Associate Curator – minimum of five (5) years of working experience in a museum or related institution required.
· Curator – minimum of seven (7) years of working experience in a museum or related institution required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
· In-depth knowledge of American and European design history with a focus on modern design from the mid-19th century to the present is required.
· Strong record of research and scholarship.
· Proven experience in organizing exhibitions at the Assistant Curator or Associate Curator or Curator level.
· Excellent oral and written communication skills.
· Previous experience with object-based, archival, and provenance research required.
· Some experience with The Museum System (TMS) database preferred.
· Strong interpersonal skills.
· Ability to work well under pressure, handle multiple priorities/projects, meet deadlines, as well as strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail.
· Possess sound judgment, professional conduct, understanding of ethics and standards, and maintain a high level of confidentiality in all duties.
· Collaborative with a desire to support the DIA’s mission, vision, and values.
· Ability to work occasional weekend and evening hours for special events.
· Must be proficient in latest version of Office 365, including SharePoint, Word, Power Point, Outlook, and Excel.
· Must have proficiency in the use of remote work technology such as scheduling with, connecting to, and using digital collaboration platforms such as Microsoft Teams.
· Must be able to establish and maintain professional, productive, and courteous interactions that promote positive teamwork. This encompasses going beyond giving and receiving instructions and includes but is not limited to (a) performing work activities requiring interacting or speaking with others; and (b) responding appropriately to constructive feedback or suggestions for improvement from a supervisor.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Upon receiving notice, reasonable accommodations may be made, if possible, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate and exchange accurate information using various methods including in-person, telephone, and email.
Requirements
Please apply through the direct link to our Career Center. Salary range provided at Associate Curator level, follow up for the pay range at the Curator level.