Assistant / Associate Curator Of Prints And Drawings

COFAM- Corporation Of the Fine Arts Museums•San Francisco, CA

38d•$77,000 - $92,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Curator in Charge, and in coordination with the Curator of Prints and Drawings, the Assistant or Associate Curator provides support to the day-to-day operation of the Department, contributing to the care, interpretation, presentation, and acquisition of the collection of more than 90,000 works on paper. This position works effectively and collegially with a broad range of staff, donors, trustees, paper and book conservators, curatorial support group members, and the general public. A commitment to collaboration and public engagement, and the ability to achieve and sustain best curatorial practices, are essential.

Requirements

Master’s Degree in art history or related field; PhD in art history preferred.
Assistant Curator: Two years of curatorial experience or similar (such as curatorial fellowships)
Associate Curator: Four years of curatorial experience or similar (such as curatorial fellowships)
Specialized knowledge in the history and techniques of the graphic arts (prints and drawings) is required
Familiarity with museum collections software (TMS) preferred
Art handling skills
Intellectual curiosity
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Adherence to deadlines
Strong follow-through
Flexibility in meeting shifting demands and priorities
Ability to work simultaneously on multiple projects in a highly demanding and fast-paced work environment
A high level of initiative and energy
Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
A desire to function in a team and collaborative environment
Ability to achieve cross-functional teamwork
Ability to achieve and sustain best curatorial practices

Nice To Haves

Expertise on Modern and Contemporary works on paper, with particular focus on American printmaking of the 20th and 21st centuries, is preferred.

Responsibilities

Permanent Collection: Assesses, manages and updates documentation and history of the permanent collection of prints and drawings in consultation with senior curatorial and conservation staff (Curator-in-Charge, Curator of Prints and Drawings, and Head of Paper Conservation). Works with conservators and other staff to ensure the conservation and care of the Achenbach collection. Collaborates with the Curatorial, Education, and Interpretation Departments to develop and present resources and programs relating to the interpretation of the collection for the public, including online texts, gallery texts, publications, lectures, digital media, and docent training, and to assure communication and completion of institutional projects within defined budgets and timelines.
Research: Researches and catalogues the collection and related archives in both physical and digital form, ensuring the museum’s collection database (TMS) is accurate and relevant in all its components (attribution, provenance, bibliography, and exhibition history); answers related inquiries from the public and scholars, making the collection accessible to diverse audiences, working on its interpretation, and coordinating visits to external scholars, classrooms, and researchers. Performs research for exhibitions including on artists, periods, styles, and specific works. Keeps a high-level scholarly profile in their respective field by presenting scholarly lectures, articles in peer-reviewed journals, and presentations inside and outside of the institution.
Documentation and Care: Works closely with the Registration and Library and Archives departments to ensure proper documentation of the collection in both physical and digital formats. Assigns and expedites work / technician / photo services requests as required to ensure the appropriate care and maintenance and online appearance of the collection, both in gallery and storage areas. Collaborates with the Paper Conservation Department on the treatment and preservation program for works on paper.
Publications: In collaboration with the Department of Publication and the Department of Digital Strategies, supports, initiates and executes the preparation of printed or online publications, exhibition catalogues, checklists, wall and gallery labels, and other exhibition graphics. Participates in and contributes to social media promotions related to collection and exhibition awareness, and general online content on the FAMSF website (blog posts, web labels). Produces relevant scholarship in their respective field of art historical research.
Supervision: Manages activities of the Department Project Coordinator, the cataloguing fellows, volunteers, and interns, as necessary.
Outside Requests and External Relationships: Corresponds with fellow curators, scholars, collectors, art dealer and members of the public regarding objects in the collection. With the assistance of the Curatorial Project Coordinator, coordinates weekly appointments for the Roberts Seminar Room at the Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts, Legion of Honor, and hosts classes/groups and organizes study days and community engagement-events as necessary. Builds and maintains advantageous departmental / institutional relationships with the community of collectors of works on paper, trustees, dealers, artists, critics, museum colleagues and friends, and institutions of higher education. Encourages the development and cultivation of patrons and collectors. Presents lectures and talks and conducts tours of the collection and temporary exhibitions for donors, trustees, docents, and the general public as the need arises. Represents FAMSF as an ambassador at public and private functions that further the FAMSF mission and institutional objectives.
Exhibitions: Suggests, executes, and occasionally originates special loan exhibitions as well as installations of appropriate scale based on the permanent holdings in the exhibition spaces at the de Young and the Legion of Honor. Negotiate loans with fellow institutions and private collectors; Proposes, assists, and manages the development of exhibition concepts and of new and engaging ways of displaying the permanent collection and the new acquisitions in alignment with the curatorial vision of the department and the museum’s.
Fundraising: In keeping with Museums-wide curatorial practice, promotes the fundraising and public relations efforts to support acquisitions and programming (including exhibitions and public programs) for the Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts, in correspondence and alignment with the goals outlined by the Curator in Charge and the Museum’s Chief Philanthropy Officer. Actively participates in meetings and programs, tours, including fundraising programs, of the Achenbach Graphic Arts Council (the department’s support group) and its board. Closely works with the Department project coordinator to develop programs for the Achenbach Council.
Administrative: Prepares documentation for meetings of the Acquisitions Committee of the Board of Trustees. Helps with the implementation of department policies and procedures, educational programs for the public, and storage management procedures. Collaborates on budget preparation. Prepares documents, manages departmental files including exhibition and object files, and manages database records.
Courier: Subject to the approval of the Curator in Charge, serves as FAMSF courier for loaned works of art from the collection.
Performs other duties as assigned.