Associate Curator

Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History seeks an Associate Curator to drive the identity of the museum’s curatorial programming and the Wright’s overall identity.

The role includes representing the institution, supervising exhibition realization, and collaborating with development and education teams for community engagement. Key duties include overseeing exhibitions, coordinating with vendors, and partnering with learning staff to develop wall text, publications, and artist

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Art History, Fine Arts, History, arts administration, or related field.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in a museum or gallery environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage exhibitions and installations in galleries and community projects.
• Oversee exhibition budgets and coordinate production with vendors.
• Serve as spokesperson for The Wright in community and media settings.
• Collaborate with learning and education teams on artist talks and wall text.

Skills

Public speaking

Excellent writing

Curatorial principles

Education

Master’s degree in Art History

Job description

General Summary of Duties

A vital member of The Wright Staff, the Associate Curator is the driving force behind the identity of the museum’s curatorial programming, as well as the overall identity of The Wright at large. The Associate Curator significantly contributes to The Wright’s vision and ongoing growth. This dynamic position includes speaking engagements acting as a representative of the institution, supervision of exhibition realization, ongoing collaboration with development and education teams, and multifaceted interaction with the community.

Description

General Summary of Duties
A vital member of The Wright Staff, the Associate Curator is the driving force behind the identity of the museum’s curatorial programming, as well as the overall identity of The Wright at large. The Associate Curator significantly contributes to The Wright’s vision and ongoing growth. This dynamic position includes speaking engagements acting as a representative of the institution, supervision of exhibition realization, ongoing collaboration with development and education teams, and multifaceted interaction with the community.

Exhibitions

• Develop and manage exhibitions and installations in the galleries as well as satellite projects outside the building/in the community.
• Curate exhibitions and produce supporting content for publications.
• Foster ongoing collaborative relationships with artists for existing and future exhibitions Alongside the VP of Exhibitions & Collections, approve final schedule of forthcoming exhibitions.
• Oversee installation and de-installation of exhibitions, including staff responsible for arranging crating, shipping, insurance, contracts, travel policies, and artwork loan agreements. Formulate and maintain budgets for exhibitions.
• Work with a variety of vendors and companies during the production process of exhibitions (fabricators, custom framers, painters, etc.)
• Collaborate with VP of Learning & Engagement to coordinate complementary materials including wall text, brochure content, and artist talks.

Directorial Duties/Community Outreach

• Help shape The Wright’s creative vision through innovative programming and operational ideas.
• Make key decisions regarding planning and budget.
• Serve as a spokesperson for The Wright in the community and beyond.
• Moderate and facilitate artist panels and discussions.
• Initiate new forms of artist and museum engagement with the public.

External Affairs/PR/Development

• Provide interviews to local, national, and international media contacts.
• Collaborate with development team for grant and sponsorship proposals.
• Cultivate relationships with museum sponsors.
• Contribute to press releases on exhibitions.

Requirements

Required Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree in Art History, Fine Arts, History, arts administration, or related field required.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in a museum or commercial gallery environment.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Natural command for approaching exhibition-making in a critical, innovative capacity. Highly motivated, ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, and to work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Maintains highest standards of integrity, including confidentiality of privileged information Excellent writing and public speaking abilities.
• Knowledge of museum management, collections/exhibitions management, curatorial principles and practices.
• High level of attention to detail, accuracy, and ability to set and meet deadlines.
• Personable demeanor.