Curator of Native American and Indigenous Art

The Claremont Colleges Services; United States; On-site; USD 70,304 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Claremont Colleges Services is seeking a curator to oversee the care and interpretation of Native American and Indigenous items in the Benton Museum of Art. This role requires collaboration with tribal partners, curating exhibitions, and developing educational programs.

Candidates should have a Master’s in Art History and at least 3 years of curatorial experience. The position offers a salary range from $70,304 to $90,000, along with a full benefits package and requires California residency.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years in a collection‑based curatorial department.
• Direct experience organizing exhibitions and producing scholarly and public text.

Responsibilities

• Oversee research and interpretation of Native American artworks.
• Propose and lead exhibitions with tribal partners.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate classes related to the collection.

Skills

Professional art and contemporary art knowledge

Lived experience working with Indigenous groups and/or communities

Culturally grounded scholarship

Advanced art historical research skills

Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, and leadership communication skills

Education

Master’s degree in Art History or related discipline

Ph.D. (desirable)

Job description

About Pomona College

Located near Los Angeles, California, Pomona College is a historic liberal arts college known for its small classes, challenging curriculum, close faculty‑student relationships, and student research opportunities. It is a member of The Claremont Colleges.

Job Purpose

Serve as the primary caretaker and steward for traditional and contemporary Native American and Indigenous items in the Benton Museum of Art’s holdings, overseeing research, exhibitions, publications, and interpretation to enhance understanding of these collections.

Essential Functions

1. Collection Care
   • Research proper identification and culturally sensitive understanding of items.
   • Ensure proper handling, storage, and installation; recommend conservation treatment.
   • Secure funding for conservation initiatives.
   • Uphold NAGPRA and CAL‑NAGPRA regulations; identify opportunities for related research, acquisitions, returns, and deaccessions.
   • Maintain knowledge of the art market and professional relationships with dealers.
2. Interpretation
   • Propose and lead regular exhibitions, collaborating with tribal partners.
   • Develop large‑scale special exhibitions with accompanying publications.
   • Interpret collections for the museum’s web kiosk and print materials.
   • Speak publicly at museum and outside events to educate audiences.
3. Pedagogy
   • Teach undergraduate and graduate classes related to Native American and Indigenous works.
   • Guide student and intern engagement with the collection.
   • Develop academic and public programs to raise visibility and nuanced understanding.
4. Community Relations
   • Apply established Native American cultural protocols in relationships with tribal partners.
   • Participate in tribal cultural events, conferences, art fairs, and workshops.
   • Engage with trustees, collectors, donors, and the public; collaborate with outreach specialists and institutional teams.

Qualifications

• Education: Master’s degree in Art History or related discipline with specialization in Native American art and culture. Ph.D. desirable.
• Experience: Minimum 3 years in a collection‑based curatorial department or institution with direct experience organizing exhibitions and producing scholarly and public text.

Required Knowledge and Critical Skills

• Professional art and contemporary art knowledge to promote the College’s strategic interests.
• Lived experience working with Indigenous groups and/or communities.
• Culturally grounded scholarship and collaborative methodologies.
• Proficiency in applicable languages.
• Ability to write interpretive material for varied audiences.
• Advanced art historical research skills.
• Travel ability to tribal communities, exhibitions, and research sites.
• Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, and leadership communication skills.
• Discretion, patience, good judgment, and respect for confidentiality.
• Strong organizational, time‑management, and proofreading skills.

Work Hours and Travel

Regular full‑time hours are 8:00a.m. to 5:00p.m., Monday through Friday. Additional holiday, weekend, and evening work may be required. Travel will be required.

Additional Position Details

This is a regular, full‑time, exempt position. The salary range is $70,304 – $90,000, plus a competitive benefits package. All staff positions are ineligible for visa or permanent resident sponsorship. As a California employer, all employees must be California residents. The College expects employees to perform essential functions without risk of substantial harm to their health or safety.

Legal Statements

The job description is not a complete inventory of duties; changes may occur based on business necessity.