Head Curator, Drawings Institute

Menil; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 145,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

401(k) plan

Job summary

The Menil Drawing Institute seeks a visionary Chief Curator of Drawings to lead programming, collection growth, and the administration of the institute. Reporting to the Director of the Menil Collection, this role oversees exhibitions, catalogues, and donor relations, shaping the institute's international reputation.

Required are an advanced degree in Art History (PhD preferred), 10 years in curatorial leadership, and 5+ years managing staff, with a strong track record in research, publications,

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Art History (PhD strongly preferred) with specialization in drawings and 20th-century/contemporary art.
• International reputation for work with drawings.
• 10 years of progressively responsible experience in a curatorial role with exhibitions and publications.
• 5+ years of managing and mentoring full-time staff.
• Thorough knowledge of current best practices for museums and emerging trends.
• Passionate and energetic individual with the ability to manage, research, and develop a major collection.
• Experience cultivating and stewarding donors and advancing philanthropic support.
• Ability to engage diverse audiences and build public relationships for the Menil Collection.
• Strong research, writing, and communication skills for engaging content.
• Strong organizational and project-management skills to balance priorities.
• Ability to serve as spokesperson for the Menil Drawing Institute.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and credibility.

Responsibilities

• Manage the drawings collection, including storage, conservation, and research integration into exhibitions and publications.
• Organize exhibitions at the Menil Drawing Institute and conceptualize future programs.
• Conceive and produce catalogues and related materials; edit publications.
• Oversee the Menil Drawing Institute Committee and annual exhibition summaries.
• Serve as spokesperson and respond to public inquiries about the collection and exhibitions.
• Communicate the Institute's goals and programs clearly internally and externally.
• Develop the Institute as a research resource for scholars and oversee academic outreach.
• Foster collaborations with national and international museums and cultural organizations.

Skills

International reputation

Curatorial leadership

Staff management

Fundraising

Audience engagement

Research writing

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Project management

Integrity

Education

Advanced degree in Art History

Job description

The Menil Drawing Institute seeks a visionary Chief Curator of Drawings to lead programming, collection growth, and the administration of the institute. Reporting to the Director of the Menil Collection, this role oversees exhibitions, catalogues, and donor relations, shaping the institute's international reputation.

Required are an advanced degree in Art History (PhD preferred), 10 years in curatorial leadership, and 5+ years managing staff, with a strong track record in research, publications,