Job Description
Job Description
Job Description
We have an opening for a Marilyn and Larry Fields Curator who will create, plan, organize, and implement original and special exhibition content with the goal of maintaining a reputation of international distinction within the museum field; oversee special curatorial initiatives; support collection-building and the development of relationships with donors, collectors, and the cultural community of Chicago; maintain a fundraising profile to solicit support for projects and grants as needed; and maintain networks of artists, gallerists, collectors, museum professionals, and donors outside Chicago with shared interests in art from outside North America. To be successful in this role, you will:
- Cultivate relationships with the broader cultural community of Chicago, the collector and donor base, both within and without the city, and strive to make exhibitions and programs with multiple levels of access and interpretation.
- Conceptualize and organize exhibitions both at the scale of major monographs and group shows and also smaller, more spontaneous projects that position the MCA as a leading institution with a transcultural presentation of art.
- Periodically serve as Curator-in-Charge for traveling exhibitions hosted at the MCA, including the supervision of touring arrangements, publications, and budgets.
- Supervise the preparation of exhibition installations (original and/or hosted shows), work with technical staff to ensure thorough implementation of the exhibition’s vision and oversee established budgets.
- Oversee departmental curatorial initiatives.
- Participate in the MCA’s ongoing effort to build, present, and interpret its permanent collection by identifying works to acquire, undertaking new scholarship, and organizing exhibitions, especially in the realm of art and artists from Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, North Africa, sub-Saharan Africa, and/or South Asia (dependent on research focus).
- Undertake research and travel, maintain contacts with colleagues in the field, and develop knowledge of international, national, and local artists by making studio visits, seeing exhibitions and performances, and visiting galleries in alignment with other deadlines and responsibilities.
- Supervise, mentor, train, and oversee direct reports on a day-to-day basis, including oversight of special projects and staff management to ensure the effective and efficient operation of all assigned activities and responsibilities and accountability for results, including deadlines and budgets; facilitate strong performance and achievement of key metrics; and provide on-going feedback to assigned direct reports to address, resolve, and/or encourage performance and/or engagement-related matters.
- Collaborate with the Development department to find sustained financial support for exhibitions and assist with grant applications for exhibitions; participate in other Development-related aspects of exhibitions.
- Hold a portfolio of potential funders and private foundations and maintain direct, ongoing communications to solicit for support, in partnership with Development department colleagues.
- Give tours to public or specific groups; speak to the MCA-affiliated groups; participate in and/or organize exhibition-related hospitality; and serve on panels and juries, as an effective ambassador of the museum.
QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- MA in Art History, Curatorial Studies, or equivalent experience.
- At least 7 years of museum experience, in a research position at college or university level, and/or independent curating.
- Demonstrated interest in art and artists from Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, North Africa, sub-Saharan Africa, and/or South Asia (dependent on research focus).
- Extensive understanding of contemporary museums and audiences and curiosity and drive to stay ahead of trends in contemporary art in order to identify new and unique opportunities to serve the mission.
- Proven ability to forge and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of representatives of public and private organizations, Board members, vendors, and museum staff.
- Curiosity and drive to stay ahead of trends in the museum world to identify new and unique opportunities to serve the mission.
- Strong presentation skills and proven ability to communicate successes and opportunities effectively, in written and verbal formats, in both formal and informal situations, and to a range of individuals with varying levels of expertise.
- Self-motivated and able to determine the best course of action in an autonomous manner.
- Ability to delegate authority combined with a willingness to work in a “hands-on” manner and as part of a team.
- Proven ability to prioritize and adjust heavy workload, manage a variety of tasks, and meet various deadlines with changing priorities, frequent interruptions, and conflicting deadlines.
- Strong diplomatic and mediation skills.
- Ability to undertake international travel in coordination with other duties.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365.
- Ability to perform occasional light lifting.
- General mobility throughout the museum.
BENEFITS OF WORKING AT THE MCA INCLUDE:
- Individual and MCA-provided retirement savings plans.
- Paid time off.
- Pre-tax, reduced rate parking and Ventra/Metra benefits.
- Free admission to MCA exhibitions for yourself and guests.
- Free admission to many special and member events.
- Reduced price tickets to MCA Stage performances.
- Discounts on dining in Marisol and in our award-winning MCA Store.
- Access to our onsite library.
- Opportunities to attend curator-led staff tours.
- Free or discounted admission to many other cultural institutions across the United States.
Full-time staff are also eligible for a robust benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance plus free life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance.
This is a full-time position, with a Monday - Friday 9a-5p schedule that may occasionally include evening and weekend availability as required to fulfill responsibilities and for related museum activities. This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangement per the Remote Work Policy.
40 hours per week
Job Tags
Permanent employment, Full time, Temporary work, Work at office, Local area, Remote work, Monday to Friday, Afternoon shift,