Assistant Curator Of The Art Of The African Diaspora

Description:

Responsibilities & Duties

• Conceives and organizes collaborative projects for SFMOMA and MoAD that may include collection-based and special exhibitions at both institutions, exhibitions drawn from SFMOMA’s collection for MOAD, touring exhibitions, co-commissions, and performance/events.
• Contributes to the selection, research, development, exhibition, and interpretation of the permanent collection and special exhibitions. Prepares didactic and publication materials; installs collection and special exhibitions.
• Facilitates interdepartmental communication regarding exhibitions, working closely with departments of Exhibitions, Registration, Installation, Conservation, Publications, and Design. Heads and/or facilitates external communication with artists, collectors, lenders, dealers, and staff members from other museums.
• Assists curators in the research and development of the SFMOMA collection associated with art from the African Diaspora. Further develops the depth, quality, and diversity of the SFMOMA collection through recommendations and presentations of purchases and gifts.
• Acts as spokesperson for the MoAD + SFMOMA collaborative project as directed by SFMOMA and MoAD. Presents lectures, educational information, and walk-throughs to visitors, docents, or other special groups.
• Assists with drafting and producing correspondence, loan forms, manuscripts, exhibition wall labels, memoranda, and other materials related to the permanent collection and special exhibitions. Maintains computer database of checklists for exhibitions.
• Assists with acquisition and exhibition research including, but not limited to, research and compilation of biographies, chronologies, and exhibition histories, and specific documentation of individual works.
• Partners with the Education department on programs relevant to special exhibitions, collection shows, and other projects including lectures and panel discussions at SFMOMA and MoAD.
• Collaborates with the departments of Communications, Marketing, Graphic Design, Development, and other colleagues to promote and support exhibitions.
• Aligns program with both museums’ commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and strategic priorities.
• May supervise the work assignments and activities of assigned interns, contract workers, and volunteers, including overseeing hiring as assigned.
• Conducts gallery and studio visits, and follows the development of emerging as well as established artists, to maintain awareness of contemporary African diasporic artists.
• Continues professional development (research, publications, lectures, juries, management, and academic training) and contributes to high quality original research. Actively updates professional knowledge and skills, participates in professional and/or scholarly associations.
• Updates cultural knowledge, tracks current trends in higher education, libraries, and museums, and stays current with reparative justice issues and best practices.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Skills

• Master’s degree in African, African American, or African Diaspora Studies; Art History; or Cultural Studies with emphasis in visual culture or contemporary art of the African Diaspora. Fluency in other language(s) in addition to English a strong asset.
• Minimum of three (3) years of curatorial experience in an arts or educational institution, organization, or museum.
• Knowledge of African diasporic art history and terminology.
• Superb writing, public speaking, and diplomatic skills essential.
• Demonstrated creativity and innovation and ability to maximize resources.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Excellent planning, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize and organize multiple activities and supervise staff members around a common project.
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively in a diverse, dynamic team setting, and to balance multiple competing priorities.