Curator Of European

Description:

The Portland Art Museum (PAM) seeks a Curator of European & American Art (Curator) to lead the next phase of growth and development of the European and American art programs (pre-1930) as the Museum enters an exciting expansion phase. The Curator is responsible for the care, research, exhibition, and growth of paintings, drawings, and sculpture up to 1930 in European Art and secondary oversight of American art. This role includes stewardship of the European and American collection of ca. 2,000 objects, collection and temporary exhibitions and related programs, research, writing and speaking about European and American art. The Curator will also supervise the presentation of all traveling exhibitions of European and American art pre-1930 as scheduled by the Museum. This is an endowed position thanks to the Richard and Janet Geary Foundation.

PAM’s curatorial department is an exceptional, hardworking team of curators dedicated to presenting the finest experiences in art across the major areas of this encyclopedic museum. The Museum fosters a collegial work environment, teamwork, collaboration, and passion for the objects and the audiences served. The Curator will also play a role in Museum advocacy in the community, collector and donor relations, and audience engagement. These “outward-facing” responsibilities are key to achieving the goals of the European and American art program. The new Curator will join an energized Museum staff looking to the future while honoring its storied past, and will have ample creative and scholarly opportunities while living and working in one of the most beautiful regions of the United States.
Education, Experience, Training

• PhD in Art History preferred, and a minimum of 10 years of related Museum work experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Expertise in an area/s of European art pre-1930 and wide knowledge of the history of European Art.
• Secondary expertise in an area/s of American art pre-1930 is highly desirable.
• Established record in presenting exhibitions, and publishing scholarly articles and books.
• Familiarity with art techniques, care of works of art, cataloging systems, and collection storage.
• Keen interest in original objects and connoisseurship.
• Knowledge of one European language required, reading two or more preferred.

Required Traits & Skills

• Possesses cultural interest and sensitivity.
• Values diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA)
• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills to carry out the responsibilities of the position, including managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, ability to quickly develop rapport and build and maintain effective long-term relationships with trustees, donors, collectors, colleagues, volunteers, docents, and the Portland art community.
• Strategic perspective to consider the impact of decisions, plans, and programs on the Museum, and make sound recommendations accordingly.
• Analytical and conceptual thinking.
• Displays drive and purpose.
• Demonstrates ethics and integrity.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to prepare and deliver concise, understandable presentations to a wide audience.
• Skilled working within a complex and fast-paced environment.
• Works both independently and as a collaborative member of the Curatorial team.
• Computer skills in basic word processing and database programs.