Job description

The Brandywine Museum of Art, in the greater Philadelphia area, seeks a creative, energetic and dynamic curator and scholar of the art of the United States who will thrive in a fast-paced environment. In concert with other members of the Museum’s curatorial team, the curator will actively partake in creating a multi-year slate of scholarly exhibitions focusing on art of the United States. The individual will bring fresh perspectives to the Museum’s over 5,000-object art collection through research and installations, deepen relations with supporters and collectors, and interact with constituents through public programs and social media. The curator will assist in shaping the collection through acquisitions and deaccessioning. The curator participates in institution-wide planning and policy making in a variety of working groups and committees.

Essential Functions

Exhibitions

• Develop original concepts for small and large exhibitions (both multi-loan projects and those utilizing the Museum’s collection)
• Conduct and publish research that advances scholarship in art of the United States and engages existing and targeted audiences.
• Coordinate exhibitions organized by outside parties as needed.
• Develop and monitor project budgets in collaboration with Exhibitions Manager.
• As an active part of a national network of curators, keep abreast of exhibition and partnership opportunities from institutional colleagues.
• Provide exhibition-related materials to the staff, including design team, education, development, and retail to inform their related planning.

Collection stewardship

• Conduct research, suggest thematic groupings, and create installation plans that bring new perspectives to the Brandywine collection in the current Museum building and in future expansion plans.
• Contribute to refining the collection, both expanding and deepening its holdings through the acquisition of works of art of the highest quality and assessing and processing works for deaccessioning. 
• Cultivate long-term relationships with donors, collectors, scholars and art dealers to attract and secure works of art, collections and acquisition funds.
• Make recommendations for conservation.
• Assist in identifying funds for research and collections care—collaborating with development and registrarial staff on applications. 
• Contribute to refinement of information on the collection contained in The Museum System (TMS).

Research, Interpretation, Programs and Outreach

• Perform scholarly research on the art of the United States as it relates to objects in the collection or objects proposed for the collection. Engage in exhibition-based scholarship to be published in exhibition catalogues or scholarly journals as well as in lectures, symposia, and conference presentations. Develop and maintain professional affiliations with curatorial colleagues at other institutions and attend and present at conferences and professional events on behalf of the Museum.
• Collaborate with Museum staff in the creation and management of interpretive strategies, publicity materials and public programs for a wide variety of audiences.
• In collaboration with the Senior Curator, help to develop ideas and interpretive approaches to the Museum’s historic properties. 
• Maintain active relationships with artists, community members, lenders, donors and professional colleagues.
• Lead tours of the collection and special exhibitions and participate in related public programs. .
• Supervise and mentor participants in summer curatorial internships.
• Assist in providing responses to inquiries from outside scholars and the public concerning works in the permanent collection. 
• Encourage and facilitate the use of Museum’s resources with community partners.
• Highlight Brandywine-related work and travel on social media.

Qualifications

A Ph.D. in art history, with a proven focus on the art of the United States is preferred. Candidates with a Master’s degree and equivalent research experience are encouraged to apply. A minimum of six years of curatorial experience in the field is required. Candidates must have a demonstrated record of scholarly engagement and production (including exhibitions, publications, and public programs), together with strong public speaking and written presentation skills. Candidates should also have a well-established network of relationships in the art and museum fields. Excellent organizational, interpersonal, communication, cultural competence, and problem-solving skills are essential.
 

To apply, please submit the following materials by email to [email protected] no later than November 10, 2023.

1. A cover letter that specifically addresses the job requirements and outlines qualifications
2. A CV including all scholarly, curatorial, and related work as well as educational background and relevant skills.

Brandywine offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, life & long term disability, and 403(b) retirement plan.

Salary Range: $64,500-$70,000

We are an equal opportunity employer and consider all qualified applicants equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law. The Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art is committed to building a culturally diverse staff.