Director of Curatorial Affairs and Pitzer Art Galleries

Details

Posted: 06-Feb-24

Location: Claremont, California

Type: Full-time

Salary: $85,000-$90,000

Categories:

Arts/Museums
Staff/Administrative

Employment Type:

Full-time

Organization Type:

Higher Education Institution

Required Education:

Bachelor’s

Location:

Claremont, CA

 

Job Posting Title:

Director of Curatorial Affairs and Pitzer Art Galleries

 

Job Details and Requirement:

Position Title:

Director of Curatorial Affairs and Pitzer College Art Galleries

 

Department: Pitzer College Art Galleries

Supervisor: VP for Academic Affairs/Dean of Faculty

 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION 

Serve as a strategic and innovative leader and senior administrator for the College’s curatorial affairs and art galleries, including the permanent collection, resources, co-curricular programming, budget, and staff. Articulate, plan and implement a comprehensive vision for the integration of art, exhibition, and education in the campus community in partnership with faculty, students and staff. Curate and actively bring exhibitions and artists to campus based on sophisticated understanding of the local, national and global art scenes. Oversee art spaces on campus, including the Nichols Gallery, Lenzner Family Art Gallery, and Kallick Gallery (in collaboration with Media Studies Production Services). Work with faculty, especially from the Art and Media Studies Field Groups, to create, execute and promote art programs and initiatives to support curriculum. Design, teach, manage, and evaluate the Curatorial Apprenticeship internship program for Pitzer College students.

 

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Responsible for art exhibition planning, the operations of the Pitzer art galleries, co-curricular program development, strategic planning, budget management, communications, marketing, and fostering engaging and effective relationships with relevant faculty, staff, and students, local and national artists, Communications and Advancement staff, donors and other key stakeholders.
• Curate, plan, execute and evaluate a series of year-round exhibitions for the campus art galleries that reflect the issues and concerns in contemporary art, Pitzer values, and the interests of Pitzer’s academic programs.  Consultation with the Art and Media Studies Field Groups.
• Work with faculty and students in the Art Field Group in planning, curating, and implementing art exhibitions and installations, including the annual exhibition for the work of senior art majors.
• Advance the use, visibility and reputation of the Colleges’ art galleries.
• Work with the Assistant Director to establish, document and implement policies and procedures and provide oversight of the management of loaned and installed art (e.g. maintenance and installation of art pieces, loan agreements, condition reports, etc.), including ensuring that appropriate conditions are maintained in the galleries to support the respective exhibits (e.g. temperature, humidity, insurance, security, etc.). In addition, work with the Assistant Director to manage the planning of maintenance, renovation and preparation of spaces coordinated between the art galleries and facilities staff.
• Design, plan, implement and evaluate department programming (e.g. artist lectures, curatorial talks, etc.) and communications (e.g. marketing, outreach to artists and community partners, etc.) to support exhibitions. Collaborate with faculty, students and staff to design and promote intersections with Pitzer’s curriculum, events (e.g. Alumni Weekend, fundraising, etc.) and other activities.
• Design, manage, and evaluate the Pitzer Curatorial Apprenticeship program.
• Maintain an effective working relationship with the Art Field Group.  In consultation with the Art Field Group, offer two classes each academic year that support its curriculum and majors, such as offerings on curatorial practice, art theory, etc.  Field Group members will review course syllabi and course evaluations and offer feedback on teaching performance and related professional development. 
• When appropriate, and with prior approval, teach additional College courses (to be separately compensated) and engage in professional development related to teaching techniques, curricular design, and teaching evaluation.  
• Research, write, and/or commission essays for exhibitions.
• Design, plan and oversee the creation of exhibition catalogues to historicize and contextualize exhibitions and programs to provide an institutional history for the galleries.
• Oversee the budgets for the art galleries, permanent collection, and curatorial affairs.
• In coordination with College Advancement and Communications, oversee and manage the Murray and Vicky Pepper Visiting Artists & Scholars Lecture Series.
• Oversee the College’s permanent art collection, including acquisitioning, deaccessioning, storage, and budget. Develop policies and procedures related to works in the permanent collection, and meet with potential donors to secure gifts to the art collection.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of photographic and written documentation of exhibitions and program events/activities.
• Develop policies, procedures and train staff to manage the day-to-day operations of the galleries.
• Conduct studio visits with prospective artist participants and determine appropriateness and feasibility of developing campus exhibitions and events.
• Actively build and sustain effective working relationships with local, national and international artists, as well as professionals at art and cultural institutions.
• Supervise the work of the Assistant Director and Academic Coordinator, with attention to their professional development and skill expansion.  Assists with the supervision of other staff and student workers. 
• Oversee the work of the Assistant Director in designing and implementing marketing campaigns for exhibitions (e.g. press releases, articles, photographs, social media, etc.).  As appropriate, work on these activities with the College Office of Communications and other relevant stakeholders.
• Partner with staff in the Office of College Advancement to solicit support for the College’s art programs and galleries, including working on the preparation of grant and other funding proposals when necessary. Articulate a passion for Pitzer’s art facilities, programming, and co-curricular offerings.
• Conduct comprehensive and ongoing evaluation of galleries programming to assess effectiveness, relevance, and ensure continuous improvement; some of this work to be done in collaboration with the Office of Institutional Research and Assessment.
• Conduct tours of the galleries, workshops and lectures for classes, donors, parents, and other key stakeholders.
• Actively participate as a member of the College Aesthetics Committee.  As interests dictate, participate in other College standing or ad hoc committees, and especially to support of the College’s art programs, courses, and/or co-curricular activities.
• Collaborate with the archivist and other College staff as appropriate and needed.
• Perform other related duties as required.

 

Basic Qualification: Must have a terminal degree relevant to the position, such as museum studies, art history, arts management/administration, or MFA in studio art. Must have significant and demonstrable experience in a curatorial capacity and at least one year of supervisory experience. 

 

Preferred Qualification:   Preference will be given to individuals who have an earned PhD and who have experience in producing and/or exhibiting art in an educational setting.  Additional preference for individuals who have teaching experience in Studio or Fine Art for undergraduate or graduate students, and especially in a liberal arts setting.

 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

The individual must possess knowledge, skills and ability to be able to successfully perform the essential functions of the position or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions will be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

• Demonstrated skills and experience in the full range of responsibilities and requirements associated with the operation of a campus-based art gallery.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the leadership requirements for the operational and strategic planning of a comprehensive art exhibitions program, preferably in higher education.
• Ability to establish strong and effective working relationships with members of the art community, preferably in Los Angeles area and within higher education or the non-profit sector.
• Must be able to operate as a creative and engaging innovator and leader. Must be highly self-motivated and passionate about art and art education in a liberal arts environment.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities and ability to effectively supervise and manage professional staff.
• Strong working knowledge of the systems necessary for maintaining the physical environment of a gallery and mechanisms for ensuring the safety and security of exhibits.
• Problem-solving skills and attention to detail.  Demonstrated ability to employ creative-thinking strategies.
• Ability to exercise a high degree of accurate and independent judgment, tact and professional discretion in evaluating situations and making decisions.
• Competence with and commitment to fostering an inclusive work environment that values diverse experiences and perspectives.
• Knowledge of the mechanisms for publicizing and documenting gallery exhibits.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English. Must be able to effectively communicate with diverse individuals and groups with varying levels of expertise.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships, professional rapport, and to accomplish work within a College setting that includes a wide array of individuals, groups, policies, and processes.
• Self-directed and able to complete work in a timely manner as well as to organize and prioritize work for successful completion whether working independently or as part of a team.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities. Excellent ability to switch quickly between tasks and manage interruptions.
• Demonstrated openness to different viewpoints; demonstrate sensitivity to diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to formulate strategies that are achievable, cost-effective, and address department needs while taking into consideration the College’s mission, values, resources, and priorities.
• Ability to develop, maintain, and strengthen partnerships inside and outside the College with individuals who can provide information, assistance, and support. 
• Appreciation for confidentiality and privacy, and consistently uses good judgment when handling confidential or sensitive information or material.
• Demonstrated ability to manage department budgets responsibly, allocating resources with attention to strategic plans, priorities, procedures, and limitations.
• Effective supervisory and mentoring skills and experience. Flexible interpersonal style to help others develop their capabilities.
• Grant writing experience and administration not required, but would be considered an asset.
• Proficiency with MS Office products (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
• Must have access to reliable and secure computer and internet connection. Must maintain password protection for work files and records and ensure that no one else has access to password and login credentials at remote work site.
• Must have access to a dedicated and suitable workstation at remote location (as applicable), including desk or table and supporting, upright chair. Must ensure workstation is safe and free from hazards.

 

Supervisory Responsibility : Supervise the Assistant Director (full-time), and the Academic Coordinator (part-time).  In addition, provide support for the Assistant Director in managing the Exhibitions Preparator and Technical Assistant (part-time), and any temporary staff as needed for exhibitions.  Assist with the supervision of student employees.

 

Time Type: Full-time, 40 hours per week

 

Annual Pay Schedule : 12

 

Work Schedule:   This is a full-time position working 12 months per year. The regular hours for this position are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.  These hours may vary due to needs of the College or department. Some evening and weekend work will be required.

 

Licenses/Certifications :  Must have a valid driver’s license and a driving record acceptable to the College’s automobile insurer.

 

Work Model : Hybrid (4 days in office, 1 day remote)

 

Compensation : Budgeted Salary Range $85,000-$90,000 per year

 

Working Environment : Work is performed in an office setting with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. May occasionally work outdoors for events and activities.

 

Physical Requirements: This an active position. Must be able to:

• Sit for prolonged periods of time;
• Operate a computer for prolonged periods of time;
• Communicate with others by email, in person and over the telephone;
• Read printed materials and a computer screen;
• Have the mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment;
• Present before an audience and conduct a class;
• As needed, assist with the set-up and teardown of exhibits as needed, including:
  • Reaching shoulder and overhead, grasping, gripping, pulling, pushing;
  • Stooping, bending, twisting, kneeling, crawling;
  • Lifting 50 pounds from the ground to waist level unassisted;
  • Climbing ladders up to four feet high;
• Have the stamina to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed;
• Transport self to local events and travel by automobile and airplane; and
• Satisfy the physical requirements listed in the chart below.

 

Physical Test: Due to the high physical requirement for this position, it requires satisfactory results on a post-offer, pre-employment physical exam.

 

 

Instructions:  Only qualified applicants please.

 

Application Materials: Upload the following materials to complete your application:

• Cover Letter :  Indicate your reason for interest in this position, describe how your qualifications make you an ideal candidate, and explain which of Pitzer’s core values best relates to your own. 
• Resume : List relevant qualifications and dates of experience.
• Professional References : References will be contacted for select applicants and advance notice will be provided. Provide the names of at least three (3) individuals who can speak to your professional qualifications. Include their business titles, contact information and an indication of how you are acquainted with them (e.g., former supervisor, coworker, etc.).

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About Pitzer College
The Claremont Colleges, a consortium of five undergraduate liberal arts colleges, two graduate institutions, and Claremont University Consortium, which provides shared institutional support services, is reminiscent of the Oxford-Cambridge model. The undergraduate colleges include Pomona College, Scripps College, Claremont McKenna College, Harvey Mudd College, and Pitzer College. The two graduate institutions include Claremont Graduate University and Keck Graduate Institute.
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