Job Description:

• Serves as primary liaison and counsels outside scholars, museum personnel, students, researchers, donors, and the general public regarding the content of collections, providing access and information on the objects as requested.
• Completes research on the art collection, including collections provenance research, and adds to TMS and object files to ensure records are up to date. 
• Builds, refines, and strengthens the permanent collection by working on the Smartâ™s collections plan for its permanent collection.
• Working closely with the Dana Feitler Director, the Smartâ™s curatorial team, and senior leadership, participates in the development of a dynamic schedule of collection installments, exhibitions, and commissions.
• Conceives, researches, implements and project manages curatorial projects as assigned, ensuring that projects remain on track and on budget, and that there is clear and consistent communication with key stakeholders about the projectâ™s needs and timeline.
• Serves as coordinating curator of traveling exhibitions as needed.
• Manages all aspects of exhibitions including project schedule, checklist, conservation and display needs, budget, layout, design and didactics. Works in close collaboration with museum team and external vendors to ensure deadlines are met and project stays on track.
• Researches, writes, and edits exhibition labels and didactics.
• When appropriate, authors published materials such as books, articles, exhibition catalogues, and digital content.
• Provides exhibition tours.
• Identifies, authors and secures exhibition grants.
• Works with staff on exhibition marketing materials.
• Participates in the development and implementation of programming and events as needed.
• Oversees Curatorial student employees, interns, and postdocs.
• Collaborates with the new Director of the Feitler Center for Academic Inquiry and Head of Education to develop curricular engagement opportunities, provide talks and teaching support, and organize public events. 
• Works with the senior team to design and implement an assessment program for the Museumâ™s exhibitions and programs.
• Represents the Museum within the academic community, as well as in the arts and culture community in Chicago, by attending and participating in events, University-sponsored lectures, and presenting gallery talks and public lectures on the Smart and its collection at local, regional, and national conferences and professional meetings.
• Provides support for Smart Board of Governorsâ™ Collections Committee meetings.
• In collaboration with the Dana Feitler Director and Director of Development, supports donor cultivation opportunities.
• Guides curatorial and related museum operations for the museum, including development, production, and evaluation of the museum's exhibitions.
• Implements the museum's strategic goals and devises plans to ensure the collections, exhibitions and related publications and programs achieve them.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• PhD in art history or related field strongly preferred.

Experience:

• Extensive curatorial experience.

Preferred Competencies

• Knowledge of museum best practices as well as current and emerging trends in the academic museum field. 
• An adept leader who can effectively manage and mentor staff reports in an active and diverse environment.  
• Establish and maintain collaborative and effective relationships with the Museumâ™s internal team, internal and external University collaborators, and diverse museum audiences. 
• Strong commitment and ability to provide outreach at all levels with well-developed interpersonal skills. Demonstrated ability to work positively and collegially with staff, researchers, colleagues, students, community partners and donors. 
• Well-developed written/oral communication skills with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively.  

Working Conditions

• Travel nationally and internationally as needed, less than 10% of job. 

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• Professional References Contact Information (3) (preferred)

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via the Applicant Inquiry Form.

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