The Director of Collections and Curatorial Affairs leads a museum’s exhibition developments and collections initiatives, and manages museum staff, including curators, conservators, registrars and collections staff. This position may also administer collecting activities, by establishing priorities and plans for collection care, research, documentation and access.
Employees in this class have primary responsibility for collections and curatorial affairs at a larger state museum or may serve as the museum director at a smaller museum.
Provides leadership and direction of the curatorial, registrar, conservation, and collection areas. Supervises and supports curatorial participation throughout the process of exhibition, research and programming development and implementation. Serves as a member of the museum’s leadership team, collaborating on administrative and budgetary matters, the establishment of policies and procedures, and long-range planning for exhibitions and programming. Collaborates with other colleagues to develop an exhibition program that is well-researched, engaging and advances the museum’s visibility and reputation. Maintains access to and security of the collections. Develops and implements exhibition budgets and schedules, collaborating with museum staff. Partners with museum staff to develop interpretative programs in support of the museum’s mission. Provides direction for the growth of collections, through acquisitions and gifts, as well as long-term planning and priorities for the management and conservation of the collection. Develops policies for collections planning, management, and long-range planning. Creates and negotiates deeds, loans, exhibition, and other contracts related to the use and care of the collection. In partnership with the other museum staff builds relationships with existing and potential donors, foundations and collectors. Seeks to identify, engage, inspire and solicit potential funders of needs related to curatorial affairs. Builds and maintains a network of professional relationships with curators, collectors and other specialists locally, nationally and globally. Contributes to the development, writing, implementation and reporting of major grants.
Skill in administrative, fiscal and staff management. Ability to lead and manage museum projects, including exhibitions and long-term collections care. Knowledge of museum curating, research and collections development. Knowledge of museum ethics and principles. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to work as a member of a team with strong collaborative skills. Ability to build positive and effective relationships with museum colleagues, donors and the community. Skill in curatorial, collections and exhibition development work.
Bachelor’s degree in history, natural history, fine arts, arts administration, museum studies, museology or a related field, and experience in curatorial or collections management practices to include prior supervisory experience.