Job Description

Summary: Works with the Chief and Senior Curator to coordinate, initiate and organize exhibitions. Stays current on developments in modern and contemporary art and applies rigor to both attracting and organizing engaging exhibitions. Participates in the acquisitions process. Cultivates and maintains relationships with the art and academic communities and community organizations. Works with the Collections Manager and Exhibitions Registrar to document the collection. Collaborates closely with the Director of Design and the Collections Manager and Exhibitions Registrar to ensure proper handling, transportation, installation, safety/security of works in exhibitions, and the collection and exhibition design. Collaborates with Advancement Team to secure funding for exhibitions and programs, cultivate donors, develop marketing initiatives, and grant proposals. Collaborates with the Learning and Engagement team on educational and interpretive programs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• In concert with the Chief and Senior Curator, is responsible for the presentation, interpretation, and development of exhibitions from the collection and outside sources; coordinates traveling exhibitions from other institutions, including:
  • Organizing original loan and collection exhibitions for presentation at and travel beyond the Akron Art Museum, with accompanying interpretive components.
  • Pursuing traveling exhibitions, loans, and other exhibition opportunities.
  • Reviews and responds to exhibition proposals from other organizations; prepares materials for exhibition discussions; maintains and updates exhibition schedules.
  • Exploring innovative approaches to engaging audiences.
  • Preparing, maintaining, and adhering to budgets.
  • Preparing written materials including checklists, brochures and catalogue copy, wall texts, press releases (for print & electronic media), copy for online materials (website & social posts), label copy and other writings.
  • Recommending potential acquisitions for Collections Committee, preparing write-ups on proposed gifts
  • and purchases as assigned.
  • Working with Collections Manager and Exhibitions Registrar and with the Design department on installation of exhibitions.
• Collaborates with Learning and Engagement and Advancement Teams to develop and present programs consistent with interpretive, Visitor Experience and community outreach goals.
• Prepares and delivers public presentations on exhibitions to a variety of audiences, including staff and docents, special interest groups and community groups.
• Cultivates and maintains relationships with lenders, donors, artists, academics, and museum and gallery professionals. Cultivates collaborations with regional, national, and international partners.
• Represents the Museum in community and regional professional groups.
• Provides information on exhibitions to the Marketing and Communications team for publicity purposes. Authors articles for the members’ magazine, calendar and other publications. Participates in radio, television and other media interviews and educational/promotional productions in diverse media.
• In collaboration with the Advancement Department participates in donor cultivation and developing grant proposals.
• Travels as required to conduct research and develop.
• Performs additional duties as requested.

Qualifications: Graduate degree in Art History or related experience and expertise in contemporary art and emerging forms of media. Knowledge of modern and contemporary art and a minimum of three years’ experience organizing museum/gallery exhibitions required. Experience commissioning artworks, negotiating contracts, and overseeing installations preferred. Experience in contributing to publications, websites and integrating technology in exhibition interpretation desirable. Previous leadership experience preferred. Excellent sense of creativity, verbal/writing skills, public speaking, and organizational abilities. Strong computer proficiency. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and strong people skills are essential; ability to manage multiple projects with varying deadlines. Mature judgement: flexibility and willingness to adapt to changing needs of organization. Able to remain calm in stressful situations. Safety-oriented. Valid driver's license required.

The Akron Art Museum is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates the diversity of all our employees. We respect the dignity and inherent rights of all individuals and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status, or any other federal, state, or local protected class. We continuously focus on equitable hiring, training, promotional practices, and policies because our greatest strength is our team.

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