Director of Collections and Exhibitions – New Britain Museum of American Art, CT
The New Britain Museum of American Art (NBMAA), a major art collection and beloved community resource in central Connecticut, is building a new collaborative team among the curatorial and education staff under the direction of recently hired CEO Brett Abbott. This is an exciting opportunity for the inaugural position of Director of Collections and Exhibitions (DCE) to chart a fresh vision for the art program in close collaboration with the CEO and leadership across the Museum.
The position requires an audience-oriented curator who delights in leading through inspiration, alongside scholarly achievement. The new DCE will be team oriented and genuinely collaborative with a proven track record of harmonious and productive cross-departmental relationships with education, marketing and other staff colleagues. As the Museum looks to sustainably broaden exhibition partners and visibility, and deepen its regional connections, this is an important moment to bring engaging, creative and fundable ideas to the Museum along with a national network of relationships.
The successful candidate will have leadership skills and be adept in collector and donor cultivation. They must be actively engaged and respected within the larger American art world, also preferably with foundations, and have the ability to work creatively within budget. They will have experience managing and mentoring staff and enjoy working with a diverse group of people, including museum guests, supporters, vendors, volunteers and Board members. This requires a collaborative spirit and approach that embraces the expertise and autonomy of staff at every level.
Opportunities of the Position
The new Director of Collections and Exhibitions has the exciting opportunity to imagine and invigorate a new vision for NBMAA’s artistic program both inside and outside the Museum, in collaboration with the CEO, incoming Director of Learning and Engagement, staff, and community partners.
The NBMAA Director of Collections and Exhibitions will be expected to:
- Provide administrative leadership for the Collections and Exhibitions departments, including overseeing policies, procedures and best practices, schedule and content.
- Collaborate with the CEO, Curator and Collections Manager on the development and execution of the Museum’s art program, including its public art presence and acquisitions development.
- Serve as a senior administrator for the Museum in support of the CEO, representing NBMAA publicly as needed.
- Oversee annual collection and exhibition budgets, as well as long-term projects.
- Mentor and support the Curator, Collections Manager and associated staff, guiding areas of art preparation, installation, registration, cataloguing and vault management functions.
- Collaborate closely with the Curator and the new Director of Learning and Engagement on gallery interpretation and programs; participate in education programs and docent training.
- Meet and enhance the quality and reputational profile of the Museum’s collection and program.
- Cultivate regional and national collectors, donors, artists and other key stakeholders.
- Maintain ties with national curators, artists and exhibition operators, securing and partnering on major traveling shows.
- Maintain relations with national foundations and collaborate with Development and the CEO to assist in funding for the collections and exhibitions.
- Manage the Collections Committee of the Board.
- Understand how to take initiative and anticipate actions needed.
- Be a mature and inspiring presence, collaborative and positive.
- Be detail oriented with strong organizational, communication and writing skills, and be comfortable with multitasking.
- Be a creative and enthusiastic promoter of NBMAA.
Education and Experience
- M.A. in Art History and at least 10 years of successful museum curatorial experience, 7 of which have included administrative duties, with 5 years managing staff and activities.
- Successful track record of research, presentations/publications in the field of American art required. Knowledge of 19th c. art and experience in outdoor and public art are pluses.
- National network of museum professionals, collectors, dealers, artists and foundations contacts is desired.
- Experience developing departmental strategic plans and overseeing long-term collection and exhibition projects.
- Knowledge of preservation and conservation issues and techniques.
- Familiarity with databases, online catalogues, and digitization.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work independently as well as with a team.
- Experience with a Board committee as a liaison desirable.
- Persuasive communication skills both oral and written.
Compensation
- Range: $90K – 140K per annum (commensurate with experience).
- Competitive benefit package includes medical, dental, a 403b plan and paid time off.
To apply in confidence, email 1) a letter expressing interest in this particular position and giving brief examples of past related experience; 2) a résumé; 3) names of three references with contact information (will not be contacted without prior permission). All applications and nominations are kept confidential. Submit application by May 17, 2023 to retained search firm: Lora Urbanelli, Museum Search & Reference, SearchandRef@museum-search.com.
The New Britain Museum of American Art is committed to fair and accessible employment practices, welcoming individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who embrace and value diversity and inclusivity. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply for this position.
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