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Assistant, Associate, or Full Curator of Prints and Drawings, Detroit Institute of Arts

GENERAL SUMMARY
The DIA seeks an Assistant, Associate or full Curator to serve as a full-time member of the Prints, Drawings and Photographs Department (PDP). The ideal candidate will have expertise and breadth of knowledge in Western art on paper dating from the Middle Ages through the present day.

Under the supervision of the Head of PDP, the Curator will oversee all aspects of the collection of works on paper, including prints, drawings, posters and artists’ books. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, organizing and overseeing permanent collection and traveling exhibitions; recommending new works for acquisition; and serving as co-liaison to the DIA’s Friends of Prints, Drawings and Photographs (FPDP), the department’s main auxiliary group.

QUALIFICATIONS
• M.A. in Art History and demonstrated expertise with works on paper; Ph.D. preferred
• Minimum three years of experience working in a museum
• Familiarity with the activities and operations of a large art museum
• Record of research and scholarship, with experience in organizing exhibitions and producing publications of high quality
• Commitment to engaging a varied public audience
• Exceptional writing skills and public speaking ability across diverse audiences
• Proven ability to work effectively and positively with other professional staff in a highly collaborative environment
• Proficiency in at least one foreign language

RESPONSIBILITIES
• Conduct research on and assess condition of the collection toward the development of exhibitions, permanent gallery rotations, and potential loans
• Maintain current knowledge of the art market to recommend objects for the permanent collection and develop acquisition proposals
• Compile information pertinent to the identification and documentation of works of art and maintain appropriate object records in TMS collections database in accordance with DIA data and archival standards
• Collaborate with the Collections Management staff in installing artworks
• Work in close collaboration with the Conservation Department to regularly assess the conservation needs of the collection
• Develop familiarity with the DIA’s Collections Management Policy and assist the Registrar’s Department in producing supporting documentation for accessioning and deaccessioning works of art
• Conduct original research on the museum’s art collection and publish in scholarly journals, catalogues, and books
• Act as staff liaison to the FPDP and assist with organizing its activities and programs;
• Develop enrichments, including presentations and tours for members, volunteers and museum visitors, to facilitate community outreach
• Foster and maintain good working relationships with existing and potential patrons, trustees, and museum colleagues across the country and abroad, as well as with the academic community, art dealers, and collectors
• Work effectively with various museum departments to ensure that content related to the art under his/her purview is accurately represented in all museum print publications and other media
• Work collaboratively with educators in Learning and Audience Engagement to develop interpretive strategies and accompanying materials for permanent gallery projects and special exhibitions, as well as conduct training for gallery teachers and docents to support DIA’s school and related programs
• Collaborate across curatorial departments on exhibitions and acquisitions
• Participate in the day-to-day administration of the department, which includes responding to scholarly and public inquiries related to the collection and scheduling study room visits
• Represent the museum in professional organizations and at symposia and other scholarly meetings and events

Interested applicants for this position must submit a cover letter, resume/curriculum vitae, and writing sample in a single PDF or Word document. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
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