The Asheville Art Museum is currently seeking a visionary and highly motivated Curator to lead the Curatorial Department in building a dynamic civic and cultural identity for the Museum as a leader in national and regional art histories. In partnership with the Executive Director, this position will shape and implement the Museum’s curatorial objectives that advance the Museum’s Vision and Mission. Through researching, presenting, and interpreting the Museum’s rich Collection and listening to the needs of the Museum’s audiences, the Curator will be relevant, experimental, and innovative through acquisitions, exhibitions, and programs. The Curator serves as a member of the senior leadership team and reports to the Executive Director.

Primary Responsibilities/ Essential Functions

• Lead Curatorial Department in presenting a dynamic schedule of exhibitions and collection installments, traveling exhibitions, educational programing, publications, and digital resources in partnership with the Executive Director and senior leadership.
• Manage the strategic direction of the Curatorial Department in alignment with the Museum’s strategic plan.
• Lead the Curatorial Department in creating innovative exhibition content for temporary and long-term installations and associated programming.
• Research, write, and edit exhibition labels, didactics, and catalogues.
• Effectively manage guest curators; identify and manage project specific consulting teams.
• Interview, hire, onboard, mentor, and inspire growing Curatorial Team including Assistant and Associate Curators as well as a Curatorial Project Manager, to achieve goals of the department and the Museum.
• Oversee Collection research, growth, management, and care, and guide acquisition process, collaborate with Executive Director and Curatorial Department.
• Support fund development and donor cultivation to secure works of art and funding for exhibitions, publications, endowment, and other programs. Collaborate with Executive Director, External Affairs Department Curatorial Department, and Learning and Engagement department.
• Collaborate in visitor and program participant evaluation to ensure community engagement with Learning and Engagement Department.
• Develop and oversee Curatorial Department budgets with Director of Finance and Operations.
• Implement best practices for care of collections and loans with the Curatorial Department.
• Interact with the arts community and civic bodies as an advocate for the arts and the Museum.
• Other duties as assigned.

Special Requirements & Compensation This year round, full-time position is eligible for full benefits and requires some after-hours participation in Museum events, exhibitions, openings, lectures, etc. Annual compensation includes a salary range of $60,000 – $70,000 depending on experience plus paid time off, health insurance, and retirement benefits after required probationary period. The incumbent should be authorized to work in the United States, be able to navigate the Museum’s building and grounds, and travel periodically for meetings or Museum business. All Curatorial staff should be able to assist in the installation of exhibitions, including the ability to lift, move, and handle art safely.

Education/ Experience The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 7-10 years experience and extensive knowledge of American art of the late 19th century to the present is preferred; be a flexible leader and astute manager with collaborative spirit; strong research, writing, and editing ability, as well as strong computer skills. Familiarity with collections management systems (e.g. EmbARK or The Museum System), Microsoft Office, and Adobe Creative Suite preferred. Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills including public speaking highly desirable. The incumbent must be able to work independently, collaboratively, and effectively in a fast-paced, creative environment.

To apply, please send resume/ CV and cover letter to careers@ashevilleart.org with “Curator” and your name in the subject line.