Curator, The Jewish Museum, New York
The Jewish Museum, New York
The Jewish Museum seeks a dynamic scholar and curator to oversee its renowned Judaica collection. The curator, who may be hired at either a full or associate level depending on experience, will play an integral role in determining the artistic vision of the Judaica collection, developing exhibition and collection projects, and acting as an ambassador and liaison to the Judaica Acquisitions Committee. A vital component of the Museum's holdings and an arena of future growth, the Judaica collection is both an anchor for the institution's mission and a driver of ongoing public interest and research. The Museum actively works to fill historical lacunae in the collection and to commission contemporary Judaica from diverse and unexpected artists and designers. Newly-installed collection galleries feature Judaica works alongside the art of major artists of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries; invigorating and curating these collection galleries is one facet of an exciting, multi-dimensional role that involves research as well as public engagement.
- Think creatively about ways to meld tradition with the contemporary—embrace artistic practices that challenge normative definitions of Judaica and seek models for interpreting Judaica objects that are relevant to audiences today.
- Serve as the primary point person for rotations of Judaica in the Museum's collection galleries, as well as develop and conceive ideas for temporary exhibitions.
- Manage the Judaica Acquisitions Committee, including liaising with the committee chairs, working with the curatorial staff to determine collecting priorities, overseeing Committee meetings and attending cultivation events.
- Participate in the cultivation and stewardship of prospects and donors.
- Be an advocate for an active commissioning program that seeks out established and emerging artists and designers to encourage innovation and new ways of interpreting traditional practices in the creation of Judaica.
- Write and edit text for catalogues and exhibitions, including press releases, text panels, labels, and essays.
- Liaise with the Education/Public Programming and Marketing departments to develop interpretive approaches to and materials for exhibitions.
- Maintain up-to-date records of conservation needs and work closely with Registrar and Exhibitions Manager on care, display and transport of works of art.
- Supervise fellows and interns, train docents, and act as collaborative team member on broader institutional initiatives.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
Candidates must have:
- An advanced degree in art history or related field.
- A minimum of three to five years curatorial experience (preferably at a collecting institution).
- Reading knowledge of Hebrew and, ideally, one other European or Middle Eastern language.
The ideal candidate will:
- Have a love of Jewish culture and history.
- Be an engaging communicator who is eager to connect with others about the Museum and its mission.
- Think unconventionally about Judaica.
- Be a generous collaborator accustomed to open dialogue, debate and discussion.
- Bring grace and humor when overseeing others and while collaborating both within and across departments.
- Be highly organized and have superior judgment, tact, and diplomacy.
Send Resume with Cover Letter To:
Associate Director, Human Resources
Email: jobs@thejm.org
The Jewish Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and encourages applications from diverse candidates.