Curating.info

Orange County Museum of Art
Position Description: Chief Curator

General Description: Working in concert with the Director, the Chief Curator develops and
implements a program of modern and contemporary art exhibitions that are locally relevant and
internationally significant, leads efforts to build the museum’s collection and acquisition funds,
and serves as member of the museum’s senior management team (Director, Deputy Director,
Chief Curator, Director of Development, Director of Marketing and Communications) to execute,
update and monitor the museum’s strategic plan.

Reporting Responsibilities: Director
Supervisory Responsibilities: Curator, Publications Manager, Curatorial Associates, Interns &
Volunteers, and other staff assigned on a project basis
FLSA Status: Exempt (Professional), Full-time

Essential Responsibilities: The responsibilities listed below are those that represent the
majority of time spent working in this position. Management may assign additional tasks related
to the type of work of the position as necessary.

1. Conducts ongoing research and proposes/organizes exhibitions of modern and
contemporary art for national and/or international tour that advance the museum’s
mission, vision, and strategic direction.
2. Conducts collection research and proposes/organizes regular collections-based
exhibitions.
3. Continues the museum’s record of significant scholarly publications
4. Regularly networks with peers nationally and internationally to develop collection
exchanges, co-organize exhibitions, and tour OCMA-originated projects
5. Makes recommendations to Director, Collections Committee, and Board of Trustees on
works of art to be accessioned and deaccessioned
6. Works with the Director and senior staff to cultivate trustees, collectors, donors, and
artists for gifts to the collection, acquisition funds, program support, and capital support;
provides programs and stewardship for museum support groups and selected major
donors; participates in fundraising events
7. Supervises curatorial staff, manages curatorial budget, and works with and through
other departments to advance the museum’s artistic and program goals
8. Represent the museum at conferences, professional meetings, on panels and juries, and
at other events as museum priorities and workloads allow
9. Performs other duties as assigned within the scope of responsibility and requirements of
the position

Educational and Experience Preparation: Requires Master’s degree in art history or other
related area (Ph.D. preferred) with working knowledge of modern and contemporary art and
artists; ten or more years professional curatorial experience; established record in organizing,
writing about, and installing art exhibitions; excellent written and verbal communication skills;
ability to develop constructive and cooperative working relationships with others.

Physical & Dexterity Requirements: Sedentary work that involves sitting most of the time, but
may involve walking or standing for brief periods. Occasionally may require lifting 25 pounds,
opening boxes or packages, and stretching or reaching. The position requires normal visual
acuity and field of vision, hearing and speaking abilities, and color perception.

Working Conditions: Staff will work in general office and museum conditions with no known
exposure to environmental hazards. Work will require frequent evening and weekend hours
consistent with the museum’s schedule of events and activities. The position is full-time and
eligible for the museum’s benefit package.

Contact with Others: The position involves a significant amount of contact with museum staff,
volunteers, and the public. This involves frequent interactions with museum staff, vendors,
donors, and other education professionals that may be of a sensitive or confidential nature.
Discretion and sound judgment is required. Staff must be able to relate well to individuals with
a variety of backgrounds and positively represent the museum in these contacts.

To Apply: Send resume, three references, and cover letter explicitly describing how the
candidate’s experience and training meet the minimum requirements of the position to
jobs (at) ocma.net. No phone calls please

www.ocma.net