Job Opening – Curator of Exhibitions and Programs (03/2012)

Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art at SUNY New Paltz
New Paltz, New York

The Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art at The State University of New York at New Paltz (SUNY New Paltz) seeks a Curator of Exhibitions and Programs to conceive, develop, interpret and implement a dynamic program of temporary exhibitions and to develop and implement related interpretative programs. Programming for which the Curator is primarily responsible includes student thesis exhibitions, a summer regional exhibition designed to serve emerging, mid-career, and under-recognized artists from the area, and one or more exhibitions each year of contemporary art featuring artists with national and international reputations. In addition, the Curator works closely with the Museum Director, SUNY New Paltz faculty, the Collections Manager and guest Curators to develop, produce and install both collection-based exhibitions and proposed exhibitions that support the academic curriculum of the college and articulate the mission of the museum.

The Curator reports to the Museum Director and works directly with the Director and SUNY New Paltz staff to develop exhibition programming and budgets, to identify and apply for outside funds, to promote and publicize museum exhibitions and programs, and to represent the museum at appropriate community and professional events. The Curator is also expected to take an active part in campus life, participating in museum programs including donor and fundraising activities, integrating faculty, students and curricula into museum programs through course work and through supervising interns and students involved with museum-related independent study projects.

Qualifications: The successful candidate will be a team player, with the ability to manage and implement multiple projects, will have extensive knowledge of museum exhibition, collection management and program development principles and methods, a documented record of scholarly accomplishments and successful exhibitions, the ability to communicate effectively to a wide range of audiences, excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, and the ability to form liaisons with artists, curators, gallery directors and media personnel.

Qualifications include an advanced degree in Art History, Museum Studies or equivalent professional experience, experience working as a curator in an art museum, preferably in an academic environment, extensive knowledge of contemporary art and art history, with expertise in one of The Dorsky’s areas of specialization: American art, photography, printmaking, or metals (decorative arts); a documented record of successful exhibitions and related publications; proficiency with computer software for document and spreadsheet production, communication, database management, and digital imaging.

Contact Information: Please note search number P12-04 on all materials submitted in connection with this search. Applicants should send a cover letter, resume and three references to:

SUNY New Paltz
Human Resources Department
1 Hawk Drive
New Paltz, NY 12561

Applications will also be accepted via email to human_resources@newpaltz.edu (preferred format is Microsoft Word, file extension “.doc”). For more detailed information about this position, visit http://www.newpaltz.edu/hr/jobs.html.

Deadline: Applications accepted until position filled, priority given to applications received by 3-30-12.