Interim Director of Exhibitions and Curatorial ...

Interim Director of Exhibitions and Curatorial Initiatives The American Federation of Arts (AFA) is looking for an Interim Director of Exhibitions & Curatorial Initiatives (DECI) to lead and grow our renowned traveling exhibitions program. This role involves guiding a talented team and collaborating with curators and museums to shape our exhibitions. The DECI will collaborate with partners both in the U.S. and internationally to create top-quality exhibitions that engage and inspire visitors. This position is key to developing exhibitions that reflect the evolving museum landscape and meet the expectations of today's audiences. General Duties and Responsibilities: Demonstrate a commitment to advancing the AFA's mission to expand access to art and to the principles of DEIA. Network nationally and internationally to initiate, research, and develop new exhibitions through partnerships with guest curators, institutions, and private collections. Utilize existing and establish new partnerships to procure venues for exhibition tours. Travel to develop relationships and exhibition projects, lead planning meetings and attend venue exhibition openings. Serve as a leading spokesperson for the AFA, its mission and programs, supporting and participating in donor and sponsor relations. Communicate across departments to ensure stakeholders have what is needed for donor cultivation, funding proposals, marketing efforts, social media, website, etc. Oversee the preparation of relevant materials and present exhibition proposals to the Exhibitions Committee. Collaborate with staff, guest curators and co-organizers to shape exhibitions and prepare and finalize exhibition materials, including illustrated checklists, project descriptions, and didactic materials. Negotiate contracts and secure loans for exhibitions. Establish and monitor exhibition timelines and budgets, working with the curatorial and registration teams, guest curators and partnering entities. Review catalogue texts submitted by guest curators and guest authors, and review layout and design of exhibition catalogues with the Manager of Publications. Liaise with leadership and curatorial staff at partner museums and respond to issues related to curatorial content of exhibition and installation as required. Lead with a light touch, mentor and guide with empathy, employing principles of servant leadership. Ensure structure, collaboration and teamwork without micromanaging. Qualifications: Strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills with the ability to network and connect with a range of collaborators. High functioning management and administration skills to establish effective processes and teams. Familiarity with budget management and Excel needed. Exceptional communication skills, both written and oral; a confident public speaker and effective salesperson, able to build partnerships through positive relationships. Exceptional organizational skills and initiative, a multi-tasker with the ability to oversee complex projects and schedules, maintain deadlines, work within budgets, set priorities, and manage the curatorial team responsible for multiple projects simultaneously. The ability to think strategically and creatively problem-solve to meet goals and handle pressures. Experience working with exhibitions and/or collections is essential. · At least five years in a museum or art-related environment with curatorial experience in organizing exhibitions, staff management, budgeting and sponsorship. M.A. or above in art history and/or related field. An existing network of curators and institutions, both nationally and internationally, is desirable. Fundraising and donor relations experience is preferred. Salary: $125,000 commensurate with experience Hybrid Position: Three days per week required in NYC office To apply, submit a cover letter and resume, by September 30, 2024, to The AFA is committed to equity and inclusion in its staff and welcomes applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds who share these interests and commitment. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-02-09