THE MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART (MOCA)

Director of Curatorial Affairs

ABOUT MOCA

Established in 1979, MOCA is the only artist-founded museum in Los Angeles. The institution is dedicated to collecting and exhibiting contemporary art. MOCA houses the most compelling collections of contemporary art in the world, comprising roughly 7000 objects, and has a diverse history of ground-breaking, historically significant exhibitions.

MOCA is committed to the collection, presentation, and interpretation of art created after 1940, in all media, and to preserving that work for future generations. They provide leadership in the field by identifying and presenting the most significant and challenging art of our time, actively supporting the creation of new work, and producing original scholarship.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Working as the primary liaison for curatorial affairs to the Artistic Director and Executive Director, the Director of Curatorial Affairs provides managerial oversight of the Curatorial department and leads the administration, coordination, and successful implementation of all operational aspects of curatorial affairs, including management and cultivation of curatorial staff, exhibition planning and department budgeting, and development of curatorial publications. The Director of Curatorial Affairs also serves as a member of the museum’s senior leadership team, collaborating on strategic planning, the execution of administrative and budgetary matters, the establishment of policies and procedures, and long-range exhibitions and programming schedules. The Director of Curatorial Affairs does not curate exhibitions.

Reporting to the Director in the interim, and eventually to the Executive Director, the Director of Curatorial Affairs must work actively with representatives of other departments within the museum with an emphasis on building relationships and fostering a collaborative culture within the Curatorial department and across the museum.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Keep Artistic Director and Executive Director apprised of developments in relation to all exhibitions and other curatorial initiatives; under the direction of the Artistic Director and Executive Director, implement an exhibition program that advances the museum’s mission and vision.
Facilitate and manage progress on all curatorial affairs, including exhibitions, publications, and curatorial programs.
Develop exhibitions program budget in concert with the Senior Director of Exhibitions and Collections and curatorial team members. Maintain and work within budget; develop timelines for curatorial programs and projects.
Work closely with the Artistic Director, Senior Director of Exhibitions and Collections, and Senior Curators to develop a comprehensive three-to-five-year exhibition schedule.
Work closely with other departments on the development, implementation and execution of public programs, interpretive programs, digital content, online publications, and other key initiatives related to the dissemination of curatorial content.
Explore and develop joint programs with other cultural and community organizations.
Oversee MOCA curatorial publications through all stages of production from concept to delivery, including meeting regularly with Curators to initiate publication proposals, developing publication budgets and schedules, negotiating contracts, and developing distribution plans.
Develop and monitor departmental budgets, contracts, agreements, and other administrative documents; guide development of agendas and presentation materials for curatorial meetings, board meetings, etc.
Develop performance standards for department; manage hiring, training, coaching, and performance management of curatorial staff; oversee workload and priority-setting of curatorial staff and determine equipment, training, and other needs.
Build a culture of collaboration, mutual respect, and teamwork within the Curatorial department, as well as cross-departmentally throughout the institution.
Actively mentor curatorial staff and champions their professional development and growth while holding team members accountable.
Supervise and support Curators throughout the process of exhibition proposal development and implementation for both in-house exhibitions and potential tour venues.
Facilitate decisions on exhibition proposals, exhibition loan requests, and long-term loan opportunities; evaluate, develop, and implement departmental procedures.
Ensure that curatorial initiatives are being carried out in alignment with the institution’s IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) values.
QUALIFICATIONS

At least 10 years of relevant experience; or acceptable equivalent.
A degree in management, museum studies, or related field is preferred, or a combination of education and experience equivalent to such a degree.
Extensive knowledge of professional museum principles, and curatorial best practices and procedures.
Proven ability to create and manage budgets and timelines for curatorial projects and exhibitions.
Extensive knowledge of exhibition development, publications and programming, as well as digital content.
High emotional intelligence and strong staff management skills.
Demonstrated ability to manage and lead high-performing teams and guide team members’ growth and development.
Understanding of diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion as they relate to the museum field and more specifically, to curatorial affairs.
Must be a systematic self-starter, with an action-oriented mindset.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to cultivate strong working relationships and solve challenging problems collaboratively.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Salary commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSIVITY and ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT

MOCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability.

Envision Consulting was retained by The Museum of Contemporary Art to conduct the search for their incoming Director of Curatorial Affairs.

APPLY HERE: https://www.envisionnonprofit.com/we-re-recruiting/the-museum-of-contemporary-art—director-of-curatorial-affairs/?id=3306877