Chief Curator of Drawings, Drawing Institute

Chief Curator of Drawings, Menil Drawing Institute

Title

Chief Curator of Drawings, Menil Drawing Institute

Department

Curatorial

Reports to

Director, Menil Collection

Status

Full-time; exempt from overtime

Work location

On-site

Salary range

$145,000–$170,000 annually

The Chief Curator of Drawings, Menil Drawing Institute, is responsible for exhibition programming, collection growth, and the management of the Menil’s drawing collection, as well as the Menil Drawing Institute’s overall operations and administration. Through ambitious scholarship, original research, and innovative curatorial initiatives, the Chief Curator shall strengthen the Menil Drawing Institute’s international reputation as a leading center for the study, exhibition, and appreciation of drawings.

1. Manage the drawings collection, including overseeing appropriate storage and conservation needs, conducting and supporting research on the collection, and incorporating new findings and information into exhibitions, publications, and the museum’s database and website.

2. Organize exhibitions to be presented at the Menil Drawing Institute and conceptualize future exhibition programs.

3. Conceive and produce Menil Drawing Institute catalogues and brochures and any materials related to the drawings collection and exhibitions; edit Menil publications related to the drawing collection and exhibitions.

4. Oversee the Menil Drawing Institute Committee.

5. Write an annual summary of Menil Drawing Institute exhibitions, programming, and activities.

6. Serve as spokesperson for the Menil Drawing Institute and its collection and exhibitions. Respond to public inquiries as they relate to the drawings collection and exhibitions.

7. Hold primary responsibility, both internally and externally, for clearly communicating the Menil Drawing Institute’s goals and programs.

8. Continue to develop the Menil Drawing Institute as a research resource for local, national, and international scholars, and oversee the Menil Drawing Institute’s academic outreach efforts.

9. Foster collaborative projects within the Menil and with national/international museums and related cultural and educational organizations.

10. Oversee the Menil Drawing Institute’s efforts to cultivate and steward relationships with living artists.

11. Oversee and manage the fellowship program (Pre-doctoral Fellow, Research Fellow, and Menil-Morgan Research Fellow) at the Menil Drawing Institute.

12. Help guide the work of the Menil Drawing Institute’s Pre-Doctoral, Research, and Menil-Morgan Research Fellows.

13. Act as a senior leader within the Menil Collection, adding expertise, guidance, and collegial participation in the discussion, formulation, and implementation of policies, procedures, and activities of the organization.

14. Work with the Advancement Department to fundraise for the Menil Drawing Institute exhibitions and drawing acquisitions and to cultivate donors.

15. Develop and manage the Menil Drawing Institute’s departmental budget in coordination with the Menil Collection’s Exhibitions Manager.

The Chief Curator of Drawings, Menil Drawing Institute, supervises the Associate Curator, Menil Drawing Institute; the Assistant Curator, Menil Drawing Institute; and the Administrative Assistant/Associate, Menil Drawing Institute. The Chief Curator of Drawings works closely and collaboratively with other museum staff, especially those who work in the Menil Drawing Institute building, including the Paper Conservator, Registrars, and Art Preparator. The Chief Curator of Drawings leads monthly Menil Drawing Institute meetings to foster communication, coordination, and unity of purpose.

1. An advanced degree in Art History (PhD strongly preferred)…