Associate Curator of American Art

Associate Curator of American Art (Education)

Associate Curator of American Art (Education)

The Portland Museum of Art (PMA) is searching for an innovative Associate Curator of American Art. Under the direction of the Deputy Director and Head of Art and Exhibitions, the Associate Curator manages the PMA's collection of American art in the permanent and loan collections. The Associate Curator will engage in close collaboration with staff across the Museum, including the award‑winning Education Department, playing a significant role in developing programming and interpretive initiatives that span the Museum's campus in Portland and the Winslow Homer Studio in nearby Prouts Neck.

The Associate Curator of American Art will embrace a national role in promoting research and scholarship on American art, Winslow Homer, and the role Maine has played in American art and cultural history. The candidate is expected to have a track record of collaborative projects that engage and build audiences, as well as an interest in advocating for an expansive understanding of American art.

The candidate’s work will focus on interdisciplinary and collaborative projects with Museum staff, community organizations, and peer museums. Specifically, candidates should demonstrate an interest in community‑centered curatorial practice as well as an enthusiasm for working with Indigenous cultural creators, cultural keepers, and community partners.

The Associate Curator will have an extraordinary opportunity to contribute to the future of the PMA at this dynamic moment as the museum continues its PMA Blueprint initiative. Rooted in the PMA's Art for All mission and core values of Equity, Sustainability, Trust, Courage, and Service, Blueprint will expand the museum's campus with a new architecturally significant building and reshape museum practice as the PMA expands its role as a regional leader, a keystone for our communities, and a catalyst for our economy.

The Associate Curator of American Art conducts scholarly research, plans installations, orchestrates exhibition projects, develops interpretive materials, recommends acquisitions, and advances the PMA's mission. The curator will interact closely with various stakeholders to elevate public engagement and understanding of American Art and its representation in the PMA's collections.

• Develops and organizes exhibitions and gallery installations aimed at enhancing public understanding of specific artistic fields.
• Manages the selection of objects, evaluates external proposals, and prepares supportive materials including labels, catalogs, and installation plans.

• Conducts in‑depth research of the PMA's collection within a specific artistic field and recommends acquisitions to enhance the collection.
• Serves as a scholarly resource both internally and externally, fostering relationships with collectors and dealers nationally.
• Supports Maine‑based artists by conducting studio visits and reviewing submissions as part of the PMA's commitment to local talent.

• Works collaboratively across departments to coordinate exhibition logistics and publication efforts.
• Engages with internal and external partners to create educational and program content.
• Provides gallery talks, lectures, and presentations to various audience segments, including the scholarly community and the PMA's members.

• Collaborates with the Philanthropy team to identify funding opportunities, cultivate prospects, and assist with grant applications.
• Advises and participates in activities of the PMA's affinity groups, enhancing donor relations and fundraising initiatives.

• Participates in regional and national professional communities to enhance the understanding and reputation of the PMA and its programs.
• Builds relationships with the public, including scholars, critics, community groups, and others, to increase interest in the museum, its collections, and its goals.

• Collaborates on special projects, as…