Robert and Martha Berman Lipp Chief Curator

Position Summary

The Chief Curator directs and oversees all aspects of the Institute's museum program, including the care, exhibition, acquisition, research, and interpretation of the museum's art collections; and the content of the institute's special exhibitions program. Develops and maintains contact with the general public, donors, lenders, students and professional colleagues to expand the audience for the Institute's collections, programs and publications. Supervises the Curatorial department. Serves as a member of the Director's Group and Management Group, in addition to other committees and working groups as needed.

Major Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

• Oversee the care, conservation, and presentation of the art collections of paintings and sculptures in accordance with generally accepted museum standards and direct special exhibitions programs.
• Supervise curators, curatorial assistants, postdoctoral fellows, and interns in realizing the Institute's museum program.
• Participate as a key member on the installation of the new Aso O. Tavitian wing; provides leadership to the curatorial team as the installation is devised and implemented.
• Develop a program of special exhibitions that is publicly accessible and intellectually engaging and that explores a wide range of themes, especially those that represent contemporary critical and art historical perspectives. Lead curatorial team in organizing, installing, and interpreting exhibitions that meet the highest level of aesthetic and interpretive standards.
• Provide managerial oversight for the Curatorial department.
• Interpret and install the permanent collection to provide visitors with a positive experience and enrich the interpretation of the collection for the Institute's various audiences.
• Manage the organization of the paintings collection and the sculpture collection, and the records for these, ensuring accessibility and accountability. Facilitate access to the collection for the general public, visiting scholars, and the local academic population.
• Identify and propose acquisitions, both purchases and gifts, of the highest quality to meet the Institute's collecting goals.
• Develop relationships and cultivate current and potential donors to expand object and monetary donations.
• Perform scholarly research on the collections, promoting their reputation through teaching, lecturing, and publishing for both the scholarly and general public. Encourage and promote research on the collection. Promote scholarship and encourage inter- and intra- disciplinary dialogue. Integrate research, education, and training with public programming.
• Participate in developing a multi-tiered publication program aimed at the Institute's various audiences, including scholars, interested adults, and children.
• Supervise and train graduate interns, teach independent study courses, and advise other students interested in the art collections.
• Respond to public inquiries concerning paintings and sculptures, disseminate accurate information, and establish positive rapport and respect.
• Stay current with developments in the field and participate in professional organizations and meetings to understand and, as appropriate, incorporate trends and new approaches to exhibits, signage, etc.
• Collaborate with the Williams College Graduate Program on an as needed basis.
• Serve as a member of the Director's Group, Participating in Institute long-range planning as primary advocate on Curatorial issues.
• Assist the director in administrative matters as requested in the management of museum programs.
• Work with curatorial staff on long range planning for the department.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education, Training, and Traits

• Ph.D. required

Work Experience

• At least 7 years of experience preferred

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical Demands: This position requires sitting at a desk/workstation and using a computer for prolonged periods of time.

• Work Environment: Work will be performed in an office environment and in museum spaces. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.