Chief of Collections and Curatorial Affairs

The Chief of Collections and Curatorial Affairs provides visionary, strategic, and administrative leadership to the curatorial, conservation, collections, and exhibitions departments. The role galvanizes internal and external stakeholders by creating an engaging and forward‑minded vision for the Museum’s collections and exhibition program in alignment with its strategic plan. It requires a deep knowledge of current curatorial and conservation practice, a commitment to social issues in art museums, an eye for emerging trends, and strong fundraising acumen. Description of Work Leadership, Planning, and Strategy (50%) Serve as a creative, visionary, and accountable force on the Museum’s leadership team, advocating for and supporting the Museum’s mission, vision, and values and aligning department priorities and goals with Museum goals. Lead curatorial, conservation, collections, and exhibitions departments, setting and progress‑monitoring clear priorities and achieving established desired outcomes. Provide clear, effective communication between the Museum’s leadership team and the curatorial, conservation, collections, and exhibitions departments. Strategize with the curatorial, development, outreach and audience engagement, and marketing teams to energize community engagement, increase attendance, and identify funding opportunities, especially as they relate to exhibitions and collections. Be a reliable, valued, and trusted senior leader who provides thoughtful analysis, thinks strategically, and fosters collaborative working relationships with staff at all levels of the organization. Represent the Museum in the community and beyond, striving to increase the level of awareness, interest, and appreciation for the arts, the Museum, and its leadership role in North Carolina’s cultural ecosystem. Collaborate with the Director, CEO and the Chief Advancement Officer on fundraising initiatives and grant writing for acquisition, collection care, and exhibition support, maintaining an active portfolio of donors and contributing to stewardship initiatives. Initiate, cultivate, and support team members’ efforts to maintain contacts with collectors, donors, local constituents, national and international museum and artworld contacts. Exercise clear leadership and accountability in curatorial and conservation decision‑making by embedding equity and inclusion considerations alongside provenance ethics, restitution frameworks, and community‑informed perspectives, ensuring collection and care priorities expand representation and deepen contextual integrity. Navigate reputational, ethical, and financial risk associated with collections, conservation, exhibitions, and donor relationships by partnering closely with the leadership team to ensure informed decision‑making, institutional integrity, and responsible stewardship. Conservation, Collections, and Exhibitions (30%) Collaborate with the leadership team and the conservation, collections, and exhibition departments to develop a balanced artistic vision for a cohesive and compelling collection rotation and exhibition program in Raleigh and Winston‑Salem, including long‑term planning that sets the Museum apart and optimizes its unique strengths, sites, and opportunities. Work with Director & CEO and the curatorial and conservation departments to update Collection Plan, making recommendations for purchases and gifts and developing collection priorities and funds as well as collection care priorities and funds. Assume responsibility for the care, preservation, and restoration of the People’s Collection and its multiple mediums, ensuring best practices in all aspects of collections care in collaboration with the Director of Collections Management. Actively stimulate accessions, exhibitions, and loans and thoughtfully identify candidates for deaccession that could refine and advance the People’s Collection and institutional vision. Oversee the balance of rotations of the collection galleries and evaluate their effectiveness for relevance and the visitor experience. Guide exhibition recommendations and work to define excellence in artistic programs, ensuring vibrant and compelling exhibitions at both sites that aim to achieve Museum revenue and attendance goals. Lead efforts for the creation of annual department operating, exhibition, and capital budgets in collaboration with Director of Collections, Director of Exhibitions, etc.; monitor and track performance towards these targets; and adjust when necessary. Review curatorial and marketing materials concerning exhibitions and collections. Collaborate with education and outreach, marketing, visitor experience, and membership to create connections and entry points to the People’s Collection and exhibitions. Art and Relationship Stewardship (20%) Lead and cultivate the Board of Trustees Collections Committee. Serve on Museum committees as assigned. Maintain strong ties with artists, dealers, collectors, colleagues, and museums. Stay abreast of research and improved methods, materials, and procedures for conservation, storage, and exhibition of objects. Keep current on the entire art world ecosystem, locally and globally. Participate in regional and global professional activities and convenings as appropriate. Train and maintain relationships with Museum docents. Publish as relevant and necessary. Education and Experience Required Master’s Degree in Art History, Conservation, Curatorial Practice, or Arts Administration required; PhD preferred. Minimum of 8 to 10 years of progressively responsible experience in a curatorial, conservation, or collections role at an art museum or equivalent, including significant administrative and leadership experience. Experience advancing strategic and donor partnerships, including proof of fundraising capacity for six‑figure gifts. Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required Experience overseeing curatorial, conservation, collection, registration, research, and exhibition projects and/or teams. A track record of directing dynamic, exciting, and community‑relevant exhibition projects that have advanced the financial solvency of other art museums. Expansive national and international network. A proven track record of engaging local communities and collectors. Experience building, tracking, and adhering to budgets. Proven ability and record of mentoring and leading teams in a collaborative and inclusive environment. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. #J-18808-Ljbffr National Museum of Wildlife Art