Curator, Moss Arts Center

Job Description

The Curator researches, conceptualizes, develops, and presents dynamic and diverse year-round exhibitions at the Moss Arts Center, including related educational and engagement opportunities, that serve as a cultural resource to Virginia Tech and the surrounding region. The Curator works closely with both the Director of Programming and the Moss Arts Center’s Executive Director to establish vision and goals for the exhibitions. The Curator works with other center staff to develop effective implementation and operating plans, and to provide an inclusive and creative environment for exploration of the arts for all audiences, including Virginia Tech students.

Moss Arts Center programs combine national and international visiting artists and exhibits, state and regional artists and community arts programs, and projects involving faculty and students at Virginia Tech. Diverse voices and perspectives are central to the breadth and depth of exhibitions and related programming. With the assistance of a program manager, the Curator oversees installation and daily management of two galleries and other exhibition areas, and must have a genuine commitment to public engagement, community outreach, educational programming, and goals of diversity, inclusion, and equity.

Required Qualifications

- Advanced degree in visual arts, art history, or a closely related field; or a Bachelor’s degree in same with significant related professional experience.
- Progressively responsible professional experience with program development in a gallery, museum or other professional arts environment.
- Hands-on experience managing gallery spaces and knowledge of physical requirements of exhibitions.
- History of robust public engagement, community outreach, and educational programming.
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and to planning programs that attract and support diverse artists and audiences.
- Experience successfully managing staff.
- Track record of successful external and internal collaborations, including demonstrated ability to build consensus and develop strong relationships at all levels within an organization.
- In-depth knowledge of modern and contemporary art, a demonstrated track record of achievement in exhibitions, working with artists, collectors, museum professionals, dealers, university communities and the public, and working with and negotiating with artists and vendors.
- Strong communication, organizational, analytical and interpersonal skills and the ability to solve problems imaginatively and create support for solutions.
- Demonstrated understanding of the academic mission of a comprehensive research university and the role of the arts within it.

Preferred Qualifications

- Professional experience at an arts program within an institution of higher education.
- Direct experience developing and curating projects involving creative and new technologies and performance art, in addition to traditional visual arts.

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

Commensurate with experience

Review Date

April 1, 2021; position will remain open until filled

Additional Information

The successful Candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges , a school of medicine , a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School , and Honors College . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Elizabeth Scharman at scharman@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: March 3, 2021
Applications close: