Curator of Collections and Exhibitions

The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art seeks a creative, energetic, and highly-motivated Curator to oversee its exhibitions and collections program. Founded in 1895, the CRMA annually organizes approximately six to ten exhibitions that primarily focus on its collections and on contemporary art in all media from the region. These exhibitions are occasionally supplemented by significant traveling exhibitions. The collection contains more than 7,800 works of art, with strengths in 20th century American painting and a solid survey of the history of printmaking from the Renaissance to the present, including a small but significant collection of Roman busts. The CRMA is also developing several other collections in diverse areas, including decorative arts and photography. A three-story exhibition and collection storage wing was added in 1989, giving the CRMA a total facility of 63,000 square feet. In addition, the CRMA owns the original Grant Wood Studio, which is located three blocks away.

Cedar Rapids is a progressive business community of 175,000 that neighbors Iowa City, home of the University of Iowa. With excellent recreation opportunities, cultural institutions, schools, and modest living expenses, Cedar Rapids is frequently cited as one of the most livable towns of its size in America. The Curator is a key provider of vision and leadership for the entire collection and exhibition program and works closely with the Director, staff, Board, artists, and members of the community.

Duties and Responsibilities:

·         Leads overall CRMA exhibition program planning

·         Plans, budgets, organizes, helps install, and interprets exhibitions

·         Works with artists, art dealers, collectors, and museums to select works for exhibitions

·         In collaboration with Executive Director and Development Department, solicits donors in support of acquisitions, curatorial programs, exhibitions, and annual Gala

·         Writes appropriate grant applications, as needed

·         Works closely with collectors, artists, and others to enhance the collection through gifts of works of art

·         Handles inquiries from researchers and the public

·         Supervise staff, interns, and/or volunteers

·         Directs the activities of the Collectors’ Circle

·         Coordinates the meetings and needs of the Board of Trustees’ Collections & Exhibitions Committee

·         Recommends acquisitions and deaccessions

·         Maintains a dynamically evolving Collection Development Plan

·         Works closely with other CRMA staff

·         Represents CRMA in the community and nationally including interfacing with a variety of local and regional media outlets

·         Maintains strong relationships with area artists through studio visits, etc.

·         Works closely with Registrar to oversee collection storage and record keeping, researching the collection, and setting conservation priorities

·         In consultation with education staff develops a program of lectures, performances, and other events in connection with exhibitions

·         Works closely with the Museum Educator to provide interpretation of exhibitions, including active participation in programming

·         Flexible hours required due to public and event engagements.

The preceding job description indicates the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this position. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to do this job. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time nor does it proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. This job description is subject to change at any time.

Preferred Experience and Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will have:

·         At least 5 years of museum experience curating complex exhibitions and overseeing collections, with expertise in American art and/or prints and/or decorative arts

·         M.A. in art history or a closely related field

·         A thorough understanding of museum principles and practices

·         Highly developed oral and written communication skills and ability to communicate complex art concepts effectively to a broad audience

·         Ability to build effective relationships with donors, co-workers, and the general public

·         Sensitivity to diverse audiences

·         Flexible team player

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job or may be encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with a disability to perform the essential functions to the extent the Company may do so without undue hardship. The term “qualified individual with a disability” means an individual who with or without reasonable accommodation can perform the essential functions of the position.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to follow and give oral and written instructions in English; stand, walk, and/or sit for extended periods of time with limited breaks; use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arm, and reach above shoulder height. The employee is regularly required to climb or balance, squat, kneel, and crouch. The employee is occasionally required to detect smells and lift, drag and/or move up to 50 pounds unassisted. The employee is required to visually or otherwise identify, observe and assess. Special vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Employee is required to move about their work area, between areas in the buildings and the grounds, ascend and descend stairs. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate and generally does not require the use of hearing protection equipment.

The CRMA provides a solid benefits package. Salary $45,000 to $55,000. Review of applications will begin March 1, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2023.

To Apply

To apply, submit letter of interest, resume, and list of references by March 1 to: Sean Ulmer, Executive Director, CRMA, 410 Third Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401. E-mail applications accepted at sulmer@crma.org.