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Job Description Summary
The Acquavella Curator of Collections and Director of University Galleries will lead Wake Forest Universitys art collection and galleries to foster meaningful connections between the universitys art resources and its educational mission and strategic framing. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the universitys visual arts programming and steward its growing collection (with an emphasis on modern and contemporary art) while engaging with a vibrant academic community.
This role combines curatorial expertise with administrative leadership to advance the Wake Forest Universitys Art Collections and Galleries impact on the campus and broader community. The University Art Collection contains over 2000 works within nine collections that are displayed in approximately 35 oncampus and offcampus locations and includes two galleries spanning three locations. Of note the Mark H. Reece Collection of StudentAcquired Contemporary Art established in 1962 enables students to partner with art faculty and the Acquavella Curator to purchase contemporary art to reflect the times. The universitys art galleries include the Hanes Gallery which host exhibitions and programming to support learning across the college and the stArt (student art) Gallery which supports student art and connections with the local community.
The Acquavella Curator of Collections and Director of University Galleries works closely with many oncampus and offcampus partners including the universitys Art Department Reynolda House Museum of American Art and Wake Downtown to cocreate experiential learning opportunities for students and promote visual arts with an emphasis on modern and contemporary art within the community.
The position will remain open to applications until it is filled. All applications received by March 5 2025 will be reviewed for consideration.
Job Description
Essential Functions:
Other Functions:
- Serves as a resource person and a representative for questions problems and activities concerning the University Art Collections and Galleries.
- Collaborates and communicates with oncampus and offcampus partners to cocreate experiential learning opportunities for students and promote visual arts.
- Advocates for the incorporation of the University Art Collections in different spaces and locations.
- Coordinates with Facilities Management to maintain spaces used to display and store works.
- Develops presents and supports curricular opportunities through guest lectures and classroom support with the Art Department and other interested faculty.
- Maintains positive relationships with university alumni pursuing careers or who have an interest in visual arts
- Extends the profile and reach of the University Art Collections and Galleries through association with similar outside arts entities museums galleries curators artists arts professionals and professional organizations.
- Engages in practices to make the universitys art collection and galleries accessible to faculty students and the community.
- Seeks to reflect diverse and underrepresented perspectives through the inclusion of new works within the collections and through exhibitions and programming.
- Mentors staff and students.
Required Education Knowledge Skills Abilities:
- At least an M.A. in Art History Curatorial Studies Museum Studies or other relevant discipline.
- At least 5 years of experience in an art museum gallery and/or curatorial setting.
- Ability to collaborate effectively
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Ability to manage projects and deadlines independently
- Considerable knowledge of museum or gallery standards and best practices in the display handling procurement and deaccession of artwork
- Skilled in Adobe Suite and Google Suite/MS Office
- Ability to supervise and train others
- High degree of professionalism close attention to detail collegiality and ability to meet deadlines.
Preferred Education Knowledge Skills Abilities:
- Ph.D. in Art History Curatorial Studies Museum Studies Collections Management or relevant discipline
- At least 5 years of related experience in a university gallery setting or working with a university art collection
- Knowledge of modern and contemporary art
- Knowledgeable about registrarial and collections management
- Experience exhibiting art in multifunctional and nontraditional gallery/museum spaces
- Experience developing and executing innovative projects and aesthetically advanced exhibitions
- Ability to adapt to unforeseen situations influence key stakeholders and negotiate to achieve a desired outcome
- Strong public relations and customer service skills
Accountabilities:
- Supervises employees student workers and interns
- Responsible for security and safety practices associated with the handling of sensitive property (WFU Art Collections and other artworks)
- Responsible for budget
Physical Requirements:
- Medium work. Climbing standing walking pushing pulling lifting talking hearing repetitive motions.
- Close visual acuity.
Environmental Conditions:
- Not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
Disclaimer:
This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other jobrelated instructions and perform jobrelated duties as may be reasonably assigned by the employees supervisor.
To help provide a safe learning and living community Wake Forest University conducts background investigations and drug screens for all final candidates being considered for employment.
Wake Forest seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce and encourages qualified candidates across all group demographics to apply. Wake Forest University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in employment for individuals with disabilities.
Additional Job Description
Time Type Requirement
Full time
Note to Applicant:
This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other jobrelated instructions and perform jobrelated duties as may be reasonably assigned by his/her supervisor.
In order to provide a safe and productive learning and living community Wake Forest University conducts background investigations and drug screens for all final staff candidates being considered for employment.
WakeForestseeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce while promoting an inclusive work environment committed to excellence in the spirit of Pro Humanitate.In adherence with applicable laws and as provided by University policies the University prohibits discrimination in its employment practices on thebasis of race color religion national origin sex age sexual orientation gender identity and expression genetic information disability and veteran statusandencourages qualified candidates across all group demographics to apply.