Title: Curator of Latin American Art

Department: Curatorial

Reports To: Chief Curator

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000-$85,000 salary, commensurate with experience

San Antonio Museum of Art

San Antonio, TX

The San Antonio Museum of Art seeks a dynamic and engaging individual as the next Curator of Latin American Art. Reporting to the Chief Curator, the Curator of Latin American Art oversees the Nelson A. Rockefeller Latin American Art Center, a 30,000-square-foot wing with six galleries that opened in 1998. SAMA’s world-renowned collection of Latin American art includes more than 10,000 works that span 4,000 years of history. The position is offered at open rank, and candidates at all stages of their careers are encouraged to apply.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Oversees the proper care, conservation, installation and maintenance of the collections of Latin American art and of Art of the Americas before 1500
• Works closely with the Director and Chief Curator to shape the overall vision for the Latin American art collections, including developing and implementing a comprehensive, strategic and long-range collection plan that is informed by institutional and community history and goals
• Enhances the collection by seeking, researching and presenting for approval acquisitions and loans
• Conducts collection-based research, including provenance research, and undertakes collection-related publications
• Collaborates with the Director, Chief Curator and Curatorial department to develop and implement a strategic and balanced exhibitions program and to develop innovative approaches to permanent collection installations
• Collaborates with the Collections and Exhibits Departments to maintain and digitize records on works in the permanent collection; to assess conservation needs and coordinate collection management solutions; to assess loan requests; to implement exhibitions and installations; and to facilitate access to the collection for external scholars and students as requested

• Collaborates with the Development department in fundraising and cultivation efforts for the support of the permanent collection, exhibitions, and other programs
• Collaborates with the Education department to develop and implement public programs, activities, and events that are exhibition and collection-based and to provide docent training
• Collaborates with the Marketing department to produce high-quality content that represents the Latin American collections
• Collaborates with the Chief Curator and Finance department to develop and oversee project budgets
• Represents SAMA to the public, including engaging with Board members, donors, stakeholders, government officials and community members
• Fosters communication and partnerships with community organizations and institutions
• Develops and maintains strong relationships with other museum professionals, colleagues and dealers
• Travels nationally and internationally for research and professional development
• Lectures, publishes, and participates in conferences that advance research in field of expertise and the mission and reputation of the San Antonio Museum of Art
• Supervises and/or mentors other staff (interns, postdoctoral fellows, curatorial assistants, assistant curators, etc.) as appropriate

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Passion for art and commitment to excellence and best museum practices
• Commitment to being a professional representative of SAMA at all times
• Collaborator, creative problem-solver, and strategic thinker
• Commitment to creating a team-building atmosphere in which productive and respectful conversations and collaborations can be realized
• Exceptional organizational and management skills and attention to detail
• Committed to adaptability and flexibility in short- and long-term tasks and projects
• Strong art historical research skills; familiarity with emerging approaches as well as established practices and standards
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate effectively to a variety of internal and external audiences, including specialists and the general public
• Competent with collection management and digital asset management tools

Qualifications:

• 7-10 years of curatorial experience at an accredited arts institution
• M.A. in Art History, Latin American Studies, or a related field; Ph.D. strongly preferred
• Fluent or professional proficiency in Spanish or Portuguese, depending on region of expertise

Physical requirements:

The physical requirements of the position described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform successfully.

• Working onsite at a desk in a renovated historic building on a 12+ acre campus.
• Standing, walking, bending, climbing, stooping, and lifting up to 20 lbs.

Research shows that individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets all of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.

The position’s curatorial rank and title are open and will be determined based on the successful applicant’s experience and qualifications. The San Antonio Museum of Art offers a competitive benefits package.

The San Antonio Museum of art is an equal opportunity employer and as such provides equal opportunity for employment and advancement of all employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, military/veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any status protected by Federal, State, or Local Laws.

About the San Antonio Museum of Art:

The San Antonio Museum of Art serves as a forum to explore and connect with art that spans the world’s geographies, artistic periods, genres, and cultures. Its collection contains nearly 30,000 works representing 5,000 years of history and is particularly strong in arts of the Americas; ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman art; Asian art; and contemporary art. San Antonio is the nation’s seventh-largest city and is consistently listed as one of its fastest-growing. The Museum is housed in the historic Lone Star Brewery on the Museum Reach of San Antonio’s River Walk and is committed to promoting the rich cultural heritage and life of the city. It hosts hundreds of events and public programs each year, including concerts, performances, tours, lectures, symposia, and interactive experiences. As an active civic leader, the Museum is dedicated to enriching the cultural life of the city and the region, and to supporting its creative community.