Job Posting Title:Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art
----Hiring Department:Jack S Blanton Museum of Art
----Position Open To:All Applicants
----Weekly Scheduled Hours:40
----FLSA Status:Exempt from FLSA
----Earliest Start Date:Immediately
----Position Duration:Expected to Continue
----Location:UT MAIN CAMPUS
----Job Details:PurposeThe Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art advances the Blanton's mission by shaping a dynamic program of exhibitions, installations, and commissions drawn from the collection, loans, and new work. This role builds and sustains relationships with artists, scholars, and institutions nationally and internationally, while fostering collaboration across the museum and university. The curator leads research, interpretation, and public engagement initiatives that deepen understanding of modern and contemporary art and expand its impact. Working closely with colleagues, the curator contributes to collection development, fundraising, and strategic planning in support of the museum's long-term goals.
ResponsibilitiesExhibition Development & Management- Organize exhibitions and installations using collection objects, loans, and commissions.
- Lead development of exhibition concepts, tours, and co-produced projects in collaboration with curatorial colleagues and external partners.
Collection Strategy & Stewardship- Define and implement a vision for the modern and contemporary art collection.
- Recommend and secure acquisitions and collaborate with collections staff on conservation strategies.
External Relations & Institutional Partnerships- Build relationships with artists and national/international institutions.
- Solicit and secure loans and externally generated exhibitions and represent the museum in collaborative initiatives that advance its mission.
Interpretation, Education & Public Programs- Develop interpretive strategies and materials
- Partner with Education and Academic Affairs to create programs, train docents and gallery assistants, and support public engagement with modern and contemporary art.
Research, Scholarship & Publications- Conduct original research on the collection and contribute to exhibitions, programs, and publications.
- Supervise guest curators, visiting scholars, interns, and student researchers.
Academic Engagement, Fundraising & Administration- Promote use of the collection in teaching and engage with the academic community.
- Support fundraising efforts, including donor cultivation and proposals, and manage related budgets, records, and intern supervision.
Other related functions as assigned.
Required Qualifications- Master's degree in art history or related field, or a bachelor's degree with equivalent professional experience.
- At least seven years of museum experience with a strong record of publications, public presentations, and active participation in the national or international art community.
- Deep knowledge of American and international modern and contemporary art.
- Demonstrated excellence in scholarship, writing, communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
- Proven ability to manage budgets and experience in fundraising, including cultivating donors and securing grants from foundation and government sources.
- Strong professional relationships across the field, including artists, collectors, gallerists, writers, scholars, and museum colleagues.
- Collaborative and collegial approach, with the ability to work effectively across departments to advance institutional goals.
- Demonstrated integrity and professional judgment in all areas of work.
- Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, from students and the public to scholars and specialists.
Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Preferred Qualifications- Ph.D. in art history or a closely related discipline
- Specialized expertise in a particular area of modern or contemporary art
- Successful record of acquiring works through gifts or purchases
- Knowledge of museum collection management systems and digital collections initiatives
Salary Range$100,000 + depending on qualifications
Working Conditions- Standard office conditions
- Combination of sitting and standing
- Repetitive keyboard use
- Occasional evenings and weekends
- Some travel
Required Materials- Resume/CV
- Letter of interest
- 3 work references with their contact information including email addresses; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
Importantfor applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.
Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.
Employment Eligibility:Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.
Retirement Plan Eligibility:The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.
Background Checks:A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.
