The Ihlenfeld Curator works to conceive and execute exhibitions that address and enact collaborative practice with WAMâ™s communities, including university and external partners for the Weismanâ™s exhibitions galleries. In keeping with the University of Minnesotaâ™s long-founded emphasis on innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration and public service, this position will contribute to that university-wide mission, enhancing the co-productive aspect of the Weisman as a University and Minnesota Community member. The Curator will bring both expertise and an eagerness to learn and participate in new areas and forms of inquiry, expanding institutional practices, curatorial models and modes of research. 

The Weisman maintains a dynamic rotating temporary exhibition schedule that includes three exhibitions per year with related public programs and publications (print and digital). Building
on the compelling and prolific collaborative projects of the former Target Studio program, the Ihlenfeld Curator will seek out and develop partnerships across the Weismanâ™s internal (campus) and external (Twin Cities and greater Minnesota) communities to create and manage original community-based exhibitions to be featured in the central featured exhibitions gallery. Expanding on the museumâ™s 2024 strategic plan, exhibitions are developed to promote public and scholarly engagement that meaningfully integrate works of art with education, civic engagement, and community development.

This is a 100%, 12-months, annually renewable appointment in the academic professional series (classification 9721CU, Museum Specialist 1-Curation).

JOB DUTIES:

Exhibition Production and Management (70%):

• Curates and delivers co-created exhibitions with both  the campus and wider community.
• Facilitates an integrated curatorial and pedagogical vision to create greater relevance and accessibility to a public-centered practice.
• Actively contributes to rethinking presentations and understandings of the Museumâ™s collection to incorporate community voices and perspectives.
• Coordinates community group participation for exhibition development.
• Initiates, facilitates, and participates in research projects and various forms of public scholarly engagement that meaningfully integrate works of art with education, civic engagement, and community development.
• Works collaboratively across curatorial, public engagement and learning departments to establish interpretive goals for exhibitions, collections and programs that prioritize visitor engagement and learning through reflection, creative participation, and empowering experiences. 
• Expands the Museumâ™s vital role as an active and trusted community member and facilitator for scholarly, creative endeavors. 
• Works directly with artists, researchers, community members, academic units and local organizations. 
• Incorporates accessibility standards and produces new curatorial approaches to collections and partnerships. 
• Identifies and researches significant trends, issues, and opportunities within the field. 
   

Supervision and Administration  (25%):

• Supports Senior Curator in the development and management of departmental budgets. 
• Prepares contracts and supporting documentation for artists and other contractors;
• Manages incoming traveling exhibitions administration and assigned exhibitions
• Selects and presents objects for accessioning
• Mentors students and museum interns from diverse disciplines. 
• Contributes to fundraising and resource development efforts. 
• Collaborates across Curatorial, Exhibitions, Public Engagement and Learning, Communications staff on a variety of projects and initiatives. 
• Prepares reports, gives presentations on exhibition and project developments for both internal and external stakeholders. 
   

Service / Professional Development 5%

• Serves on university / museum and community committees 
• Actively represents museums with external stakeholders  
• Participates in the museum field, developing and maintaining relationships with other museum professionals, and participating in professional activities.

WORK MODE: Hybrid, 3 days on campus and 2 days remote.

WORK DAYS: Monday to Friday flexible schedule as required for implementation of responsibilities and related museum activities. Hours will include some weekends and evenings. 

SALARY RANGE: $70,000-$74,000

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
 

• BA in art history or other relevant field and 6 years of curatorial experience; or a Master's degree in art history or other relevant field and 4 years of curatorial experience; or a terminal degree in art history or other relevant field and 2 years of curatorial experience
• Experience in managing and leading research, planning, development and implementation of curatorial and socially engaged programs. 
• Project management skills, including budgeting.
• Considerable skills in communication and facilitation; strong intercultural competency.
• Must be a collaborator inside and outside the Museum.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with artists, museum colleagues, donors, faculty members and the general public.
• Experience working with diverse and underrepresented communities
• Experience in successfully establishing and fostering strong, credible and long-term relationships with artists, colleagues, donors, board members, staff, volunteers and other stakeholders. 
• Ability to navigate all levels of the WAM building.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD in art history or other relevant field
• Experience working with museums database systems

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

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