Position Summary

The Assistant Curator will be responsible for developing, organizing and executing visual art exhibitions for the Moody Center for the Arts. These exhibitions are not limited in terms of media or time frame, but will consistently support the Moody's mission of fostering interdisciplinary conversation through the arts. They will be selected with the goal of engaging diverse academic disciplines.

The ideal candidate will have experience assisting with or organizing solo exhibitions, group shows and thematic projects, working directly with artists, lenders, peer institutions and diverse audiences.

Salary

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

Essential Functions

• Conceives, researches, develops and collaborates with colleagues to organize and mount changing exhibitions of varying scope
• Develops programming, including lectures, symposia and other educational programs
• Develops collections through selectively acquiring important objects through purchase and gifts; cultivates prospective donors and art dealers
• Monitors and manages the stewardship needs of donors in adherence to the university's stewardship standards
• Researches, writes and oversees production of related publications, brochures and guides
• Develops and oversees collaborative projects with faculty and staff, oversees project budgets
• Develops a cooperative and productive relationship between Rice Public Art and the art community
• Develops, prepares and maintains exhibition budgets, serves as a liaison to the University community, other institutions and the public
• Provides training, continuing education to staff and mentors student interns
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions / Information

• Communicates with artists, fellow curators, lenders, technical staff, Rice constituents, students and visitors about each project to ensure all parties are well informed
• Works with Moody staff to ensure artwork on loan to the Moody is handled with the highest level of professional care, in accordance with museum standards
• Works with the Moody's Exhibition Manager to ensure exhibitions are installed and de-installed in a timely and professional manner
• Writes wall text and labels, brochure texts, web and social media postings, and for other Moody and Rice publications, as needed
• Provides information and assistance to the Moody's Director of Marketing & Communications to ensure accurate public communications across all channels
• Participates in interviews with the press, as needed
• Takes an active role, together with the Moody's Director of Development, in identifying prospective funders, including individuals, corporations and foundations
• Assists with writing grant proposals and generating follow-up reports
• Provides information and assistance to the Moody's Director of Development to ensure donors and prospects are well-stewarded and accurately informed. Includes leading tours for patron groups and meeting with funders, as needed
• Participates as an active and visible member of the local, national and international art community, representing the Moody at art openings, conferences and fairs, when appropriate. A modest travel budget will be provided in support of this goal
• Writes wall text and labels, brochure texts, web and social media postings for Moody and Rice publications, as needed
• Attends Moody exhibition previews, openings and public events, with occasional work required in the evening or on weekends

Required Qualifications

• Master's Degree in art history or related field (art, collaborative art, museum studies)
• 3 years of curatorial experience in a university or public museum, university or non-profit art space in accordance with the American Association of Museums professional practices
• Extensive knowledge of and enthusiasm for the history of art
• Demonstrable experience conceiving, developing and implementing a diverse range of art exhibitions

Preferred Qualifications

• An active network of contacts representing its many aspects including artists, galleries, museum colleagues, etc.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the contemporary art world at large
• Experience working with artists of all levels, from emerging to those of international reputation and from a diversity of cultures
• First-hand knowledge of museum-quality exhibition practices
• Excellent research, written and verbal communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills, with an ability to work with diverse constituents, including faculty, staff, students, patrons, artists and the general public
• An entrepreneurial, self-starting mindset
• A desire to work as part of a collaborative team in a dynamic, fast-paced environment

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.

Current Rice University COVID policies , which include vaccination, face mask, testing, gatherings, occupancy limits, and travel policies can be found here: https://coronavirus.rice.edu/policies