Museum Curator - Higher Ed. jobs in Houston, TX

Curator

The FotoFest Curator is a full-time, exempt member of the FotoFest senior staff and, with the Executive Director and exhibitions and programs team, provides artistic direction and coordination to the organization’s artistic programs and publications. The Curator provides curatorial support for internally generated exhibitions and their accompanying publications, and is responsible for the conception, execution, quality, and scholarship of many internally generated exhibitions and publications. They are also responsible for the oversight of designated traveling exhibitions that tour to or are generated by FotoFest.

The FotoFest Curator should be an active and visible member of the local, national, and international photography and art communities, and participate in the overall institutional advancement of the organization and its programs. These responsibilities include travel to represent FotoFest at international photography festivals.

The Curator works closely with the Executive Director and other members of the senior staff to advance the organization’s mission to execute and develop support for its programs, and to achieve the goals of its strategic plan.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities

Exhibitions, Programs, and Publications

• Manage the organization’s exhibition program by planning and executing exhibitions and overseeing the production of exhibition-related materials
• Lead exhibition meetings and develop related agendas
• Maintain long-term exhibition schedule and establish shipping, production, and installation schedules with Exhibitions Manager
• Curate thematic exhibitions
• Occasionally manage and facilitate exhibitions for guest curators and Executive Director
• Manage and facilitate FotoFest Biennial exhibition series Ten by Ten: Ten Portfolios from the Meeting Place
• Create and manage exhibition budgets in coordination with Executive Director, Exhibitions Manager, and Bookkeeper
• Contribute to grant applications for exhibitions and programs and track related funding
• Manage FotoFest publication projects (including books, catalogues, brochures, guides, etc.)
• Manage FotoFest Participating Spaces program; collect and coordinate information and materials from spaces for Biennial publications
• Handle logistics for exhibition signage, vinyl, banners, labels and other displays in the galleries and on the exterior of buildings
• Draft exhibition press releases
• Respond to outside inquiries proposing exhibitions at FotoFest
• Research and follow trends in exhibition display and curatorial practice
• Respond to inquiries from researchers and visitors
• Work with the FotoFest staff to develop, produce, and analyze exhibition-related programming and educational materials
• Ensure that the highest level of professional care is given to works of art on loan to the organization
• Foster and actively participate in the collegial dialogue, sharing of professional opinions, and advancement of ideas and scholarship related to contemporary photography within and outside the organization
• Maintain a visible role in the immediate and national/international photography community including the maintenance of relationships with artists, galleries, collectors, donors, and members of the general public

Public Information and Communications

• Provide information and assistance to the Manager of Communications to develop communications and marketing materials and strategies regarding exhibitions and programs
• Provide information regarding exhibitions and programs for website and social media content
• Collaborate with the Manager of Communications to prepare exhibition-related materials for public relations and marketing efforts
• Contribute to the development of communications and marketing strategies and materials to serve audiences and to enhance FotoFest’s image, identity, and donor prospects

Additional Duties

• Occasionally present gallery talks and lead tours for student and community groups
• Supervise curatorial interns and student practicum; act as mentor
• Attend and participate in scholarly conferences and evolve as a curator and scholar of photography
• Evening and weekend hours are expected, especially during FotoFest Biennial
• Other duties, as assigned

Qualifications

• Degree in art, photography, curatorial studies, or a relevant related field, and a wide knowledge of and enthusiasm about contemporary photography
• 5 years of professional experience with a record of increasing curatorial responsibility and measurable accomplishments
• Record of exhibitions and publications
• Excellent project management skills
• Ability to work on multiple projects collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-based environment
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a proven ability to work well with colleagues, other employees, artists, donors, and lenders
• Familiarity and experience with current computer software and technology, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Adobe Creative Suite
• Training in art handling
• Ability to lift 60 lbs.

Salary

Annual salary range $45,000 - $55,000 and/or commensurate with experience.

Apply

For consideration, please submit your cover letter and resume to info@fotofest.org. No phone calls, please. Applicants whose candidacies are being considered will be contacted. Review of applications will begin on April 1, 2024.

Equal Employment Opportunity

FotoFest fully subscribes to principles of Equal Employment Opportunity. It is our policy to provide employment, compensation, and other benefits related to employment based on qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law. In accordance with requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act, it is our policy to provide reasonable accommodation upon request during the application process to eligible applicants in order that they may be given a full and fair opportunity to be considered for employment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $45,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Physical setting:

• Office

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Evenings as needed
• Weekends as needed

Application Question(s):

• Do you have a degree in art, photography, curatorial studies, or a relevant related field?
• Do you have 5 years of professional experience with a record of increasing curatorial responsibility and measurable accomplishments?
• Do you understand that you must submit a cover letter and resume to info@fotofest.org in order to be considered for this job?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Work Location: In person