Open Curatorship in African Art at the Brooklyn Museum

This announcement was recently posted to the CMA email list. I suspect that the "2007" date is in error.

Curator of African Art

The Brooklyn Museum will appoint an extraordinary communicator/scholar to the position of Curator of African Art. The Brooklyn Museum collection of African Art is famous for its breadth and quality, and as one of the earliest to be assembled in the United States. The Curator of African Art will provide leadership to the Museum as it takes a more visible interpretive role in its community and among museums in the field. The successful applicant will have demonstrated deep commitment to engaging a large and diverse public audience in innovative and exciting ways. S/he will be recognized for achievement as a scholar of the history of African art, with a deep understanding of its aesthetic, social, and political contexts and implications.

Because the Museum views its collections and programs holistically, preference will be given to candidates who can relate their work to such other areas as the Islamic or Ancient Egyptian collections of the Brooklyn Museum.

The successful candidate will have extraordinary leadership and organizational skills, flexibility, and proven ability to work well in a collaborative environment. Candidates should also demonstrate knowledge of language(s) relevant to the field of study, and familiarity with the cultures, both past and current, of African and African diaspora peoples.

Minimum Requirements: Advanced degree in the history of art or related studies required (Ph.D. preferable). Three to five years of museum experience or the equivalent highly preferred; strong contacts in International and American art circles are a major plus.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills and research skills are required, with a strong writing/publication record. Good interpersonal skills are essential.

Responsibilities: This is a Curatorial Collections Division position (see description of Division responsibilities). The Curator of African Art will be responsible for overseeing the collection, including researching, developing, and installing the collection. The Curator will be a leader in the field, in the community, and at the Brooklyn Museum in broadening public knowledge of and interest in African art and culture.

Reports to: Chief Curator

Work Schedule: Regular office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Frequent evening and weekend hours, as necessary.

Interviews begin: September 2007

To apply: Candidate should submit curriculum vitae and a letter outlining her/his particular suitability to the position by mail to Department CD, Curator of African Art Search, 200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11238; or by email to African.Curator@BrooklynMuseum.org. Brooklyn Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants for positions are considered without regard to race, creed, color, country of origin, sex, age, citizenship, disability, or sexual orientation. Candidates of color are strongly encouraged to apply.