At an exciting moment for our Art of the Americas program, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, seeks a creative, energetic and dynamic curator and scholar to become the Carolyn and Peter Lynch Associate Curator of American Decorative Arts and Sculpture. Reporting to the Senior Curator of Decorative Arts and Sculpture, the ideal candidate will have the curiosity and vision to work with colleagues to: grow and care for the breadth of the Decorative Arts, Design and Sculpture collections, develop engaging exhibitions and installations, and deepen relations with supporters and collectors.

The Museum’s world-class collection encompasses sculpture and decorative arts created throughout North, Central and South America over a span of 3,000 years. Best known for its outstanding holdings from Colonial New England and the Early Republic, the collection is also strong in works from New Spain, as well as 19th-century sculpture, Arts and Crafts, and 20th-century design. The Art of the Americas Wing at the Museum integrates these works across four floors and 49 galleries. Collection objects are also displayed in other areas of the MFA, inviting audiences to consider them in global contexts, shaped by histories of migration and cultural exchange. With more than 16,000 objects in the collection, the Art of the Americas department is committed to presenting many creative voices, some previously underrepresented at the MFA, including, but not limited to, women artists, artists of color, self-taught or folk artists, Indigenous artists, and artists from Latin America. Diverse artistic visions inspire us and enrich our visitors understanding of the Americas.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Master’s or PhD in Art History or related field with a proven focus on decorative arts, design and/or sculpture. Candidates with expertise of Latin America are particularly welcome.
• A minimum of 3-6 years of curatorial experience in decorative arts and sculpture field.
• Speaking and/or reading ability in Spanish, Portuguese, or other relevant foreign language.

Ideal Candidate:

• Portfolio of exhibitions and programs that have connected visitors to the decorative arts in engaging ways, and linked works from the past to contemporary issues
• A proven record of scholarly research and publishing in area(s) of specialty.
• Possesses national and international perspective but is personally and professionally committed to the city of Boston, its people and artistic community.
• Established contacts with a national and international network of colleagues, artists, dealers, and other museum professionals with the desire and ability to cultivate new relationships intended to enhance the collection and programming.
• Demonstrated track record of attracting and cultivating donors.
• Strong planning and project management skills with the ability to manage various projects simultaneously and collaborating with colleagues across the institution to achieve the best outcome.
• Strong sense of accountability for achieving stated objectives, and flexibility for when plans change.
• Team-oriented and collaborative: Must have the ability to partner with the Senior Curator, Chair, Director and curatorial colleagues in developing the artistic vision and growth of the decorative arts and sculpture collection that suitably aligns with the Museum’s encyclopedic collection and overall mission.
• Ideal candidates will demonstrate a breadth of knowledge and experience, as well as a willingness to gain expertise in new areas. An interest in and commitment to exploring the changing nature of art museums and their relationship to the public is crucial.
• Superb presentation and interpretation skills with ability to attract and engage audiences of all demographics
• Superior ability to present and defend ideas and projects that earn the respect of colleagues and Museum’s leadership and builds credibility for the department and institution.

Personal Qualities and Attributes:

• Intellectually rigorous
• Inspirational, passionate, curious
• Generous of spirit, a team player
• Superior judgment, tact and diplomacy, with good organizational skills

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until April 1, 2023. However, candidates are encouraged to apply at their earliest convenience.

Please submit application materials to the following link:

https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=32f45058-ce08-45f5-b35e-964951a170b1&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=487282&lang=en_US&source=CC4