The Sheldon Museum of Art seeks a Curator of Academic Programs to serve as a liaison between the Sheldon Museum of Art and the larger University of Nebraska (UN) academic community.
This position will bridge the museum and UN campuses through research, development, and implementation of in-depth curriculum-based programs and other initiatives that will connect faculty and students to the museum’s resources, particularly the permanent collection and its special exhibitions. The curator will strengthen existing programs and implement new ones, pursue active collaborations across campus, and play a key role in developing and achieving near- and long-term educational goals for both the museum and the university. Reporting to the director, the Curator of Academic Programs will serve on the Sheldon’s Senior Artistic Vision team and oversee the museum’s Education Department.
Success in this position requires expertise in building and maintaining relationships with a diverse range of faculty, staff, and volunteers and a facility for navigating university hierarchies. The ideal candidate will possess a demonstrated commitment to object-centered learning and advanced skills in planning and implementing collection-based projects in course curricula and the use of museum galleries as alternate classroom spaces. S/he will also excel at facilitating collaboration with multiple constituencies toward positive outcomes for all stakeholders.
The Sheldon Museum of Art, located in a landmark building designed by Philip Johnson, houses one of the nation’s premier university collections of American art with more than 12,000 objects, including notable European and Latin American holdings. The Museum Sculpture Garden features more than 30 outdoor sculptures, including monumental works by Mark DiSuvero, Claes Oldenburg and Coojse Van Bruggen, Richard Serra, Roxy Paine, and David Smith. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln, chartered in 1869, is one of the nation’s leading teaching institutions, and is recognized internationally for a wide array of research projects aimed at broadening knowledge in the sciences and humanities.
Required Qualifications: Master’s degree in a field of study related to the Sheldon’s collections or related to one of the University’s academic units. Must have five years of professional experience with increasing responsibility in a museum, academic art gallery, or similar non-profit institution focused on art, culture, and/or humanities public education and access. Two years of professional experience in a direct supervisory role of paid employees required. Must have a demonstrated project history in developing and implementing educational programs along with the knowledge of and commitment to current exhibition practices and collection stewardship policies. Must be familiar with curricula, protocols, and areas of study at a major research university. Excellent writing, communication, and public speaking skills for multiple audiences required. Must demonstrate the ability to promote collaborative teamwork, creativity, and open communication with diverse constituencies. Must have the ability to concurrently manage, delegate, and execute multiple tasks to meet firm deadlines along with the ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment in the performance of duties with only general supervision or direction.
Preferred Qualifications: PhD in a discipline supported by the Sheldon’s collections or related to one of the University’s academic units preferred. A record of publication related to the candidate’s field of study and/or professional endeavors preferred. Familiarity with contemporary practices in K-12 museum education preferred. Curatorial experience preferred.
Criminal background check will be conducted. Excellent benefits including staff/dependent scholarship program. Applicant review begins May 20, 2019. View requisition S_190333 at https://employment.unl.edu for details and to apply. UNL is committed to a pluralistic campus community through affirmative action, equal opportunity, work-life balance, and dual careers.
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