Description

POSITION SUMMARY: The Curator advances the development of CAC’s exhibitions program within the museum

and beyond its walls. The Curator works with the Executive Director and Director of Exhibitions to provide artistic

direction that carefully aligns with CAC’s mission. Working independently but under general supervision, the

Curator organizes groundbreaking exhibitions, leads research efforts, and assists in obtaining financial and other

kinds of support for the exhibitions program. The Curator cultivates and maintains a visible presence by directly

engaging with the communities of the greater Cincinnati area and nationally.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Exhibitions

o Develops an exhibitions plan comprising approximately 4-5 exhibitions per year, of varying scope, that are

a mix of projects originated by CAC Curator(s) and secured via guest curators and partner venues.

o Proposes exhibitions schedules 2-3 years in advance for review and approval by the Executive

Director, and in dialogue with other senior staff and community members/partners.

o Details specific strategic plan objectives intended to be accomplished through the exhibitions,

and outlines specific actions, timelines, and associated costs.

o Works with CAC exhibitions team to formulate and review installation plans.

o Engages with the Education department to produce and evaluate exhibition-related

programming, educational materials, and accessible interpretive materials that identify emerging

ideas and speak to diverse audiences.

o Monitors exhibition budgets and ensures optimal use of CAC resources.

o Collaborates with CAC exhibitions team to ensure the proper care of any art object present on

CAC property.

o Works across departments to manage ’16 week plan’, which outlines deadlines for various

exhibition related texts (didactics, marketing, interpretation, etc.).

o Drafts, maintains, and tracks the annual expense budget for the Curatorial Department alongside Director

of Exhibitions.

o Maintains positive and productive relationships with artists and other exhibition partners and any other

curatorial guests including honoraria, travel, lodging, per diems, travel reimbursements, etc. and the

development and execution of their travel itineraries.

o Works with the Director of Exhibitions in placing and coordinating CAC exhibitions at host venues.

o Oversees the production of CAC exhibitions-related publications and other major printed material.

o Coordinates with graphic designers, artists, contributing writers, editors, and photographers to

manage deadlines, budgets, and project needs.

o Works with the External Affairs department to ensure a consistent CAC voice across materials.

o Supports the work of the Art & Exhibitions Committee and its Chair with consistent meetings and

communications.

Programming

o Organizes and runs college exhibition response program – liaises with colleges as main point of contact to

organize the following: tour or artist interaction with students, subsequent critiques, exhibition

installation, and small reception.

o Supports and aids in coordination of community partner exhibitions in The Collective Gallery sponsored by

P&G alongside Director of Exhibitions and Director of Education.

o Assists with organization and production of exhibition/gallery public programs as needed.

External Affairs

Serves as a public voice for CAC exhibitions in media and community settings.

Provides information regarding exhibitions and curatorial programs to the Chief of External Affairs and

Marketing & Communications Manager, in order to develop marketing strategies.

Participates in lectures, panels, and publications to raise the profile of the CAC and its artists.

INSTITUTIONAL AND COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIPS

Cultivate and steward relationships with artists, galleries, donors, peer institutions, and the broader public to

strengthen the CAC’s visibility and impact.

Serve as a public ambassador for the CAC, confidently speaking about exhibitions, artists, and the institution’s

history, while actively championing the CAC’s mission and vision in all public-facing settings.

Build and maintain strong professional networks with fellow curators, arts organizations, and community

partners to stay informed about current trends, best practices, and the evolving cultural landscape—locally,

nationally, and internationally.

Collaborate with the Executive Director, Chief of External Affairs, and Director of Development to identify

funding opportunities, assist in grant preparation and reporting, and support donor cultivation.

Participate in the planning and execution of programs for affiliate and donor support groups.

Ensure alignment with the CAC’s mission and values by grounding all curatorial activities in both the

institution’s history and contemporary developments within the field.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Serves as a staff liaison to the Exhibition & Art Committee.

Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.

ALL OF THESE DUTIES ARE TO BE DONE WITH OVERALL CAC BUSINESS IN MIND. THE PERSON IN THIS POSITION

WILL BE CONSCIOUS OF OTHER CAC PROGRAMS, EXHIBITION NEEDS, AND CAC POLICY AND PROCEDURES.

Requirements

QUALIFICIATIONS:

BA or BFA required, MA in Art History or Curatorial Studies. MFA preferred. In the absence of these

qualifications, the Curator must show:

o Extensive knowledge of contemporary art and culture.

o Understanding critical histories and theories of race, gender, and socio-economic factors in the

production, reception, and institutionalization of art.

o Broad knowledge of art from all disciplines, geography, and media.

Experience organizing exhibitions and contemporary art projects within an institutional context.

Demonstrated ability to work with artists in the creation of new works.

Excellent writing, editing, and public speaking skills.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.

Ability to work on several projects at once and change priorities on short notice.

Understanding of publication production process.

Comfort with the convergence of curatorial, education, development (fundraising), communications

(marketing) departments and their work.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The person in this position needs to occasionally move about outside and inside the office to attend

meetings with others, access files, office machinery, etc.

Must be able to remain in a stationary position at least 50% of the time.

Operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and

computer printer.

Able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate

information in these situations.

Able to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions (non-weather).

Occasionally work around fumes, airborne particles, or toxic chemicals.

Occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions.