• Director of Curatorial and Collections

  • Posted: 08/24/2025
    Arts & Entertainment

    Position Title: Director of Curatorial and Collections
    Department: Curatorial
    Reports To: Museum Director
    Employment Status: Full-Time, Exempt
    Salary Range: $75,000–$85,000 (commensurate with experience)
    Location: Academy Art Museum, Easton, Maryland

     

     

    Position Summary

    The Director of Curatorial and Collections plays a key leadership role at the Museum, advancing its mission through the development of original exhibitions, strategic collection growth, and stewardship of its holdings. This position also leads curatorial planning for the Talbot Lane Collection Storage Annex, contributing to projects that elevate the Museum’s national reputation.

     

     

    Key Responsibilities

    Exhibitions

    • Serve as the primary curator, conceptualizing and organizing original exhibitions aligned with the Museum’s mission and audience engagement goals.

    • Maintain a rolling 3-year exhibition plan, including loan requests, partnerships, and traveling shows.

    • Lead exhibition design, production, and installation processes in collaboration with the Manager of Exhibitions and independent contractors.

    • Write interpretive content including wall text, catalogues, and press materials, ensuring accessibility for diverse audiences.

    • Train frontline staff, docents, and volunteers on exhibition content and interpretive strategies.
       

    Collections

    • Lead planning and execution for the Talbot Lane Collection Storage Annex, including the rehousing and reorganization of the Permanent Collection.

    • Collaborate with the Collection Manager & Registrar to implement best practices in collections management.

    • Develop and maintain a strategic Acquisitions Plan that emphasizes diversity, equity, and historical representation.

    • Oversee annual inventory, policy updates, and database management via Collector Systems.

    • Identify and pursue deaccessioning opportunities in accordance with the Museum’s Collections Management Policy.
       

    Leadership & Administration

    • Supervise the Manager of Exhibitions and Collection Manager & Registrar, including performance reviews and professional development.

    • Develop and manage the department’s annual budget, including exhibition and acquisition allocations.

    • Liaise with the Permanent Collection and Exhibitions Committees; prepare agendas and facilitate meetings.

    • Partner with the Executive Director and Development team to pursue grants and major gifts in support of curatorial priorities.
       

    Programming & Community Engagement

    • Collaborate with the Director of Education to develop exhibition-based programs, tours, and curricula.

    • Deliver public programs including lectures, artist talks, and behind-the-scenes tours for donors, trustees, and general audiences.

    • Cultivate relationships with artists, collectors, and institutional partners to expand AAM’s impact and network.

     

     

    Qualifications

    • Master’s degree in Art History, Museum Studies, Curatorial Practice, or a related field (P.H.D preferred).

    • Minimum of 2 years of experience in curatorial and/or collections management roles.

    • Proven ability to develop exhibitions, write interpretive materials, and manage departmental budgets.

    • Broad art historical knowledge across periods and media, with a strong interest in inclusive representation.

    • Excellent written, verbal, and organizational skills.

    • Collaborative and self-directed, with a deep commitment to community engagement.

     

     

    Preferred Skills

    • Experience with capital projects or the development of collection storage facilities.

    • Proficiency in collections management software (e.g., Collector Systems).

    • Familiarity with grant writing and donor cultivation strategies.

     

     

    How to Apply

    Please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to Charlotte Potter Kasic ckasic@academyartmuseum.org

    Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

    Be part of an exciting new chapter at the Academy Art Museum, where you can help shape the future of our extraordinary collection and contribute to its ongoing legacy.

    About the Academy Art Museum

    The Academy Art Museum (AAM), located in Easton, Maryland, is a leading cultural institution on the Eastern Shore. With an annual operating budget of $2 million, a Permanent Collection of 1,700 works, and a robust schedule of original exhibitions and programs, AAM is committed to making art accessible, engaging, and meaningful.

    The Museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, welcomes between 30,000–45,000 visitors annually, and is supported by a growing endowment of approximately $7 million.

    In addition to organizing high-quality exhibitions and stewarding the Permanent Collection, AAM is undertaking a transformative project: the Talbot Lane Collection Storage Annex. This state-of-the-art facility will support the museum’s mission while preserving a vital historical narrative of the region.

    Nestled in the charming town of Easton, AAM is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Chesapeake Bay and a vibrant arts community. Easton is conveniently located—just an hour from Baltimore, 1.5 hours from Washington, D.C., and 2 hours from Philadelphia—making it an ideal base for regional and national engagement with the art world.

     

     

    Director of Curatorial and Collections
    Academy Art Museum