SFMOMA San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is hiring: Curator and Head of Paintin

Curator and Head of Painting and Sculpture

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) seeks a Curator and Head of Painting and Sculpture who will oversee Museum exhibitions, collections, acquisitions, programs, and publications originating in the Department of Painting and Sculpture. Under the supervision of the Thomas Weisel Family Chief Curator, this role manages the department staff, budget, programs, strategy, and donor relations. The position is a key spokesperson for the Museum in local, national, and international forums and to museum supporters.

Schedule: Full Time, 35 hours/week, at least three days onsite.

Responsibilities & Duties

• Oversee the collections and programs of the Department of Painting and Sculpture. Direct the exhibition and care of the Museum’s collection and the Doris and Donald Fisher Collection at SFMOMA and further develop scholarship on these collections through engaging exhibitions, publications, and research.
• Develop the depth, breadth, and quality of the collection through purchase and gift. Develop collection plans, cultivate donations, and negotiate purchases of works of art. Collaborate with the Director’s office, Research department, and fellow curators in the development of new areas of collection emphasis, and with the heads of other curatorial departments on cross-department acquisitions.
• Direct the activities of the Painting and Sculpture Accessions Committee, including cultivation of new members. Plan program of business and social meetings with Trustee Chairs and the Chief Curator.
• Originate, organize, and direct highly engaging special exhibitions and accompanying publications at the highest professional standards, and supervise the presentation of exhibitions organized elsewhere.
• Align the department’s work with Museum Strategy and DEI goals. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging across all department activities.
• Oversee the department’s relationship with the Fisher Art Foundation and members of the Fisher family with respect to ongoing stewardship of the collection. Ensure adherence to the Fisher-SFMOMA agreement and supervise reporting to FAF and Fisher family.
• Select, supervise, mentor, and evaluate permanent and term department staff to maintain the quality of the Painting and Sculpture programs.
• Develop department operating and program budgets and manage budgets responsibly.
• Collaborate with Education and Community Engagement to develop audience-facing interpretive tools and programs related to the collection and exhibitions (gallery texts, publications, lectures, audio tours, digital media, guide training, etc.).
• Actively participate in fundraising and public relations efforts to support and promote departmental and Museum activities.
• Develop and maintain mutually advantageous relationships with the community of artists, artist estates, foundations, dealers, critics, museum colleagues, professional organizations, collectors, trustees, and friends of the Museum.
• Encourage the development of private collections that might enhance the museum’s holdings; provide professional counsel and leadership to art interest groups.
• Pursue ongoing professional development through research, publications, lectures, juries, management training, and contribute to high-quality original research.

Qualifications & Skills

• Education and Training: Advanced degree in art history with emphasis on modern and contemporary art, with expertise in painting and sculpture.
• Work Experience: Fifteen years museum experience, including prior organizational and managerial leadership roles.
• Skills and Abilities: Excellent written communication and public speaking skills. Demonstrated creativity and innovation in developing and leading modern and contemporary art initiatives. Ability to effectively manage staff. Language skills beyond English are a plus. Must be able to visually inspect works of art.

Location: San Francisco, 151 3rd Street.

Benefits: PTO, Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Accounts, Pet Insurance, Life and AD&D Coverage, Disability Insurance, Mental Health and Wellness Benefits, Discount Programs, Pre-Tax Commuter Benefits, 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan, SFMOMA Membership, and more.

We strive to be inclusive and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. SFMOMA is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, and no person shall be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, age, genetic information, ancestry/national origin, marital status, disability, medical condition, HIV status, sexual orientation, veteran/military status, or other protected status. Reasonable accommodation requests can be made by contacting the People Team at talent@sfmoma.org.