Working Title
Associate Curator / Exhibitions Manager
Appointment Type
Full Time
Sensitive Position Statement
A sensitive position requires a fingerprint-based criminal history check.
Campus Security Authority
Yes
Campus Security Authority Statement
This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority. A Campus Security Authority (or CSA) is defined as an “official of the institution with significant responsibility for student and campus activities.” A CSA is required to immediately report any crime that is reported to them to the University Police who will then review, evaluate, and investigate the reported crime. Annual training is required by the Department of Education for all personnel who have been designated as a Campus Security Authority.
Designated Personnel Statement
This position is a “designated position” meaning this position could potentially be required to work (depending on the event) during an emergency closing.
Statement of Economic Interest
No
Statement of Economic Interest Statement
This position may require a Statement of Personal Economic Interest.
Restricted Position Statement
A restricted position would be subject to availability of funding.
Chief Objective of Position
The Mary M. Torggler Fine Arts Center is seeking an energetic and enthusiastic associate curator/ exhibitions manager to oversee an ambitious schedule of changing exhibitions in multiple galleries. The associate curator/exhibitions manager will work alongside the executive director to plan the Torggler’s exhibition schedule, and to interpret and promote its exhibitions for a broad audience. In tandem with the director, the associate curator/exhibitions manager presents exhibitions from varied visual arts periods and genres, but maintains a primary focus on contemporary art. The associate curator/exhibitions manager may produce interpretive and promotional materials related to exhibitions and conduct select public programs, in addition to managing all registrarial tasks pertaining to exhibitions. The ideal candidate will be a passionate generalist who is eager to work across many different genres and media, as well as an exceptional object-centered storyteller who is able to connect with diverse audiences.
The Mary M. Torggler Fine Arts Center at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Virginia, is a young and vital visual arts organization that opened to the public in late October 2021 in a new, state-of-the-art building. The Torggler Center seeks to enrich the cultural landscape of the Commonwealth of Virginia by presenting exceptional visual arts programming that empowers creative expression, critical thinking, lifelong learning, and cultural dialogue. This mission is manifested through the presentation of high-quality changing exhibitions and year-round educational programs. Exhibitions at the Torggler, which is a non-collecting institution, are presented in the spacious main Anne Noland Edwards Gallery, as well as in two smaller galleries: the William Grace Community Gallery and the Microgallery. The Torggler also collaborates on occasion with the Department of Fine Arts and Art History, housed in the same building, to present exhibitions in a separate Academic Gallery.
Work Tasks
- Conduct day-to-day and long-range planning and management of changing exhibitions in multiple galleries. In tandem with the director, propose and develop exhibition concepts, and identify and secure significant exhibitions on loan from other institutions.
- Research and produce interpretive materials for exhibitions and publications including wall text and labels, gallery guides, catalogs, website content, and other interpretive materials.
- Manage all registrarial duties including shipping arrangements, condition reporting, insurance, and supervising the packing/un-packing of artworks and the loading/unloading of shipments of fine art.
- Monitor contractual obligations and assist in the management of the exhibitions budget.
- Create exhibition task schedules and timelines, generate loan requests, and correspond with other venues.
- Work in tandem with the preparator to develop installation plans and timelines, approve exhibition layout designs, oversee art handling, and successfully install and present exhibitions on time and on budget. Assist with installing and de-installing exhibitions, as needed.
- Work effectively with colleagues, artists, patrons, board members, volunteers, and the public. Maintain collegial relationships with the faculty, staff, and students of the university and leverage the Torggler as an exceptional interdisciplinary resource for the campus community.
- In collaboration with the Office of Communications and Public Relations, create engaging, exhibitions-centered content for the website, social media channels, and other media outlets, and produce additional promotional materials as needed.
- Offer exhibition tours and lectures, and work with the education manager to arrange exhibition-related programs for general audiences, such as lectures and panel discussions with exhibiting artists or scholars.
- Ensure that the Torggler’s galleries are welcoming, accessible, inclusive, and inspiring spaces for diverse audiences.
- Assist with the training of docents and volunteers, as well as the supervision of student interns.
- Participate in public programs at the Torggler, including ongoing special events for the Torggler’s patrons and the broader community.
- In conjunction with the director and the advancement officer, assist with grant writing and other fundraising activities as required.
- This position is designated as a “responsible employee” who has the authority to redress sexual violence, who has the duty to report incidents of sexual violence or other student misconduct, or who a student could reasonably believe has this authority or duty.
- Develop and maintain very positive and professional customer service and/or relations within the office/department and with all constituencies to include students, faculty, staff, guests, and employees. Demonstrate a positive and professional attitude and treat everyone with dignity and respect. Fully support the “Student’s First” value at CNU and routinely go the extra mile in providing service.
- Review and communicate safety issues to assure a safe and healthy workplace and a reduction in work-related absence.
- Follow workplace safety regulations and adhere to applicable standards, processes, and programs established for your position.
- Report unsafe work conditions to your supervisor.
- Immediately report work-related incidents to your supervisor and participate in accident investigation requests.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSA's) required
Substantial knowledge of 19th through 21st-century American art, and contemporary art in particular. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Strong understanding of museum environmental standards and art handling procedures. Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of staff and stakeholders. Proficiency in the use of spreadsheet, presentation, and email applications, such as Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite. Flexibility to work as needed during exhibition installations and Torggler special events and programs.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSA's) preferred
A record of scholarship as demonstrated through publications, lectures, exhibitions, and/or teaching. Ability to manage numerous projects simultaneously and to work independently. Proficiency in the use of the Microsoft Office suite, especially Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Proven ability to build and sustain relationships with diverse communities and organizations, and to work collaboratively. Willingness to occasionally teach museum studies or art history courses through the Department of Fine Arts and Art History.
Required Education
Master’s degree in a related field; or a Bachelors degree and related work experience that equates to an advanced degree, is required at the time of start date.
Preferred Education
MA or MFA in art history, museum studies, studio art, or a closely related field at time of start date.
Experience Required
Significant experience working in a museum, gallery, or closely related setting.
Experience Preferred
Substantial, sustained experience in a museum or closely related setting is preferred.
CNU Information
Selected by The Princeton Review to be included in The 388 Best Colleges: 2023 Edition, Christopher Newport University is a public school offering a private school experience – great teaching, small classes, and a safe, vibrant campus. The University is located in Newport News, Virginia, enrolls approximately 5,000 students, and is dedicated to the ideals of scholarship, leadership, and service. Academic programs at Christopher Newport University encompass more than 90 areas of study, from biology to business administration and political science to the performing arts. The University is ranked by U.S. News & World Report’s America’s Best Colleges guide as 2nd among public regional universities in the South and 5th overall, and has recently completed more than $1 billion in capital construction on its 260-acre campus. Christopher Newport University is committed to ensuring that all people are welcomed, honored, and fully engaged in the life of our academic community. We recruit exceptional and diverse candidates and encourage applications from individuals who are underrepresented in their profession. For further details and information about Christopher Newport, visit www.cnu.edu.