The Pauline Gill Sullivan Curator of American Art

Reports to: Museum Director

Department: Curatorial

Classification: Exempt, Full-Time

Benefits: Full Museum Benefits

Salary Range: Commensurate with experience

Mission: The Dallas Museum of Art is a space of wonder and discovery where art comes alive.

The DMA will:

• Place art and our diverse communities at the center around which all activities radiate.
• Pursue excellence in collecting and programming, present works of art across cultures and time, and be a driving force in contemporary art.
• Strengthen our position as a prominent, innovative institution, expanding the meaning and possibilities of learning and creativity.

Scope of the Position:

The Pauline Gill Sullivan Curator of American Art is responsible for collections, exhibitions, programs, staff, and material resources of the department whose purview includes collections of American and Texas paintings, sculptures, and graphic arts prior to 1945. The position reports to The Eugene McDermott Director and works closely with the Deputy Director. The scope of the position includes collaboration with other curatorial staff and members of the Education, Exhibitions, and Collections divisions.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conceives and implements plans for the development, exhibition, care, and research/publication of the Museum’s American and Texas art collections.
• Conceives and organizes installations from the DMA’s collection and for special exhibitions, including publications and interpretive resources.
• Identifies and presents traveling exhibitions from their selection through installation.
• Performs scholarly research and writing for catalogues of the permanent collection, exhibitions, and related materials.
• Recommends and acquires new works for the collections through purchase and gifts that represent the highest standards of connoisseurship.
• Works closely with the Director, Chief Development Officer and the Development Department team members to fundraise.
• Acquires works of art in accordance with the policies and procedures of the DMA and the American Association of Art Curatorial Code of Ethics and the Code of Ethics of the Dallas Museum of Art.
• Working in close collaboration with the Director and Deputy Director, assumes leadership role for the department and within the curatorial division and participates on interdivisional teams to further the goals and programs of the Museum.
• Collaborates with the Exhibitions and Collections Division to assure communication and completion of institutional projects within defined budgets.
• Collaborates with the Education Division to develop and present materials and programs relating to the interpretation of the collections and special exhibitions for the public such as gallery texts, publications, lectures, electronic media, and docent training.
• Develops and maintains advantageous local, national and international relationships with the community of artists, critics, dealers, museum colleagues, professional organizations, collectors, trustees, and friends of the Museum to enhance the DMA’s position and relevance locally, nationally, and internationally.
• Encourages the development of private collections with the long-range goal of enhancing the Museum’s holdings.
• Assists with the Director of Marketing and Director of Communications and Public Affairs to promote departmental and museum activities.
• Continues professional development, including contributing to the field by participating in appropriate art historical, scholarly, museum, and arts organizations.
• Works with the Deputy Director to develop operating, exhibition, and program budgets.
• Assists in monitoring and maintaining budget responsibility for the department and its projects.
• Adheres to museum policies and supports management decisions in a positive, professional manner.
• Supervises the Curator of Native American Art and shared curatorial administrative assistant and interns, in conjunction with other curators in department.

Education, Experience, and Certifications:

• M.A. or Ph.D. in American Art History or comparable field, with a specialization in art of the post bellum period through the first half of the 20th century strongly preferred.
• Two to five years curatorial or equivalent experience.
• Fundraising and donor relations experience.
• Management experience.

Key Qualifications:

• Experience working on acquisitions through gifts and purchases preferred.
• Experience working on national travelling exhibitions preferred.
• Knowledge of the market for American art and national network of dealers preferred.
• Ability to work collaboratively on projects with internal and external teams.
• Ability and initiative to recommend solutions and solve problems.
• Computer literacy to work on the museum’s content management systems, the museums Microsoft Office system and the electronic archival systems.
• Willing to work flexible schedule including evenings and weekends when needed.

Our Core Values

• Act with Integrity: We are honest and ethical.
• Build Inclusivity: We create spaces where everyone can feel like they belong.
• Communicate Respectfully: We listen intentionally and advocate for diverse perspectives.
• Embrace and Drive Change: We are innovative, creative, and solutions driven.
• Foster Connections: We collaborate around shared goals.
• Maintain Balance: We encourage ourselves and each other to reflect and recharge.
• Remain Curious: We pursue personal and professional learning.

Our Commitment to Equity and Diversity

The Dallas Museum of Art is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The DMA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.