Houghton P. Metcalf Jr. Curator of Prints, Drawings, and Photographs

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) seeks a Houghton P. Metcalf Jr. Curator of Prints, Drawings, and Photographs to join the RISD Museum.

The Houghton P. Metcalf Jr. Curator of Prints, Drawings, and Photographs is responsible for developing and caring for the museum’s broad historical collection of prints, drawings, and photographs and its interpretation through exhibitions, publications, and participation in Museum teaching and educational programs. This position is responsible for budgets and other administrative matters concerning the larger department and individual projects. 

We seek a culturally competent candidate who recognizes and values diversity as central to excellence. This person will thrive in a campus environment that is committed to advancing the principles of social equity and inclusion, environmental and climate justice, and equal access to resources and opportunities.

Essential Functions:
Responsible for the development of the collection.

• Maintain a sound knowledge of the art market, including the availability and value of objects. Maintain contact with dealers and cultivate donors and potential donors.
• Through the Director and Chief Curator, recommend purchases, gifts, deaccessions, and methods of deaccessioning (sale, exchange, transfer).

• Documentation of objects within the collection: provide basic cataloguing information to Registrar for all objects acquired or already owned by the Museum; schedule and supervise inventories of objects in the collection; conduct and record or publish research on objects in the collection.

• Preservation of objects within the collection in consultation with conservation: work in collaboration with the Registrar to set standards for housing, storage, and installation and oversee the proper storage of all objects to ensure safety and accessibility; determine conservation priorities, develop a budget plan, recommend appropriate treatments, and supervise treatments; recommend loans and set standards for care; at the request of the Director, serve as courier.

• Work closely with the Museum Security Department to ensure the security of works of art.

• Identify, cultivate, and educate supporters and potential supporters of the Museum through advice and special activities.
• Prepare grants, budgets, and project work plans with the Director, Chief Curator, Director of Finance Operations, and Institutional Advancement.

• As project director of grant-funded projects, responsible for the execution of work plan and budget, and with the Deputy Director, Exhibitions, Education & Programs, and Deputy Director, Museum Finance and Operations, adherence to deadlines and requirements for interim and final reporting.
• Provide timely information to the Communications Office and support its efforts.

• Share day-to-day departmental responsibilities equitably with colleagues in a manner that promotes collaboration and teamwork.
• Contribute to the life of the Museum and college through participation in institution-wide and Museum-wide committees and projects, as requested and approved by the Director.
• Participate in the larger academic field and the museum profession through such activities as lectures, written contributions, panel and peer review service, and attendance at symposia, professional workshops and meetings, and local/regional arts events.
• Perform related assignments as requested by the Chief Curator.

• Masters or equivalent combination of education and experience required; Ph.D. preferred. 
• Minimums of 7 years of curatorial and related experience; a record of scholarly publications and exhibitions.  
• Proficiency in a language other than English preferred. 
• Connoisseurship skills; familiarity with conservation and collection care.
• Excellent research and writing skills.
• Excellent speaking skills.
• Collaborative, teamwork approach.
• Flexibility.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills.