Introduction

The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities, centering the vision of artists and makers. We recognize that all art is made in a particular context, demanding continual, dynamic reconsideration in the present. We are a place of gathering; we foster the exchange of ideas and inspire an expansive, inclusive understanding of human creativity.

We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package:

• Generous paid time off
• Paid holidays (up to 14 days)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous parental, caregiver, and medical leave benefits
• Competitive retirement plan (up to 9% matching contribution)
• Tuition remission and Tuition Exchange Program
• Great employee discounts
• Complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions

Position Summary

As part of the Office of the President and Director, the Executive Director of Provenance research leads the Art Institute’s provenance research initiatives. The executive director is the authority on provenance as it relates to the Art Institute’s collection. In collaboration with institutional leadership, they shape and articulate policies and practices that reflect the institution’s commitment to this work, and serve as an external voice on these matters as needed. Partnering closely with curatorial, research, legal, and communications colleagues, they ensure that provenance research practices are embedded across the institution, reflecting national and international guidelines and frameworks, as well as the museum’s mission.

Responsibilities

• Independently and in collaboration with curatorial departments, leads advanced provenance research and develops scholarly documentation for objects in the Art Institute’s permanent collection, acquisitions (gifts, bequests, and purchases), deaccessions, and loans
• Acts as a centralized resource for curatorial departments on topics related to provenance research, with a primary focus on antiquities, cultural property, and objects that may have passed through Europe between 1933 and 1945; collaborates on high-priority, cross-departmental provenance research projects; reviews formatting of provenance narratives; consults on collection displays and interpretive materials related to provenance to align with museum’s voice and practices
• Fosters communication and collaboration across the museum, engaging strategically with and guiding the museum’s provenance task force
• Serves as a liaison between curatorial, conservation, and research colleagues and the legal, public affairs, and senior leadership teams in relation to provenance matters, bringing about efficient and informed decision-making; trains employees in relevant departments on provenance research, standards, and procedures, elevating the quality of provenance research across the museum; oversees institutional provenance resources, materials, and microsite; consults on the museum’s provenance style guide
• Expands on the Art Institute’s leadership in the field through original research that results in significant art historical scholarship; liaises with colleagues to develop compelling provenance-related narratives and content for broad audience engagement and to determine appropriate medium for sharing content; keeps abreast of current scholarship and issues in the field; cultivates relationships with an international network of provenance experts at peer institutions; pursues opportunities for professional development; serves as an expert on the collection and represents the museum externally in the media and at symposia, panels, workshops, and seminars
• Supervises the research and content coordinator, interns, and fellows on specific projects, as appropriate

Qualifications

• Minimum of eight years of experience working in an academic setting, museum or a research institute
• Advanced degree in art history or the equivalent level of experience with a record of scholarly achievement in areas of specialty
• Knowledge of advanced research techniques and methodologies in provenance scholarship; and a high degree of collaboration and leadership
• Knowledge of external sources of provenance information both in the U.S. and other countries, including those that are not publicly available
• Proven communications skills navigating highly complex and sensitive topics
• Must possess a high level of ease and confidence when engaging with the press

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Closing Statement

The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran status or citizenship. The Institute complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at apply_help@artic.edu.