Brock Curator of American Art |
The Chrysler Museum of Art, located at 1 Memorial Place in Norfolk, VA, is renowned for its extensive collection of over 35,000 art objects displayed across 50 galleries. The Museum offers a diverse range of art, from ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces. A signature attraction is the Perry Glass Studio, the only one of its kind in the Mid-Atlantic, offering visitors glassblowing demonstrations and hands-on classes. The Museum's commitment to accessibility is demonstrated by its free admission policy, making it a welcoming destination for both art enthusiasts and visitors of all ages and backgrounds. |
Department: | Curatorial Affairs / Curatorial |
FLSA Status: | Exempt |
Supervisor duties: | No |
Position Type: | Full-Time |
Reports to: | Director of Curatorial Affairs |
Benefits Eligibility: | Yes, Medical, Dental, Vision, 403 B, STD/LTD, PTO, etc. |
Revision Date: | Sept. 2025 |
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Primary Purpose: | The Brock Curator of American Art provides dynamic leadership in the research, growth, interpretation, and care of the Museum’s collection of American Art created before 1945. Through innovative exhibitions, publications, and collaborative programming, the curator advances scholarship, fosters public engagement, and enhances the Museum’s standing in the wider field of American Art. |
Key Performance Indicators (KPI): | Job Knowledge, Research, Openness, Collaboration, Growth, Respect, Dynamism |
Essential Functions: | Job Knowledge - Conducts original research that demonstrates strong expertise in American art prior to 1945.
- Applies current museum practices to ensure the highest standards of collection stewardship and care.
- Conceives, organizes, and curates exhibitions focused on American art before 1945.
- Produces academic writing in art history or related humanities fields that contributes to scholarship in the discipline.
Research - Conducts in-depth research on objects across mediums in the Museum’s American Art collection and proposes potential acquisitions.
- Provides curatorial oversight for the Museum’s galleries devoted to American Art, as well as the Myers House.
- Proposes and organizes exhibitions—both drawn from the collection and through loans—for the Museum’s special exhibition galleries and for national and international touring.
- Organizes, maintains, and archives research materials and records related to the American Art collection and curatorial activities to ensure long-term accessibility, continuity, and preservation of institutional knowledge.
Openness and Collaboration - Collaborates with curatorial colleagues on collection growth and exhibition development.
- Partners with other Museum departments on the planning and execution of exhibitions, gallery reinstallations, and related programming.
- Works with the Director of Curatorial Affairs, Conservator, and Registration team to monitor the condition of American works before 1945, select objects for treatment, and implement comprehensive collection care.
- Performs additional duties as assigned in support of the Museum’s mission.
Growth - Builds and maintains strong relationships with collectors and donors to secure gifts and loans for the Museum.
- Participates in activities related to the Museum’s donor and stewardship groups, supporting institutional fundraising efforts as directed.
- Contributes to shaping institutional culture through service on committees and oversight of special projects.
- Engages in professional development through trainings, conferences, and symposia.
Respect and Dynamism - Demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and discretion in all interactions.
- Maintains confidentiality of sensitive information and materials.
- Honors diverse perspectives, cultures, and backgrounds when conducting research, writing, and collaborating with colleagues and stakeholders.
- Represents the Museum’s mission and values in communications with artists, lenders, donors, and the public.
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Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: | - PhD in art history, or a related field, required.
- Minimum of four years of experience in a museum or gallery setting.
- Strong background of research and study in American art before 1945.
- Ability to communicate art and art historical scholarship in an accessible and engaging manner.
- Knowledge of curatorial workflows, including acquisitions and cataloging.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills for working effectively with colleagues, artists, donors, and the public.
- Professional presence and ability to represent the Museum at events and with donor or stewardship groups.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with The Museum System (TMS) preferred.
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Working Conditions: | The is a full-time in-office role, and that occasionally includes evening or weekend events, requiring professionalism, strong communication skills, and flexibility in a fast-paced museum environment. |
Physical Requirements: | Must be able to lift and carry file boxes and other awkward items weighing up to 25 lbs., including up and downstairs. Requires intermittent standing, walking, sitting, squatting, stretching, and bending throughout the workday. Must be able to see and hear or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately to ensure that the requirements of this position can be fully met. |
