Curator and Head of Painting and Sculpture

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary art in the United States and a thriving cultural center for the Bay Area. We cannot imagine life without art; it inspires and connects us every day. Now more than ever, these connections matter and are aligned with our values.

Inclusive: We strive to be a museum of many voices in dialogue.  

Passionate: We believe working with art is more than a job or trusteeship - it's a way of life.  

Brave: We are committed to approaching our work with courage and a sense of adventure, always ready to explore new perspectives.

Empathic: We aim to act like a person, not an institution. 

SFMOMA is a place for the infinitely curious to explore, support, and experience the art of our time. We believe that modern and contemporary art can influence the way we think, view the world, and embrace the many voices and perspectives around us. We aspire to foster an environment that elicits joy, nurtures a sense of belonging and purpose—where difference is seen as a strength, and every one is appreciated for their whole self.

Schedule: Full Time, 35 hours/week, at least three days working onsite

Under the supervision of the Thomas Weisel Family Chief Curator, the Curator and Head of Painting and Sculpture oversees Museum exhibitions, collections, acquisitions, programs, and publications originating in the Department of Painting and Sculpture. This position manages the department staff, budget, programs, strategy, and donor relations. This position is a key spokesperson for the Museum in local, national, and international forums and to museum supporters.  

• Oversee the collections and programs of the Department of Painting and Sculpture. Direct the exhibition and care of the Museum’s collection and the Doris and Donald Fisher Collection at SFMOMA and further develop scholarship on these collections through highly engaging exhibitions, publications, and research.   
• Develop the depth, breadth, and quality of the collection through purchase and gift. Develop collection plans, cultivate donations, and negotiate purchases of works of art. Collaborate with the Director’s office, Research department, and fellow curators in the development of new areas of collection emphasis, and with the heads of other curatorial departments on acquisitions that transcend medium-specific collections.  
• Direct the activities of the Painting and Sculpture Accessions Committee including the cultivation of new members. Working closely with the Trustee Chairs of the Committee and Chief Curator, plan the program of both business and social meetings.   
• Originate, organize, and direct highly engaging special exhibitions and accompanying publications at a level commensurate with the highest professional standards and supervise the presentation of exhibitions organized elsewhere.  
• Align the work of the department with Museum Strategy and DEI goals. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging across all department activities.   
• Oversee the department’s relationship with the Fisher Art Foundation and members of the Fisher family with respect to the ongoing stewardship of the collection. Ensure the museum’s adherence to the terms of the Fisher-SFMOMA agreement. Supervise official reporting to and day-to-day communications with FAF and Fisher family.   
• Select, supervise, mentor, and evaluate both permanent and term department staff to realize and maintain the quality of the Painting and Sculpture department’s programs.  
• Develop department operating and program budgets and manage budgets responsibly.  
• Collaborate with colleagues in Education and Community Engagement to develop audience-facing interpretive tools and programs relating to the collection and special exhibitions, including gallery texts, publications, lectures, audio tours, electronic media, guide training, etc.  
• Actively participate in fundraising and public relations efforts to support and promote departmental and Museum activities.  
• Develop and maintain mutually advantageous relationships with the community of artists, artist estates, foundations, dealers, critics, museum colleagues, professional organizations, collectors, trustees, and friends of the Museum.  
• Encourage the development of private collections that might eventually enhance the museum’s holdings; provide professional counsel and leadership to the museum’s art interest groups.  
• Continue professional development (research, publications, lectures, juries, management and academic training), and contribute to high quality original research. 

• Education and Training: Advanced degree in art history with an emphasis on modern and contemporary art with expertise in painting and sculpture.  
• Work Experience: Fifteen years museum experience, which includes previous organizational and managerial experience.  
• Skills and Abilities: Excellent written communication and public speaking skills. Demonstrated creativity and innovation in developing and leading modern and contemporary. Ability to effectively manage staff. Language skills in addition to English a plus. Must be able to visually inspect works of art. 

Job posting open date: 5/6/2025

All jobs posted will remain open for at least five business days.    

We encourage both internal and external candidates to apply within the initial open posting period as the application close date may or may not be extended beyond that initial period. Applications will not be accepted after a posting has been closed. 

Location: San Francisco, 151 3rd Street. 

Benefits: PTO, Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Accounts, Pet Insurance, Life and AD&D Coverage, Disability Insurance, Mental Health and Wellness Benefits, Discount Programs, Pre-Tax Commuter Benefits, 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan, SFMOMA Membership, and more

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. 

SFMOMA is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. No person shall be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, age, genetic information, ancestry/national origin, marital status, disability, medical condition, HIV status, sexual orientation, veteran/military status, and any other category protected by federal of state law.

You may request reasonable accommodation if you are unable to or are limited in your ability to access job postings or provide additional information asked in the job posting.

You can request reasonable accommodation by contacting the People Team at talent@sfmoma.org.

Salary : $187,020 - $203,000