The Chief of Curatorial Affairs (CCA) is responsible for the overall management of NRM’s collections, exhibition program and related curatorial activities. As a member of the NRM leadership team, the CCA shares accountability for the planning, priority-setting, integration, and stewardship of a forward-looking, mission-driven, and financially sustainable institution. The CCA oversees planning, administration, and operations in the following areas: curatorial, conservation, registration, collections (Rockwell and illustration art), archive, Rockwell Studio, illustration library, exhibitions, exhibition design, and manages a professional staff of 7 plus contracted specialists.

The CCA plays a lead role in developing and implementing curatorial strategy and vision for the institution, working in close collaboration with the Director/CEO, Chief Operation Officer, Chief Curator/Rockwell Center Senior Scholar, and other members of the senior leadership team. The CCA is responsible for the strategic planning, coordination, and implementation of the Museum's long-range exhibition schedule and traveling exhibition program. Additionally, the CCA oversees the permanent collection gallery displays, including all major reinstallations and gallery rotations. They ensure that the planning, scheduling, and coordination of special exhibitions and permanent collection displays align with and support institutional strategies and priorities and deliver an outstanding visitor experience. CCA keeps team members and colleagues across the Museum informed about division plans, schedules, activities, as well as key management and institutional initiatives.

The CCA builds upon NRM’s world-renowned Norman Rockwell, illustration, archive, and digital image collections, and artist’s Studio, through strategic acquisitions, and intentional, systematic collections care and management. They recommend and approve collections management policies and procedures, oversee NRM’s collections management system, on-site and off-site storage, as well as manage requests for loans, etc. The CCA provides overall guidance on legal, IP, and policy issues related to collections for the Museum and maintains contacts with peers in the museum field to keep abreast of best practices and current issues and brings this information to NRM.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

With input from the Director/CEO, the CCA leads the Curatorial Affairs Division and supervises the Exhibitions and Collections and Curatorial departments with ongoing direction, support, and guidance. Mentors and develops a team of professionals, encouraging staff to grow professionally and intellectually. Hires curatorial team staff, establishes short and long-term goals, and evaluates staff performance. Fosters a culture of collaboration and accountability in the Division that leads to productive communication and aligns the work of Curatorial Affairs with others across the Museum, creating and delivering on institutional shared goals and timelines.

Effectively manages the development and implementation of a long-range exhibition schedule, gallery installation, and touring program to achieve institutional goals. Ensures overall programming is diverse and balanced, reflects and appeals to all audiences and meets the Museum’s attendance objectives and forecasts. Ensures that exhibitions and gallery installation continue to reflect the high standards of the Museum and facilitate a meaningful experience for our visitors.

With Chief Financial Officer, develops and monitors curatorial and exhibitions budgets and reviews exhibition contracts, agreements, and other administrative documents.

Has oversight of touring exhibitions and loans program that optimize and reinforces the reputational, financial, and scholarship goals of the Museum.

Works with curators and collections managers to determine priorities for conservation and treatment based on the varying needs of exhibitions, loans, gifts of art, gallery reinstallations, renovations, and permanent collections projects.

Works closely with curatorial managers, and executive team leaders to ensure that day-to-day operations in each respective area are functioning effectively and meeting budget expectations.

Responsible for effective deployment, utilization, and upgrading of digital collections systems and digital project management tools.

Leads development of a shared and integrated institutional approach to content creation, exhibitions, and gallery installations, which reflect the history of our nation, Norman Rockwell, and the illustration collections in the context of the issues of our times.

Works closely with colleagues across the institution, particularly with the Interpretation staff on matters of accuracy of texts, labels, and other interpretive materials and programming that ensures accessibility, audience engagement and balance of internal and external voices.

Works closely with the Museum’s development team to advocate for funds that support a variety of initiatives, including exhibition sponsorship, endowment, and naming opportunities. Responsible for implementing funder expectations and obligations related to curatorial project agreements.

Works with the Chief Operating/Chief Financial Officer, the Director of Collections and Exhibitions, to ensure the safekeeping of the collection while developing and providing for cost-effective measures for on/off -site collections management and storage.

Attends meetings of the Board of Trustees and Board committees; serves as the staff liaison to the Curatorial Affairs Committee.

Serves as a key contributor and leads curatorial planning on all campus and capital initiatives.

Stays abreast of latest and innovative museum trends, including proposing financial strategies that meet budgetary expectations.

Performs other duties as required.
Qualifications, Skills, and Characteristics
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 

Advanced education in Art History, American Studies, Visual or Popular Culture, or related cultural non-profit discipline.

Ten plus years related experience managing curatorial, conservation, exhibitions and operational functions in a complex art museum environment.

 A creative and strategic thinker who contributes fresh and innovative ideas, while possessing strong operational and project management abilities. Able to prioritize and apply granular and practical solutions, including aligning financial resources.

Strong leadership skills with experience in hiring, coaching, mentoring, motivating, and evaluating employee performance as well as addressing employee issues when necessary.

Practices, encourages, and inspires a team spirit that taps into individual talent and vision. Is a unifier with excellent relationship management skills.

Performs well under pressure, while maintaining the Museum’s high standards.

Experience with tech and collections management systems

A successful track record developing and stewarding donor relationships that support the Museum’s fundraising goals.

Demonstrated commitment to cultivating a productive, inclusive, and accountable to developing a productive and accountable workplace culture that illuminates the Museum’s mission to illuminate the power of American illustration art to reflect and shape society and to advance the enduring values of kindness, respect, and social equity portrayed by Norman Rockwell.

Solid budget, project management, financial planning, integration, technology platforms, and priority-setting skills.

Outstanding verbal and written communications with the ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of constituencies.

Demonstrated strategic knowledge and related experience that will optimize and translate the values of the Museum in its work.

Must exercise discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information.

Submit your resume and cover letter to: tsilverman@nrm.org