Date Posted: 5 December 2023

Posting Deadline: 5 January 2024

Department: External Affairs

Type of Employment: Permanent, Full-time

Group Affiliation: APC Group, Group 6 ($67,407 - $86,862 annually)

At Saint Mary's University, you will be surrounded by a talented and dedicated team of professionals committed to accessibility, diversity, and the provision of a positive and supportive learning environment. We recognize the importance of the contribution and growth of each individual in the University's success. We are currently looking to fill the position of Curator, Art Gallery to join our External Affairs team.

What we offer

As a team member at Saint Mary's, we are proud to offer many benefits. Some of these include:

• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Defined Contribution Pension plan
• Vacation
• Personal days
• Flexible Workplace
• Professional development
• Holiday closure
• Summer hour schedule
• Employee Transit EPass through Halifax Transit

Job Information and Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Associate Vice-President External Affairs, the Curator:

• Develop a strategic plan for the Art Gallery that advances the gallery's reputation and increases the engagement of key stakeholders. The curator will research, develop and implement a curatorial program which includes both in-house and touring exhibitions, exhibitions drawn from the permanent collection and exhibitions featuring local and new artists.
• Maintains existing sources of funding and seek new sources of funding, including engagement with the Office of Advancement regarding philanthropic opportunities. Responsible for ensuring the Canadian Arts Data (CADAC) filing is up-to-date and complete.
• Seeks opportunities to advance Indigenous artists, Black African Nova Scotians and others from communities which are underrepresented. Work with elders and community leaders from these groups to identify emerging and young artists to profile.
• Designs events and exhibitions with a view to the larger university calendar of vibrant events that take place on campus and in the community. Seeks ways to involve student societies, SMUSA and faculty to inspire events that celebrate EDIA, bearing in mind that Saint Mary's is a global community with approximately 30 percent of the student body from over 115 countries and many strong student societies with cultural programming.
• Provides the Assistant Curator with direction around an ongoing program of display for the permanent collection throughout the university.
• Develops a policy for acquisitions to the permanent collection and makes the major decisions for new acquisitions.
• Supervises 1 full-time and 2-3 part-time or contract staff.
• Works with the Deans, faculty members, and the Assistant Curator to explore opportunities for collaboration that engages with the holdings of the Art Gallery and creates opportunities for student engagement and academic enrichment.

Experience and Education Requirements

To be the successful Curator, Art Gallery you will have:

• Master's Degree in Art History, Fine Art, Curatorial/Museum Studies or a relevant discipline.
• Seven (7) years of professional art museum experience, with increasing levels of responsibility including management; experience leading a team to implement operational and administrative procedures; and experience in strategic planning, implementation, and operationalization.
• Demonstrated supervisory experience, unionized environment an asset.
• Sophisticated knowledge of visual art, its histories and critical discourse, and in-depth understanding of the Canadian context; strategic awareness of current art museum issues, and the regulatory and public funding environments.
• Record of distinguished professional achievement, including peer recognized publication and research excellence in the visual arts.
• Strong record of art collection management and development and of innovation and creative engagement in the art museum environment with demonstrated fundraising and donor development success.
• Demonstrates a strong understanding and ability to form relationships with cultural leaders and emerging voices in these communities.

Application Details

Apply for this opportunity online using our online application system through Career Beacon. Click on "Apply Now" and complete all required information fields. Qualified candidates should submit the following with their application:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Three Professional References

Late applications may not receive consideration. We appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No telephone calls please.

At Saint Mary's University, equity and diversity are integral to excellence and enrich our community. As an institution committed to fostering an environment of inclusion and respect, we encourage all qualified candidates to apply; however, preference will be given to applicants who self-identify as Black/African Nova Scotians, Indigenous peoples, racialized persons/visible minorities, persons with disabilities and women. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact Talent Acquisition at [email protected].