The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts invites applications for the position of Sydney and Frances Lewis Family Curator of Decorative Arts, 1890 to the Present. This is a senior-level position at one of the world’s finest museums. We seek an accomplished curator with an international reputation in the field of Decorative Arts to advance the curatorial vision for a collection of more than 2,700 works of art, including the finest holdings of Art Nouveau and Art Deco outside of France. Candidates will apply their significant experience working at an art museum as well as their proven record of successfully developing and implementing major exhibitions and permanent collection installations, as well as a history of publishing accompanying catalogues and new scholarship. The successful candidate will work through their own established international network of relationships in the art world, including museums and galleries to achieve curatorial goals while managing a substantial acquisitions budget.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Significant experience in curatorial work focusing on Decorative Arts with a distinguished track record in acquisitions, exhibitions, scholarly publications, public speaking, and research.
• Strong knowledge of best practices of collection stewardship.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Excellent writing, communication, and public speaking skills.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills are required and the ability to work in a highly collaborative, team-based environment is essential.

Additional Considerations:

• Extensive experience typically gained through a Ph.D. program in Art History.
• Demonstrated experience with exhibitions, publications, collections management, and scholarly research; expertise in all periods and areas of Decorative Arts from 1890 to the present, especially Art Nouveau and Art Deco.

Special Instructions:

• You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
• Please submit three (3) references. Provide full name, phone number, and email address. References may be attached in a separate document in the “other” field in the portal; or they may be included with the resume or cover letter.
• Professional references are preferred. Other reference types will also receive consideration. References should be able to attest to your knowledge, skills, and abilities, especially qualifications relevant to the position for which you are applying.
• Selected candidates must pass a criminal history background check.
• Interested individuals must submit an online application. This posting will close at 11:55 p.m. on the designated closing date.
• Please contact the HR office at recruitment@vmfa.museum if you need assistance.

Contact Information:

• Email: recruitment@vmfa.museum

VMFA is an EEO/AA and Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Certified Employer. Diverse and inclusive hiring practices are at the heart of what we do at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.