Permanent Collection

▪ Formulate and implement a collection development plan that will further the growth of a distinctive

identity for the institution, in collaboration with all appropriate staff and the board’s Collection &

Exhibition Committee; prepare acquisition recommendations in accordance with opportunities.

▪ Research artists and objects in the collection and maintain reference files to provide easy access to

essential information. Oversee proper cataloging and record keeping on permanent collection objects.

▪ Respond to public inquiries about art and artists within areas of expertise.

▪ Identify, cultivate, and assist in the solicitation of donors to the collection.

▪ Develop collections management budgets.

▪ Work with staff to achieve appropriate interpretive programming for the permanent collections,

balancing access and preservation.

▪ Formulate and oversee implementation of policies for collection management and care in accordance

with the highest professional standards, within limits of resources.

▪ Formulate and supervise conservation recommendations; examine and present recommendations for all

potential acquisitions in partnership with Executive Director; develop long-range conservation plans.

Temporary Exhibitions

▪ Develop and implement a long-range, coordinated program of temporary exhibitions in collaboration with

the Executive Director, Collections & Exhibitions committee, curatorial, and education staff. Collaborate

with other department heads in successful execution of the temporary exhibition program.

▪ Work with Executive Director and Development Director to develop viable exhibition budgets and related

funding. Provide sound oversight on project expenditures.

▪ Curate original exhibitions. Develop concepts, interpretive copy, catalog essays, and other written

material. Coordinate activity with guest curators, exhibition brokers, contractors, and others in support of

a varied temporary exhibition program.

▪ Work with Executive Director and Finance Director to prepare contracts with museums, galleries, artists,

guest curators, designers, and other colleagues.

▪ Work closely with other curatorial staff to design and install exhibitions. Oversee arrangements for loans

and shipping. Collaborate with marketing staff to ensure coordinated design of all exhibition-related

materials.

▪ Work with education staff to achieve appropriate adjunct programming for exhibitions, including

interactive components and adults’ and children’s education and outreach.

▪ Develop traveling exhibitions when resources permit.

Secondary Responsibilities

▪ Remain abreast of developments in the art and museum worlds. Review portfolios, proposals, and current

literature. Pursue original research that will further future programming; present research through

exhibitions, publications, and/or lectures.

▪ Collaborate with relevant staff in support of the museum’s general efforts at fundraising, publicity, arts

education, and community relations. Lead exhibition and collections grant applications and reports in

collaboration with development staff.

▪ Review marketing, education, and other material pertaining to art, the museum’s collection, and

exhibitions to ensure accuracy.

▪ Participate in strategic planning with other staff, trustees, and appropriate committees.

▪ Represent the institution within the local and professional communities.

▪ Assist with special events and other duties as assigned.

Minimum Skills and qualifications

▪ MA in art, art history, or related field

▪ Five years of relevant curatorial experience

▪ Broad knowledge of American art, developments in contemporary art, knowledge of museum practices and standards; specific knowledge of Mountain-Plains region, contemporary American Western and/or

Native American art highly desirable

▪ Connoisseurship abilities

▪ Excellent communication skills, both written and oral; the capacity to be diplomatic

▪ Organizational abilities

▪ Creativity and problem-solving skills

▪ Demonstrated ability to establish and work within budgets

▪ Supervisory experience; willingness and ability to work in a team-oriented environment

▪ Valid Montana driver’s license