Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) is seeking a dynamic specialist in historical American art to fill the Kenneth R. Woodcock Curator of Historical American Art position. PAFA is devoted to a curatorial program that intertwines academic rigor and expertise with a deep focus on broadening our audience in innovative ways.

POSITION SUMMARY

Kenneth R. Woodcock Curator of Historical American Art is responsible for strengthening the development, research, presentation, interpretation, and growth of PAFA's renown collection of historical American art, considered one of the county's finest collections of its type. The ideal candidate will have a passion for historical American art and a vision for sharing and expanding PAFA's collection.

This position will create synergies between historic art and other curatorial and public programming in modern and contemporary art through coordinated efforts to enhance the Museum's overarching educational mission. The candidate will have extensive experience developing groundbreaking exhibitions and publications celebrating great American artists from the Colonial Period to the Armory Show (1913). Through exhibitions, collection installations, public programs, publications, and digital and social media, candidates will successfully attract and engage a diverse audience. The position will play a leadership role in promoting PAFA's curatorial program, which requires constant engagement with stakeholders, including the Board of Trustees, Collections Committee, colleagues, press, donors, external partners, community members, and the general public.

ABOUT PAFA

As the first art museum and school in the United States, PAFA celebrates the transformative power of art and art-making. PAFA inspires the public by expanding the stories of American art through its collections, exhibitions, and programs. Through its world-class museum and school, PAFA nurtures and recognizes artists at every stage in their careers.

Founded in 1805 and located in center city Philadelphia, PAFA is intimate in scale with a strong sense of community. The PAFA museum inspires the public by expanding the stories of American art through its collections, exhibitions, and programs. The Museum regularly produces rich and rewarding exhibitions seeking to amplify a wide range of artistic voices. Its archives, conservation, educational programs, and publications contribute to scholarly knowledge and community dialogue.

Our permanent collection ranges from 18th- and 19th-century masters such as Benjamin West, Thomas Eakins, Winslow Homer, and Mary Cassatt, to twentieth and twenty-first century artists including Robert Henri, Jacob Lawrence, Alice Neel, Richard Diebenkorn, Vik Muniz, Mickalene Thomas, and Kehinde Wiley to name just a few. This diverse collection aims to recognize artists at every turn in their careers and thus tell the sweeping story of American art, inspiring and intriguing our visitors.

WHY JOIN US?

PAFA is on the brink of a historic event. In 2026, we will be reinstalling our renowned collection, a momentous occasion that coincides with the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This unique opportunity allows us to commemorate and celebrate America's rich history while honoring the contributions of all Americans. The Kenneth R. Woodcock Curator of Historical American Art will play a pivotal role in this momentous event.

PAFA has been a significant part of America's cultural and artistic heritage, paralleling the nation's journey from its early years to the present day. The upcoming reinstallation, during PAFA 250, will highlight the academy's extensive collection of American art and serve as a reflective pause to appreciate the nation's past, celebrate its achievements, uncover the untold stories, and envision a brighter future for the next generation and beyond.

As we approach this historic milestone, PAFA 250 is committed to creating an immersive experience that bridges the gap between history and the present. We aim to showcase the evolution of American art and its role in shaping our national identity. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to engage with works that span from the early 19th century to contemporary pieces, each telling a story of resilience, innovation, and the diverse voices that have contributed to the fabric of our nation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conceive and develop exhibitions and gallery installations to enhance the public's understanding of historical American art. Help develop and prepare the permanent collection reinstallation set for 2026 and future gallery rotations.
• Foster relationships with collectors locally and nationally, actively soliciting their help in enhancing the collection, and communicate and maintain positive relationships with dealers.
• Cultivate relationships and partnerships with universities, art museums, and other organizations that enhance the Museum's programming, collections, and research activities.
• Maintain a national scholarly profile by taking research and writing time to publish in refereed journals and national and international publications and speak at national and international conferences. Serve as the public face of PAFA by offering VIP, press tours, and interviews.
• Develop annual work plans, budgets, and goals for Collections, Research, Exhibits, and Education relating to the historic American art collection.
• Oversee compliance with and recommend revisions to the PAFA's Collections Policy, Repatriation Policy, and related documents. Ensures compliance with the PAFA's, the American Alliance of Museums, and other applicable professional conduct or ethics codes.
• Write exhibition catalogs, articles, and press releases related to PAFA's historic American art collections and exhibitions.
• Develop the collection before 1913, including identifying and suggesting gifts and purchases.
• Contribute to successful fundraising and marketing for historical art exhibitions and programs.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Extensive knowledge of historical American art and research skills demonstrated through scholarly accomplishments in American art history.
• A Doctoral degree (Ph. D.) in one of the Museum's disciplines of study and seven or more years of experience within a museum or related area, including grant-funded research.
• Proven business and budget planning knowledge.
• A storyteller and writer. Exemplary writing skills, compelling public speaking presence, excellent oral communication skills, and the ability to successfully interact with trustees, donors, the public, and various governmental and non-governmental agencies.
• Demonstrated experience in donor cultivation and stewardship.
• Excellent problem-solving, planning, and organizational skills, with the ability to execute multiple projects and responsibilities simultaneously in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Proven team-based leadership experience. Demonstrate an ability to inspire, motivate, and organize employees and volunteers into highly successful, collaborative teams. Ability to work collegially with the other curators to develop integrated programming.
• An entrepreneurial, hands-on attitude. Comfortable leading a small team, rolling up sleeves, and getting hands dirty.
• Experience handling art and the proper care and conservation of works.
• Knowledge of research tools and methodologies.
• Experience working in a museum and a proven track record of realizing complex projects.
• Be available for monthly evening and weekend time and occasional travel.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

Because we were the nation's first art museum and art school, PAFA has a moral obligation to ensure that every member of our community can study and work in an environment where they feel a sense of belonging. We are obligated to ensure that our community reflects that rich tapestry of beauty and diversity that surrounds our world. We are committed to modeling diversity and inclusion for the entire arts, cultural, and educational sector and maintaining an inclusive environment with equitable treatment. PAFA is committed to maintaining an inclusive learning environment and a diverse community of students, faculty, and staff.

PAFA is an equal opportunity employer.

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