Assistant or Associate Curator – Center for Maine Contemporary Art – Rockland

Overview of Qualifications and Responsibilities
The Assistant or Associate Curator will contribute to the development of creative programming and strategies for visitor engagement related to exhibitions. The Assistant or Associate Curator will work closely and collaboratively with the Executive Director and Chief Curator, education staff, all exhibiting artists, guest speakers, contracted installation personnel, and other staff across the organization.
Curatorial
· Conceives and develop exhibitions across CMCA’s four galleries, spanning 5,500 square feet. CMCA presents a total of 10-12 exhibitions annually, including solo, two-person, and thematic exhibitions
· Conducts administration and management of CMCA’s revolving exhibition schedule, including, but not limited to: assisting with selection of and communication with exhibiting artists; studio visits and research; maintaining installation and de-installation schedule; scheduling and supervising contract preparators as required.
· Build and maintain relationships with artists, curators, directors, dealers, critics and writers.
· Coordinates and/or writes and prepares for production of exhibition-related text, including: labels, wall text, gallery handouts, web content, catalogs, and other materials.
· Negotiating and processing loan requests from lenders (artists, collectors, galleries, institutions); scheduling, negotiating, and supervising fine art transportation; and completing fine art condition examinations and reports.
· Creates exhibition related content using Adobe Suite products, including vinyl text in Illustrator, gallery handouts in InDesign, graphics for web and print in Photoshop, and video editing in Premiere.
· Supervises and carries out all aspects of exhibition installation including, but not limited to: wall prep and paint; hanging and installing artwork; gallery lighting; audio/visual equipment, pedestals, or other exhibition furnishings as required; maintain inventory of installation equipment and supplies, fine art packing supplies, and gallery light fixtures.
· Maintains artworks and technologies throughout the run of exhibitions including, but not limited to: technical support, troubleshooting, installation adjustment, and regular maintenance.
· Supervises aspects of CMCA’s Biennial application process such as promotion to artists, administration of online submissions through Submittable, and coordinating with selected artists.
· Supports and leads programmatic initiatives related to CMCA’s multifaceted Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion (DEAI) initiatives, which are designed to promote inclusiveness, prevent discrimination and further build an organization that challenges existing practices and/or dismantles barriers.
· Performs special projects and other related duties as required, directed, or as the situation dictates.
Related Programs
· Actively participates in developing, scheduling, and carrying out CMCA’s year-round schedule of exhibition-related programs, including artist talks, dialogs, member tours, etc.
· Assists with set-up, supervision, and monitoring of audio/visual equipment as required for exhibition-related programs and special events.
· Coordinates and/or creates graphics for curatorial programming for both web and print.
· Manages and/or assists with all aspects of the annual online auction including, but not limited to: data collection and organization; communication with Artsy.net, artists, and prospective buyers; social media campaigns; coordinating the shipping and receiving of all works; collecting payment/invoicing.
Team Member
CMCA operates with limited resources and staff and expects all employees to help when needed in areas not necessarily associated with their individual job description. Examples include: helping with administrative duties in the absence of the Executive Administrator; assisting with special event set up and clean up; and interfacing with visitors during the busiest time of the season.

Qualifications
A broad knowledge of art history with expertise in the field of contemporary art and experience working with living artists. Excellent research, written and oral communication skills. Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills. Ability to collaborate respectfully and effectively with colleagues. Excellent negotiation, resource management, and people skills. Ability to represent the museum at public events at after-hours events. Embrace and promote diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion initiatives.
Energy and enthusiasm to reach ambitious goals while creatively applying problem-solving skills. Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communications. Proficient with Mac computers and Adobe Creative Suite. The candidate should have a valid driver’s license for periodically travel for studio visits and other curatorial duties.

Experience
For Assistant Curator applicants, requirements include a Master’s degree in art history or a related field, two or more years curatorial experience, and experience organizing contemporary art exhibitions and related programming, ideally within a museum or nonprofit institution.
For Associate Curator applicants, requirements include a Master’s degree in art history or a related field, five or more years of curatorial experience with a track record of organizing contemporary art exhibitions and related interpretive programming within a museum or nonprofit institution.

Physical requirements
Ability to see, listen, and talk for extended periods. Ability to perform repetitive motions, making substantial movements of the wrists, hands, or fingers. Ability to use a keyboard and remain in a sedentary position for extended periods. Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 30 pounds and climb ladders.
Vaccination status
Please note: Newly hired employees are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 (i.e., have received both doses of a two-dose vaccine and boosters) and must provide proof of vaccination upon request by the organization. Requests for potential accommodation shall be considered in accordance with applicable law if and at such time as a conditional offer of employment is extended to a candidate. Applicants should not provide any medical or genetic information with their application.

Rockland and the Region
Rockland is a seaside community of ca. 8,000 permanent residents that attracts prominent summer residents from New York City, Boston and beyond, and thousands of seasonal tourists. It is situated along the spectacular Maine coast and is the commercial center of the Mid-Coast region. Rockland has a rich history dating to the early 18th century with shipbuilding, fishing, mining and quarrying. In recent times tourism has become the dominant industry and the region boasts a rich variety of cultural organizations, ranging from the Farnsworth Art Museum and Wyeth Center, the Strand Theatre, Maine Media, the Camden International Film Festival, among others. Rockland and other nearby towns and villages offer comparatively affordable costs of living and housing.
Rockland is located 1.5 hours north of Portland, ME and Boston is 3 hours away. Four-season recreation includes virtually unlimited hiking, and cross-country and downhill skiing at several world-class locations. The coastal waters of Maine offer hundreds of miles of spectacular seaside experiences, including boating and fishing.

Compensation & Benefits
Salary is commensurate with experience. Assistant Curator salary range is $45,000-50,000; Associate Curator salary is $50,000 or higher, commensurate with experience. CMCA provides a competitive health care plan through the state of Maine and a dental plan. This is a full-time exempt position. Some nights and weekends are required. Eligible for up to two days or remote work per week.
Diversity & Inclusion
CMCA is an EA/EO employers and is committed to a diverse and inclusive workspace. We strongly encourage candidates to apply if they see themselves in the majority of listed duties. CMCA does not discriminate against any candidate or employee based on race, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion or veteran status.

How to Apply
Submit a cover letter, resume and contact information for three references to Timothy Peterson, Executive Director and Chief Curator, at opportunities@cmcanow.org. Applications are accepted through July 7, 2023 The position is open until filled.

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