Ruth Rippon Curator of Ceramics at Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, CA
Posted on September 14, 2023
THE OPPORTUNITY
International in scope and diverse in the cultural traditions, the Crocker Art Museum’s ceramic holdings have been enriched by individual gifts and entire collections, which have collectively elevated the Museum into one of the foremost centers for the study and appreciation of the art of clay. The collection started with a 1928 gift of Asian art, mostly Korean ceramics, from Jennie Crocker Fassett, a daughter of the Museum’s founders. The collection has since expanded to include more than 5,000 examples from the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia, spanning from prehistoric times to the present day. Collection strengths include an extensive collection of 18th-century Meissen porcelain, American Indian pottery from matriarchs to contemporaries, and 20th- and 21st-century studio vessels and sculpture. Ceramic pieces are showcased in dedicated galleries and within the context of the Museum’s galleries broadly
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE:
The Ruth Rippon Curator of Ceramics will be a team-oriented professional able to work collaboratively in a dynamic, forward-thinking institution. The Curator should have a broad knowledge of the history of art with a specialized knowledge of—and experience with—the art of clay. The Curator will be able to educate and inspire others about ceramics, be able to work with donors to enhance and grow the collection and be able to further position the Museum as a leader in the art of clay through outreach, exhibitions, and publications.
HIRING RANGE: $78,000-$100,000. Salary will be commensurate with experience and other qualifications. Benefits package includes health, dental, life insurance, 403B, and vacation package.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
Specific duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Curate, manage, and refine the Museum’s extensive ceramics collection.
• Recommend Museum acquisitions and deaccessions.
• Monitor collections; make conservation recommendations.
• Assist visiting professionals and others seeking information regarding the collections.
• Work with other professionals and museums involved in exhibitions and museum research.
• Evaluate loan requests.
• Recommend appropriate exhibitions; plan and organize exhibitions and programs; oversee the installation of exhibitions.
• Present lectures to professional groups and the general public.
• Actively represent the Museum in the broader community and at professional meetings and before the media.
• Write essays for exhibition catalogues, museum publications, professional journals, magazines, and press releases.
• Write grant proposals.
• Cultivate collectors to encourage loans and gifts.
• Promote a spirit of collaboration and partnership across the Museum, while serving as a skillful ambassador locally, nationally, and internationally on its behalf.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand and walk; sit for long periods of time; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 lbs.
SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience:
• Three or more years of professional experience in the curatorial department of a museum with demonstrated experience working with ceramic collections and ceramics collectors. Equivalent experience teaching college-level curatorial or art-history courses and working with ceramics collections may be considered.
Education:
• A M.A. (Ph.D. preferred) from an accredited college or university with a major in art, art history, design, or museum studies is desired. Evidence of original research and publication in the field of ceramics (preferably contemporary) and/or craft; proven record in attracting significant development support and funding; and proven knowledge of profession museum practices required.
Ability to:
• Write clearly, concisely, and compellingly through correspondence, labels, and essays for publication.
• Identify, classify, evaluate, and interpret works of art.
• Establish and maintain relationships with a wide variety of individuals and donors.
• Work simultaneously on multiple projects and manage time effectively.
• Represent the Museum before professional and community groups.
• Prepare and manage budgets.
• Work effectively and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Travel when required.
Knowledge of:
• Western European and American art history and/or studio craft and decorative arts from the 15th century to the present.
• Modern and contemporary American art.
• Research and connoisseurship practices.
• Collections management systems.
• Principles of identifying, classifying, evaluating, handling, and interpreting works of art.
• Principles of planning, organizing, and installing art exhibitions.
MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Supervise and train volunteers, interns, and staff as assigned.
INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Support the Museum’s mission, vision, values, strategic plan and institutional DEAI initiatives.
• Commit to a positive organizational culture based on mutual respect, cooperation, and openness to other’s perspectives.
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Prepare and monitor an assigned portion of the curatorial budget.
• Use all Museum’s resources wisely and endeavor to minimize expenses and maximize revenue.
TO APPLY: Please send cover letter and resume to: camajobs@crockerart.org
