Curator Of Collections Jobs

Work for one of the most beautiful places in Nashville! Formerly the family home of Mabel and Leslie Cheek, Cheekwood now serves the public as a botanical garden, arboretum, and museum with period rooms and art galleries. Cheekwood’s mission is to stimulate the mind and nurture the spirit, for not only our visitors, but our staff as well.

We are currently seeking a Curator of Collections to perform both long-range planning efforts and day-to-day activities relative to the collections and exhibitions. In this fast-paced environment, the Curator provides essential guidance relative to the care, shaping and development of the collections of Painting, Sculpture, Works on Paper, and Decorative Arts. They maintain the highest ethical traditions, museum standards and best practices as set forth by the American Alliance of Museums. The position collaborates closely with the registrar, preparator, maintenance, marketing, gardens, and curatorial interns.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Conduct research on and oversee the collections of Painting, Sculpture, Decorative Arts, and Works on Paper
• Complete any administrative tasks as deemed necessary by the Vice President of Museum Affairs.
• Develop original, well-researched content for interpretive materials, permanent collection exhibitions, text for website, social media, and presentations where appropriate
• Coordinate with Registrar and Preparator on the storage and maintenance of collection objects and loaned items
• Evaluate and prioritize conservations needs for the collections
• In conjunction with the Education Department, assist with the Docent Program
• Recommend the acquisition of paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, and photographs that grow and enhance the museum’s collections, while reflective of the institutional collecting parameters
• Organize exhibitions from Cheekwood’s permanent collection that relate to the mission and increase awareness of the collection

*** Applicants are required to upload a cover letter with the online application to be considered. ***

• Strong knowledge of American Painting, Sculpture, Prints, Drawings and Photographs from the mid-18th century through the first half of the 20th century. Knowledge of American Furniture and Decorative Arts from the 18th through mid-20th century desirable.
• Experience in the Microsoft Suite of Programs is required. Experience with Gallery System’s Embark database, Embark web kiosk, and Adobe Suite is preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of best museum practices and AAM guidelines as they pertain to collections and curatorial work.
• Minimum 3 years of experience as a Curator, Assistant / Associate Curator, Collections Manager, or like position at a museum or gallery.
• Proven organizational skills.
• M.A. in Art History, American Art, American Studies or related field preferred.
• Strong ability to speak publicly and write effectively.

Cheekwood follows the CDC’s Covid-19 recommendations and has a voluntary vaccine policy.

Cheekwood offers a comprehensive array of valuable benefits to full-time team members to protect health, family and way of life including Health Insurance with an HRA (Cheekwood pays 90% of the cost of one of the employee-only plans), Dental (Cheekwood pays a portion of the premium), Vision, Life Insurance (100% paid by Cheekwood), Long Term Disability Insurance (100% paid by Cheekwood), Voluntary Life Insurance, Short Term Disability Insurance, 403b (with a generous employer match offered), Employee Assistance Program, Paid Time Off and 11 Paid Holidays. Aflac products are also available.

Cheekwood is an equal opportunity employer