Curator of Photography

The Curator of Photography is responsible for building an extraordinary photography collection and exhibition program for the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. Under the direction of the Curator in Charge of the Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts, the Curator of Photography will manage all aspects of collection development and curatorial programming, with primary responsibility for conducting research and managing the collection, developing and organizing exhibitions and publications; ; and proposing acquisitions. The Curator of Photography will play an important public-facing role, developing strong relationships with the collecting and artistic communities in the Bay Area and beyond to advance the photography program at FAMSF and to enable collection improvement and growth.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Permanent Collection: Builds and refines the photography collection at FAMSF through purchase, acquisition and gift, and through select deaccessioning of existing holdings. Attends to the diversification of photographers represented as a key collecting priority. Assures utmost care for the photography collections working closely with Registration and Conservation to achieve long-term preservation through safe storage, exhibition display and handling practices, and the best presentation of art through effective conservation and restoration treatment. Works with conservators to develop effective conservation strategies that establish priorities and identify the most important conservation projects.
2. Exhibitions: Organizes and manages photography exhibitions at both the Legion of Honor and de Young Museum, which demonstrate exceptional artist quality, innovation, and scholarship at the highest level.
3. Didactics and Publications: Writes curatorial content for website, catalogues, checklists, wall and gallery labels, and other exhibition graphics. Participates in and contributes to promotions related to collection awareness on digital and social media platforms.
4. External Relationships: Builds and maintains departmental and institutional relationships with collectors, dealers, auction houses, scholars, museums, and institutions of higher learning. This also involves access to the collection from public visitors, as well as patron and collector development. Presents lectures and docent talks, and conducts tours of the collection and temporary exhibitions for donors, trustees, and the general public as the need arises. Represents the Museums in a variety of settings, both internally and externally, and presents to senior Museum leadership and the Board of Trustees on artistic and programmatic matters relating to the photography collection and exhibitions.
5. Fundraising: Works closely with the Curator in Charge, the Director of Museums, Chief Program and Strategy Officer, Chief Philanthropy Officer, and Development staff to identify and realize funding opportunities for photography acquisitions, exhibitions, and publications. Actively participates in meetings and programs, including fundraising programs, of the Achenbach Graphic Arts Council and its board.
6. Community Engagement: Engages the local artistic community, faculties, colleagues, and the broader cultural community in the effort to build and strengthen public awareness of photography and the Museums collections, through a program of acquisitions, exhibitions, and scholarly pursuits, including publications, lectures, teaching, and other public programming. Coordinates with Marketing and Digital teams to create content to engage audiences with the museum’s photography program.
7. Internal Relationships: Develops strong collegial working relationships with other Museum curatorial staff in the development of joint projects, particularly as they will relate to curators working in Contemporary Art. Manages activities of volunteers and interns, as necessary.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Training:

• Master’s Degree in Art History, Ph.D. preferred.
• Expert knowledge of all aspects of photography. Deep understanding of the methods, techniques, and procedures involved in the maintenance and care of a museum collection of photography; strong awareness of the local, national and international photography collecting/donor community; connection to the national and international community of art scholars specializing in photography; and awareness of the photography art marketplace; are all required.

Work Experience: Minimum of five years of curatorial experience in the field of photography.

Skills and Abilities:

• Must be a team player who can work successfully in a dynamic and collaborative environment and must have a track record of developing and implementing innovative exhibitions and programs that reflect knowledge of current issues in photography.
• Understanding of curatorial practices and methodology involved in the maintenance and care of a museum collection of photography.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Ability to effectively teach about photography and inspire visitors through public lectures, gallery presentations, video presentation and print media.
• Experience building collections and working with leadership in acquisitions, exhibitions and managing budgets.
• Track record of success producing projects in a timely manner.
• Ability and willingness to work with a wide range of audiences, donors and stakeholders.
• Commitment to diversity and to serving the needs of a diverse community.
• Strong record of curatorial and scholarly leadership as well as developed professional relationships with curators in the field.
• Familiarity with museum collections software (TMS) preferred

Working Conditions:

Physical Requirements: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Environmental Factors: Close office setting.

Work Location: Onsite at the Legion of Honor.

Benefits: This position includes a full benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, 401(k), and paid time off.

The estimated annual salary range for this position is $115,000-130,000. The final offer amount within this range will be based on experience and internal equity.

Application Deadline: Open until filled

This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule. Hybrid schedules typically include at least 3 days a week onsite and up to two days per week working remotely.

If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact HumanResources@famsf.org.

We recommend all new COFAM employees be vaccinated against COVID-19 but it is not a requirement. Please contact humanresources@famsf.org with any questions.

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COFAM is the Corporation of Fine Arts Museums and is the privately funded non-profit corporation which supports the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, a department of the City and County of San Francisco.

COFAM is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in all phases of employment in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Comprising the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park and the Legion of Honor in Lincoln Park, we are the largest public arts institution in the City of San Francisco and one of the largest art museums in the United States. The de Young, designed by Herzog & de Meuron and located in Golden Gate Park, showcases American art from the 17th through the 21st centuries, international contemporary art, textiles and costumes, and art from the Americas, the Pacific, and Africa. The Legion of Honor displays a collection of over 4,000 years of ancient and European art including Auguste Rodin's The Thinker and houses the Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts in a Beaux-Arts style building overlooking Lincoln Park and the Golden Gate Bridge.