Associate Curator, Byzantine Collection

27-Sep-2024

Associate Curator, Byzantine Collection

Faculty of Arts and Sciences

66953BR

Job Summary

The Byzantine Collection of the Dumbarton Oaks Museum includes objects made of precious materials, such as ivories, enamels, and illuminated manuscripts; large-scale works, for example floor mosaics from Antioch and late Roman and Byzantine relief sculptures; and more than two hundred textiles. It is one of the finest collections of Byzantine art in the world. In addition to the permanent displays, the Museum runs a successful program of special exhibitions. Museum curators undertake research, digitization, and online publication projects pertaining to the collection.

The Museum seeks an expert in Byzantine Art / Material Culture for a curatorial position at the associate level. The associate curator must have a deep interest in interdisciplinary scholarship, be highly creative, and interested in using the museum’s collection to emphasize international and cross-cultural exchange. The Associate Curator of the Byzantine Collection works closely with the Chief Curator and the Museum Team acting as an intellectual authority helping the museum to fulfill its public and research mission. The successful candidate is expected to maintain the highest standards of scholarship and professional practices.

Reporting to the Chief Curator, the Associate Curator is a critical member of the curatorial team promoting dialogue, engagement, and collaboration with museum colleagues and across Dumbarton Oaks. The successful candidate will develop special exhibitions, research projects, and publications in print and digital media, and make recommendations regarding the interpretation, care, and conservation of the Byzantine Collection.

Position Description

·         Overall responsibility for collection care, documentation, provenance research, interpretation, dissemination, and development.

·         Advocates for the preservation of the collection. Advises in matters related to objects conservation, restoration, photography, material analysis, and exhibit installation.

·         Undertakes original research leading to the creation and development of temporary exhibitions, including conceptual and story exhibitions, selection of content, writing, layout and concept, and initial design development. Works closely with the Manager of Exhibitions in the exhibition process.

·         Provides advice to the Curatorial Committee on the suitability and merit of loan requests for objects from the collection. Works closely with the museum Registrar in the loan process. Recommends replacement loans. Responsible for virtual and in-person courier duties for some Byzantine Collection loans.

·         Enhances the research and educational value of the collection and contributes to the dissemination of information about it (e.g., presentations, gallery talks / tours, exhibitions, publications). Presents talks to various museum constituencies. Participates in museum service and community outreach, including the collaboration with the Education Manager on the development and execution of the educational resources offered by the institution.

·         Facilitates and fosters the research of the collection by fellows, interns and scholars. Evaluates and monitors access to the collection. Addresses queries from other departments, the scholarly community, and the general public; actively engaged with the academic community.

• Supervises and mentors fellows and interns working with the Museum Team in general and the Byzantine Collection in particular. Hosts visits to the museum by professors and students, with emphasis on those from Harvard.

·         Advises the Chief Curator and the Curatorial Committee on the suitability of gifts for the Byzantine Collection.

·         Performs related duties as required.

Basic Qualifications

Master’s degree in art history, archaeology, or related field, with a focus on Byzantine art and history.

At least five years of progressively responsible curatorial experience or equivalent combination of education and experience, including exhibit development, care and handling of collections.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Ph.D. or equivalent in Byzantine Studies, Byzantine art history, or another appropriate field. Demonstrated record of scholarship and achievement in the field of Byzantine art; excellent analytical and organizational skills; excellent written and oral communication skills. Attention to detail. Ability to work collegially in a team environment. Excellent computer skills, including familiarity with digital publication, imaging software, databases, spread sheets, and other data storage and retrieval systems. Ability to meet deadlines.

Work Format Details

This is a hybrid position that is based in Washington DC. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Job Function

Museum

Department Office Location

USA - DC - Washington

Job Code

388057 Museum Professional

Work Format

On-Site

Sub-Unit

Dumbarton Oaks

Salary Grade

057

Department

Museum

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Criminal, Education, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.