Title: Associate Curator of Collections and Exhibitions, Shangri La
Location: 4055 Papu Circle, Honolulu, HI
Reports to: Executive Director
Status: Full Time - Exempt

Shangri La is a museum for learning about the global culture of Islamic art and design through innovative exhibitions, guided tours, public programs and digital initiatives. Built in 1937 as the Honolulu home of American heiress and philanthropist Doris Duke (1912-1993), Shangri La was inspired by Duke’s extensive travels throughout North Africa, the Middle East and South Asia and reflects architectural traditions from those regions. The permanent collection features objects from Spain, Morocco, Egypt, Syria, Iran, Central Asia, India and parts of Southeast Asia. Shangri La is a program of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation through the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art.

JOB SUMMARY
The associate curator of collections and exhibitions advances the mission of Shangri La by working with the executive director and other staff to develop and curate engaging and bold onsite, offsite and online exhibitions about the organization’s unique collection, property and mission. As a museum of Islamic art, culture and design, Shangri La aims to deepen and expand the public’s appreciation of global cultures and creativity in the 21st century.
The associate curator of collections and exhibitions supports the executive director in the stewardship of Shangri La, collaborating to develop exhibitions about Islamic art, culture and design that spark cultural, creative and civic curiosity and connection for all ages.
The position curates the experience of the house and landscape, permanent gallery spaces, episodic pop-up and migratory gallery spaces, traveling exhibitions, and galleries hosted on digital and emerging media platforms. Working closely with museum colleagues, the associate curator oversees the management and conservation of museum archives and collections. He/she also provides curatorial and scholarly expertise and support to the education, program and digital staff of Shangri La(b), a center that pilots programs that broaden access to Shangri La’s collections and exhibitions in inventive ways.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Curation of Exhibitions: Curate, develop and coordinate permanent, traveling, temporary and pop-up exhibitions interpreting the history, art and culture of Shangri La, including the diverse range of contemporary issues and experiences relating to Shangri La’s mission, in ways that spark conversations about civic culture and creativity. Conceive, develop and organize the house and landscape, as well as permanent and short-term off-site spaces, into dynamic gallery spaces that host bold and inventive exhibitions. Serve as the curatorial liaison for artists, galleries, museums and other cultural organizations.
Management of Collections: Work with the executive director and members of the curatorial committee to oversee priorities and planning regarding the management and conservation of the collection, including public access and loans. Manage the development of museum policy and best practices in the stewardship of Shangri La’s collections.
Research and Curation: Provide curatorial and scholarly expertise for staff, docents, visiting artists and scholars, and public groups conducting artistic, cultural and historical research in support of Shangri La’s initiatives and collections. Produce curatorial materials for distribution and consumption across traditional and emerging media platforms to support, advance and promote Shangri La’s contributions to dialogues about the global culture of Islamic art and design.
Budgeting, procurement and contracting: Administer and manage a budget and exhibition-related expenses and procure services required to produce exhibitions.
Other duties as assigned by the executive director.


RequirementsQUALIFICATIONS

  • Master’s degree or terminal degree (doctorate degree preferred) in a relevant field and equivalent relevant work experience;
  • Demonstrated experience envisioning, developing, researching, designing and curating exhibitions and supporting materials that tell compelling and insightful stories, clearly tying objects and collections to current issues;
  • Knowledge of collections care and conservation;
  • Proficiency working with Microsoft Office suite, Apple OSX, Adobe design and graphic software, collections databases such as The Museum System, email and the web;
  • Knowledge and experience using social media platforms and similar digital networking/sharing platforms to achieve specific goals;
  • Proven competence managing budgetary allowances and restrictions;
  • Versatility; ability to manage many projects and several priorities simultaneously;
  • Strong organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail;
  • Both self-motivation and team-player mentality, with ability to work cooperatively and positively with colleagues, partners, consultants and a diverse public;
  • Proven competence managing and collaborating with direct reports, as well as peers and colleagues not in the direct line of management;
  • Passion and knowledge about the role of museums to shape and enrich cultural, civic and creative discourse, with clearly articulated views on the value of Islamic art, culture and design in the 21st century;
  • Enthusiasm for start-up culture and an appreciation for the spirit of innovation regarding educational initiatives that deepen the role of museums as incubators of informal, effective learning;
  • Ability to keep matters confidential;
  • Ability to work weeknights and weekends as needed;
  • Ability to travel occasionally (local and national).



HOW TO APPLY
Application reviews will begin February 10, 2017 and continue until position is filled.

All interested parties should send:

  • Cover letter outlining how you satisfy the desirable qualifications and functions
  • Resume
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • Sample(s) of previous work (pdf or links)


- Email to: hr@ddcf.org Include “Curator of Exhibitions” in the subject line followed by your last name.
- Fax: 808-732-4361 Reference “Curator of Exhibitions” on your cover page
- Do not apply in person or by phone.