Chief Curator

CURATORIAL MGR 2 (000422)

UCPath Position ID: TBD_4418

Position Description History/Status

Approved Date:

6/18/2025 3:01:24 PM

Date Last Edited:

6/18/2025 3:01:21 PM

Last Action Effective Date:

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

1210O

Organization:

SCHOOL OF ARTS AND ARCHITECTURE

Division Code:

1211D

Division:

PUBLIC ARTS UNIT

Department:

047500 - HAMMER MUSEUM

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

TBD_4418

Position Description ID

239935

UC Payroll Title:

CURATORIAL MGR 2 (000422)

Business Title:

Chief Curator

Personnel Program

Management and Senior Professional (MSP)

Salary Grade:

Grade 27

Job Code FLSA:

Exempt

Union Code (Collective Bargaining Unit):

99: Non-Represented (PPSM)

Employee Relations Code:

A: Manager - Not Confidential

Employee Class (Appt Type):

2 - Staff: Career

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

1

SUPERVISION

UCPath Reports to Position Number:

40046322

Reports to Payroll Title:

ACADEMIC ADMINISTRATOR VII

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40046322

Department Head Payroll Title:

ACADEMIC ADMINISTRATOR VII

GENERAL DIRECTION - Indicates that the incumbent receives guidance in terms of broad goals and overall objectives and is responsible for establishing the methods to attain them. Generally the incumbent is in charge of an area of work, and typically formulates policy for this area but does not necessarily have final authority for approving policy.

000361

REGISTRAR COLL MGR 1

1

000421

CURATORIAL MGR 1

1

006127

CURATOR 4

2

006898

CURATOR 4 GF

1

009723

MUSEUM SCI

3

04722

BLANK AST 3

1

009724

MUSEUM SCI AST

1

007397

PROJECT POLICY ANL 2

1

009723

MUSEUM SCI

4

009722

MUSEUM SCI SR

3

04722

BLANK AST 3

1

006145

THEATER PROD SPEC 3

1

006132

EXHIBITIONS SPEC 4

1

POSITION SUMMARY

The Hammer Museum at UCLA seeks a visionary, dynamic, and strategic leader to serve as Chief Curator. In partnership with the Museum's Director, the Chief Curator shapes and leads the creative and curatorial vision of the institution, overseeing the development of compelling exhibitions and the stewardship of the Hammer Contemporary Collection and UCLA's Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden.

As a key member of the senior leadership team, the Chief Curator plays a pivotal role in setting institutional priorities, forging new artistic directions, and advancing the Museum's mission through bold and innovative curatorial initiatives. The Chief Curator makes critical, strategic decisions regarding the Museum's institutional plans.

This position provides strategic leadership across the curatorial division – supervising the curatorial, exhibitions, publications, registration and preparation staff in leading curatorial and collections initiatives in accordance with standard museum practice and the guidelines of the AAMD, AAMC and AAM.

The Chief Curator's primary duties include the conceptualization, development, and direction of modern and contemporary in-house exhibitions; the determination of curatorial priorities; oversight of exhibition implementation; and selection and leadership of traveling and guest-curated exhibitions. This role also includes the strategic development of the Hammer Contemporary Collection and oversight of the UCLA Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden.

The incumbent engages actively with artists, scholars, donors, and the broader public, and participates in programs including lectures, symposia, and scholarly meetings. The Chief Curator also provides leadership to the Artist Council and Artist Residency program and oversees the Museum's Board of Advisors.

Reporting to the Hammer's Director, the Chief Curator will contribute to the museum-wide strategy and serve as a core member of the senior management team, ensuring the curatorial vision aligns with broader institutional goals. They will lead, mentor, and evaluate the curatorial department staff, fostering an environment of growth and development. The Chief Curator will set departmental goals, manage daily operations, and chair internal meetings to ensure the department runs smoothly. They will provide oversight to the Director of Exhibitions and Publications and the Director of Registration and Collections Management, ensuring that all areas are functioning cohesively. Collaboration with the Grunwald Center for the Graphic Arts and the Learning, Engagement, and Research department is key to supporting academic and community initiatives, fostering a deeper connection with the public.

The  Hammer Museum believes in the promise of art and ideas to illuminate our lives and build a more just world. We champion the art and artists who challenge us to see the world in a new light, to experience the unexpected, to ignite our imaginations.

The Hammer understands that art not only has the power to transport us through aesthetic experience but can also provide significant insight into some of the most pressing cultural, political, and social questions of our time. We present  the unique and invaluable perspectives that artists have on the world around us.

A vibrant intellectual and creative nexus, the Hammer is fueled by dynamic exhibitions and programs—including lectures, symposia, film series, readings, and musical performances—that spark meaningful encounters with artistic expression.

CURATORIAL DIRECTION AND EXHIBITION MANAGEMENT

1.  Lead the development and execution of the Museum's curatorial vision in alignment with the Hammer’s mission, institutional goals and museum standards.

2.  Develop and organize in-house and co-organized exhibitions, including working with artists, writing catalog texts, selecting works, and overseeing exhibition presentation.

3.  Determine exhibition traveling schedules and oversee institutional partnerships.

4.  Supervise exhibition budgets, contracts, loans, and other project logistics.

5.  Oversee guest curators and provide curatorial direction and feedback.

6.  Lead the production of exhibition catalogues, working closely with editors, writers, and designers.

7.  Coordinate conservation of artworks in exhibitions with outside conservators.

8.  Work cross-departmentally with internal teams to support and coordinate exhibitions.

9.  Review and approve exhibition materials, including grant content, marketing collateral, and interpretive texts.

10. Maintain collaborative relationships with museums, collectors, and funders.

40%

COLLECTIONS STEWARDSHIP AND MANAGEMENT

1.  Direct curatorial oversight of the Hammer Contemporary Collection and the Murphy Sculpture Garden.

2.  Lead acquisition strategy, evaluate gifts and purchases, and guide collections care and documentation.

3.  Liaise with collectors, dealers, donors, and university stakeholders to support collection growth.

4.  Develop and maintain collection policies in accordance with professional standards.

5.  Guide the work of art conservators on exhibition and collection pieces.

6.  Support public access to the collection through exhibitions, publications, and institutional partnerships.

35%

INTERPRETATION AND COMMUNICATION

1.  Develop interpretive guidelines and establish implementation process in collaboration with key teams, including Learning, Engagement and Research, ensuring clarity and accessibility in all materials.

2.  Work closely with Communications to develop strategies that promote and communicate the curatorial program’s vision and impact.

15%

FUNDRAISING

1.  Collaborate with the Development team to develop a vision and strategy for fundraising for curatorial and collections initiatives.

2.  Cultivate relationships with donors, collectors, and patrons to ensure long-term sustainability and visibility of the department.

10%

•

Performs other duties as assigned.

•

Complies with all policies and standards.

•

Complies with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Principles of Community.

•

This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Master's Degree

in art history, curatorial studies, or a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience

Required

PhD or equivalent experience preferred

Preferred

10+ years

Curatorial experience, including organizing major contemporary art exhibitions with scholarly rigor and public impact

Required

10+ years

Strong leadership skills with experience building, managing, and mentoring teams, and ability to support a dynamic and inclusive institutional culture

Required

Experience supporting and fostering a variety of voices, perspectives and ideas through curatorial work that aligns with the mission of the Museum

Required

A deep understanding of and passion for the Hammer’s mission and belief in art, ideas, creativity, and knowledge-building as a powerful engine for positive social change

Required

Deep knowledge of contemporary art practices, histories, and discourses across diverse communities and global contexts

Required

Proven ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external partners, artists, and communities

Required

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience in public speaking, publishing, and grant writing

Required

Ability to balance strategic vision with hands-on execution of exhibitions and programs

Required

Familiarity with museum standards for collections care, acquisitions, and donor relations

Required

Knowledge of and engagement with sustainability practices in exhibition-making is a plus

Required

Enthusiasm for the Hammer Museum’s mission and a demonstrated ability to support a dynamic, inclusive institutional culture

Required

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.

20%

Ability to travel domestically and internationally

Ability to work evenings and weekends

Required

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Non-Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Non-University Setting(s)

Location:

Hammer Museum

Standing/Walking

X

Sitting

X

X

Bending/Stooping

X

Squatting/Kneeling

X

Climbing

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 0-25 lbs

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 26-50 lbs

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull over 50 lbs

X

Physical requirements other

X

Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes

X

Loud noise levels

X

Marked changes in humidity or temperature

X

Microwave/Radiation

X

Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment

X

Exposures other

X

Sustained attention and concentration

X

X

Complex problem solving/reasoning

X

X

Ability to organize & prioritize

X

X

Communication skills

X

X

Numerical skills

X

X

Mental demands other

X

X

Classification 3:  Position in which exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues is not part of the position description. The normal routine task involves no exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues and the employee can decline to perform tasks which involve a perceived risk without retribution.