Curator of Japanese Art

The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco invites applications for the head of the Japanese Art department. The Curator of Japanese Art will provide strong leadership in the research, interpretation, and presentation of the museum’s Japanese art collection, and will play a key role in the development of the collection.

The Japanese collection includes rare painted scrolls and screens, ceramics from the 3rd millennium BCE to the present, major Buddhist sculpture, superb decorative arts and textiles, and the largest and most notable collection of Japanese bamboo baskets outside of Japan.

The ideal candidate must possess-

*curatorial vision and excellence, and the intellectual innovation required to curate compelling major exhibitions

*scholarly standing and distinction among peers in the field

*the ability to form positive, effective relationships with external communities, including support groups, major donors and collectors, and professionals at other institutions

*the ability and commitment to collaborate successfully with colleagues throughout the museum

Minimum Qualifications

*Advanced degree in Asian Art History, with specialization in Japanese art; PhD strongly preferred

*Five (5) years of professional work experience in a museum or related educational/research organization; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience

*Distinguished record of professional accomplishments and publications

*Knowledge of the methods, techniques, and procedures involved in the interpretation and exhibition of a museum collection and traveling collections of Asian art

*General knowledge of museum management principles and practices; budget development and management; general administrative principles, practices, and methods

*Knowledge of current intellectual developments in the fields of art history and museum studies

*Excellent managerial and interpersonal skills; strong written/oral communication skills and public speaking abilities; high level of organizational, planning, and research skills

*Ability to read, speak, and write Japanese

*Ability to analyze complex administrative problems, evaluate alternative solutions, and adopt effective courses of action; develop and manage budgets; manage and supervise staff

*Ability to conduct original research that results in published scholarly materials in the field of specialization; attract, negotiate, and implement major exhibitions; lecture effectively

*Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, visitors, volunteers, donors, dealers, collectors, professional colleagues, and other members of the museum community

Compensation
Excellent compensation including City & County of San Francisco benefit package

Application Procedure

Send a letter of interest, resume, and three (3) professional references to:
HUMAN RESOURCES
Asian Art Museum
200 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
FAX: 415.861.2359
www.asianart.org

The Asian Art Museum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.