Description

Department: Curatorial
Reports To: Executive Director
Oversees: Exhibitions Manager, Curator, Associate Curator, Assistant Curator

Effective Date: August 2025
 
FLSA Status: Exempt
Pay Basis: Salary

Union Status: Non-Union
Pay Grade: P

Position Summary:

The Museum Lead Curator, Head of Art and Exhibitions provides strategic leadership, management, and vision for the Portland Museum of Art’s (PMA) collection and loaned works of art. This role is responsible for overseeing the care, development, interpretation, and programming of the PMA’s holdings.  Working closely with PMA leadership and staff, the Museum Lead Curator, Head of Art and Exhibitions directs all curatorial activities, including collection stewardship, exhibition planning, and public programming. This position plays a key role in advancing the PMA’s mission of Art for All through innovative and inclusive curatorial practices and philanthropic strategies linked to the PMA’s growth.  With an entrepreneurial perspective, strong change management abilities, and a commitment to ongoing growth, this position serves as a key cultural leader as the PMA continues to evolve and expand its impact. 

Job Functions:
1. Artistic Vision and Collections Strategic Leadership 

•  Serves as the senior-most curatorial authority responsible for aligning the PMA’s collections and artistic strategy with broader institutional priorities, including capital campaigns and philanthropic initiatives.
• Acts as a thought partner to the Executive Director, contributing to museum-wide strategic planning and vision execution.
• Articulates and maintains the PMA’s artistic vision and institutional priorities as outlined in the Collections Plan.
• Represents the PMA’s artistic and institutional direction to a wide range of constituencies including trustees, staff, members, visitors, and the general public.
• Oversees the care, growth, and refinement of the collection in alignment with the PMA’s mission and vision.
• Brings an entrepreneurial perspective by identifying new opportunities for engagement, partnerships, and resource development that enhance the PMA’s relevance, sustainability, and public value.
• Provides essential information to the Board of Trustees and board committees to support informed decisions.
• Actively participates in cross-departmental working groups and committees to boost organizational effectiveness and collaboration.

2. Exhibition and Program Development

• Champions an institution-wide curatorial framework that prioritizes inclusive storytelling, interdisciplinary themes, and civic dialogue.
• Oversees the development and implementation of the PMA’s exhibitions program, including permanent collection installations, special exhibitions, and loaned works.
• Leads a three-year exhibition planning process in collaboration with multiple departments.
• Implements systems for evaluating exhibitions and interpretive materials.
• Develops and manages partnerships with other museums and organizations for collaborative projects and traveling exhibitions.
• Develops and organizes exhibitions and gallery installations aimed at enhancing public understanding of specific artistic fields. 
• Manages the selection of objects, evaluates external proposals, and prepares supportive materials including labels, catalogs, and installation plans.

3. Collections Care and Stewardship

• Develops and leads multi-year strategies for collection growth and refinement that integrate donor engagement and institutional storytelling.
• Provides oversight for the care, conservation, and stewardship of the collection according to professional standards.
• Oversees the development and implementation of museum-wide policies and procedures related to collection management.
• Conducts in-depth research of the PMA’s collection within a specific artistic field and recommends acquisitions to enhance the collection. 
• Serves as a scholarly resource both internally and externally, fostering relationships with collectors and dealers nationally. 
• Supports Maine-based artists by conducting studio visits and reviewing submissions as part of the PMA's commitment to local talent.

4. Program and Audience Development 

• Serves as a public-facing ambassador for the PMA’s curatorial voice, articulating the museum’s mission through high-impact, audience-centered programs.
• Works collaboratively across departments to coordinate exhibition logistics and publication efforts. 
• Engages with internal and external partners to create educational and program content. 
• Provides gallery talks, lectures, and presentations to various audience segments, including the scholarly community and the PMA’s members.

5. Fundraising and Donor Engagement 

• Aligns curatorial priorities with fundraising goals, leveraging exhibitions and collections strategy to drive philanthropic investment in the PMA’s long-term vision.
• Collaborates with the Philanthropy team to identify funding opportunities, cultivate prospects, and assist with grant applications. 
• Advises and participates in activities of the PMA’s affinity groups, enhancing donor relations and fundraising initiatives. 

6. Strategic Team Leadership

• Leads a high-performing curatorial division, setting institutional standards for excellence, accountability, and creative collaboration.
• Advises senior leadership on organizational culture, values-driven leadership, and staff development initiatives across departments.
• Champions team development by setting measurable goals for training programs and coaching sessions, directly enhancing professional skills and performance metrics.
• Oversees daily team operations, including training, coaching, scheduling, and performance evaluations to ensure the PMA’s standards are met.

7. Community Engagement and Strategic Outreach

• Strengthens the PMA’s role as a civic leader by embedding curatorial excellence into community partnerships, public engagement strategies, and institutional advocacy.
• Integrates inclusive perspectives into the PMA’s initiatives, ensuring accessibility and relevance across all areas of work.
• Establishes and strengthens partnerships with community and cultural institutions to expand engagement and enhance access to the PMA’s resources. 
• Represents the PMA in various forums to share best practices, highlight innovations, foster collaboration, and strengthen industry relationships. 
• Engages with community stakeholders to support initiatives that are aligned with the PMA's mission and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

8. Data and Performance Metrics

• Translates data into institutional insights, contributing to strategy refinement and resource prioritization across the PMA.
• Measures and analyzes departmental success through data collection, using key performance indicators to drive strategic improvements. 
• Reports findings regularly to the PMA Leadership and integrates insights into long-term planning.

9. Department Financial Health

• Assumes fiscal leadership of the curatorial department, integrating financial stewardship into artistic planning and institutional sustainability.
• Manages department budgets, ensuring alignment with the PMA’s goals and priorities.
• Leads a timely effort to capture, analyze, and report on departmental key performance metrics.
• Develops actionable plans to take advantage of financial opportunities and address performance concerns.
• Collaborates with the Finance team on implementing cost controls for departmental budgets.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Participates in recruiting, interviewing, and hiring staff. Manages onboarding and offboarding, scheduling, coaching, counseling, training and development, performance evaluations, discipline, documentation, and terminations, with support of Human Resources. 

Requirements

Qualifications:

• M.A., A.B.D. or Ph.D. in Art History, Museum Studies, or a related field. 
• 7-10 years of professional curatorial experience with progressive levels of responsibility is required. 
• At least 5 years of supervisor experience. 
• Expertise in the PMA’s collection of American, Contemporary, European, and Decorative Arts.
• Scholarly achievement with in-depth knowledge of European art, particularly 19th- through mid-20th-century century art, preferred.
• Extensive art historical knowledge with scholarly achievements.
• Proficiency in exhibition development and installation.
• Experience in managing art collections.
• Demonstrated ability in fundraising and donor engagement, preferred.
• Fluency in French and/or another language, preferred.
• A combination of related education, certifications, and experience may be considered.

Skills and Competencies:

• Develops and implements strategic initiatives that align with the PMA’s mission and goals.
• Communicates the PMA’s vision and goals to teams and stakeholders.
• Inspires and motivates teams through clear goals, mentorship, and constructive feedback.
• Fosters a collaborative, high-performance culture aligned with the PMA’s priorities.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with stakeholders, partners, and community organizations.
• Represents the PMA in industry forums and professional networks.
• Designs and implements initiatives that align with long-term organizational objectives.
• Integrates diverse perspectives to ensure inclusivity in program development.
• Utilizes technology, software, and tools to enhance efficiency, decision-making, and collaboration.
• Demonstrates proficiency in office productivity, task management, and performance tracking software.
• Leverages data analysis and KPI tracking to drive informed decision-making and program success.
• Manages departmental budgets, aligning operations with strategic priorities.
• Monitors expenditures and identifies opportunities for efficiency improvements.
• Identifies challenges, developing solutions, and enhancing operational effectiveness.
• Anticipates risks and mitigates obstacles.
• Manages time and balances multiple initiatives and competing priorities effectively.
• Handles sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.
• Demonstrates adaptability in navigating changing priorities and organizational needs.
• Proactively seeks learning opportunities, staying informed about industry trends and best practices.

Standards of Excellence:

• Strives to maintain a friendly and welcome attitude toward all.
• Builds positive relationships through kindness, respect, and attentiveness.
• Respects and is sensitive to diverse cultures, orientations, and perspectives.
• Supports inclusivity by promoting equity and addressing barriers.
• Communicates effectively and professionally.
• Delivers exceptional customer service in all visitor areas. 
• Works collaboratively to achieve common goals. 
• Inspires and motivates others.
• Demonstrates responsibility, reliability, and ethical behavior.
• Always follows safety protocols and procedures.

Other Requirements:

• Successfully pass a background check and any required pre-employment screenings.
• Valid State of Maine Class C driver’s license.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed to support programs and events.
• Occasional emergency response availability may be required for urgent needs or critical situations.
• Frequent regional and national travel, with international travel as needed to offsite PMA locations, partner institutions, exhibitions, acquisitions, and industry events for meetings, conferences, professional development, and research.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

 Work Environment: In-person at PMA or affiliated sites, involving office and onsite engagement. 

 Physical Demands: Frequent computer use; visual and auditory acuity; occasional lifting up to 20 lbs. 

 Exposures: Varying office and event environments; fluctuating noise levels; large meetings and events.

 Flexible Workday Agreements allowing employees to work remotely one day per week may be available to eligible employees consistent with the PMA’s Flexible Workday Policy.

Other Duties as Assigned:

 This job description outlines the primary duties, responsibilities, and expectations for this role. However, the employer reserves the right to modify or update job functions as needed to meet evolving business needs, with or without notice.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

 The PMA is committed to diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, whistleblower status, familial status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic.

 In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Maine Human Rights Act, the PMA provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities unless doing so would result in undue hardship. This policy covers all employment practices, including the application process. For accommodation requests, please contact the PMA’s Human Resources department.