The Morgan Library & Museum seeks an experienced and dynamic curator of Ancient Western Asian Seals and Tablets. The curator is responsible for the care, research, and presentation of the rare and archival material that comprises the Department of Ancient Western Seals and Tablets. Additional responsibilities include researching the collection; supporting the work of outside researchers; hosting class visits and other educational activities, such as public programs and tours; cultivating donors and fundraising opportunities, and organizing exhibitions. Interacting with the general public is a primary function. This position may be filled at either the Assistant or Associate Curator level, depending on experience and skills. The Assistant or Associate Curator may supervise an assistant, intern, or fellow.
- In concert with colleagues in other departments, ensure the care, maintenance, and protection of all collection materials on exhibition, in the reading room, or in storage.
- Conduct and/or supervise all research related to the collection.
- Plan, develop and coordinate exhibitions.
- Engage the public in learning about the collection and related topics by developing, coordinating, and participating in public and educational programs at all levels.
- Oversee the department’s visiting committee; develop and participate in programs to increase support for the Morgan.
- Participate in decision process for (a) accepting or rejecting donations and (b) potential purchases of rare, archival, or collection- related material.
- Prepare reports concerning the collection and departmental activities as requested.
- Prepare annual budget and attend to departmental administrative activities as needed.
- May develop projects for, train, and supervise an assistant, interns or fellows.
- Graduate degree in art history with an emphasis on ancient Western Asian art and archeology; a focus on cylinder seals and tablets preferred.
- Experience in a museum or special collection setting and/or an academic field of art history (a minimum of 2-3 years at the Assistant level; more than 5 years to be considered for the Associate level). Curatorial experience in ancient Western Asian art is preferred.
- Archaeological field work experience is preferred but not essential.
- Knowledge of public and private collections of ancient Western Asian material.
- Knowledge of ancient Western Asian glyptic, history, and languages is desirable, as is a reading knowledge of French, German, and Italian and an understanding of cuneiform and the languages that use it such as Sumerian and Akkadian.
- General knowledge of art history and its methodology with a specialization in the ancient world.
- Ability to communicate with the public through lectures, gallery talks, workshops, and other means.
- Ability to represent the Morgan Library & Museum in the academic and public spheres and to advocate for the art of ancient Western Asia.
- Commitment to collaboration and teamwork.
- Ability to travel occasionally for research, courier duties, or colloquia is required.
- Proficiency with the Windows environment (especially Microsoft Office, including PowerPoint), Gmail, and Google Drive.
- Skill in preparing rare materials for exhibition and educational purposes, including making impressions of cylinder and stamp seals.
Assistant Curator $65,000 to $69,000; Associate Curator $75,000 to $82,000, commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits plan.
Please send a cover letter, résumé including language proficiencies, and names of three references, to: ancientwesternjob@themorgan.org