Nancy Inman and Marlene Nathan Meyerson Curator of Photography - The University of Texas at Austin
Location: Austin, TX
Salary: $74,000+ depending on experience
Employment Term: Full-time
Employer Contact: hr@hrc.utexas.edu
Job Details:
About the Harry Ransom Center:
The Ransom Center is an internationally renowned humanities research library and museum at The University of Texas at Austin. Its extensive collections provide unique insight into the creative process of writers and artists, deepening our understanding and appreciation of literature, photography, film, art, and the performing arts. Visitors engage with the Center's collections through research and study, exhibitions, publications, and a rich variety of program offerings including readings, talks, symposia, and film screenings. The Ransom Center encourages discovery, inspires creativity, and advances understanding of the humanities for a broad audience through the preservation and sharing of its extraordinary collections. The Ransom Center welcomes and respects all individuals and communities by valuing and maintaining awareness of under-represented perspectives and experiences. To learn more about our institutional mission and values, visit: https://www.hrc.utexas.edu/about/#mission-values.
Purpose
The Nancy Inman and Marlene Nathan Meyerson Curator of Photography provides leadership and curatorial support for the Ransom Center’s internationally renowned photography collections, including promoting access to and use of the collections and interpreting them for the Center’s broad audiences.
Responsibilities
- Engages in interpretive activities such as teaching, developing exhibitions, writing, speaking, and tours that promote a greater understanding of the Ransom Center’s photography holdings. Participates in development activities and strategic planning in support of the photography collections and in the preparation of grant applications.
- Selects materials to expand and strengthen the photography holdings. Works with the Director and Associate Director for Administration and Curatorial Affairs to refine and interpret policies for the development of the collections, taking into account existing strengths, trends in scholarship, and classroom use of collection materials. Builds relationships with collection donors, creative figures, and dealers.
- Provides specialized reference support for researchers working in the photography collections, collaborating closely with Research Services staff. Participates in the scholarly life of the institution by engaging with researchers and fellows and contributing to the annual review of fellowship applications.
- Works with Preservation & Conservation staff to establish treatment and preventative conservation priorities for the photography collections.
- In collaboration with Library Technical and Digital Services staff, promotes enhanced access to the photography collections by consulting on cataloging and digitization priorities and projects, including grant-funded initiatives.
- Contributes to the broader institutional mission and work of the Ransom Center by participating in regular meetings with the Center’s curatorial group, serving on Ransom Center committees, and collaborating with colleagues across the Center.
- Represents the Ransom Center within professional and scholarly communities and serves as a liaison with relevant faculty at The University of Texas at Austin.
Required Qualifications
- Advanced degree in Art History or a related field, with a specialization in the history of photography.
- Three years or more of experience working with photography collections in an archival library or museum setting. Familiarity with best practices in museums and archives.
- Demonstrated strength in collection-based research.
- Experience curating exhibitions and developing programs.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, with a record of successful publications.
- Demonstrated experience giving presentations to scholarly audiences, classes, and other broad, public audiences.
Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Preferred Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Art History or a related field, with a specialization in the history of photography.
- Five or more years of experience working with photography collections in a college or university museum or library setting.
- Experience with collection development.
- Experience with library or museum content management systems.
- Experience with fundraising, grant writing, and donor cultivation.
- Experience with strategic planning.
Salary Range
$74,000+, depending on qualifications
Working Conditions
- May work around standard office conditions
- Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
- Lifting and moving (must be able to lift 20 lbs)
- Climbing of ladders
- Use of manual dexterity
- May work in all weather conditions
- Requires interacting directly with the public.
- May work around standard office conditions.
- Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.
- Requires some standing and movement in a gallery space.
- Must be able to type at a keyboard and tear receipts as needed.
Work Shift
-
Standard M-F, 40 hours per week, with the possibility of flexible scheduling and remote opportunities.
Required Materials
- Resume/CV
- 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
- Letter of interest