Position Profile

Executive Director

Association of Art Museum Curators 

& AAMC Foundation (AAMC)

New York, NY

Museum Search & Reference is leading the search for the next Executive Director of the Association of Art Museum Curators & AAMC Foundation (AAMC), a professional development and membership organization dedicated to advancing the curatorial field. Established in 2001 based in New York City, AAMC delivers impactful thought partnership and professional development programs that support and lift up the voices of nonprofit art curators. AAMC is the leading membership association for curators across the world and well-known for its annual Art Curators Conference. At an inflection point in its evolution, AAMC is re-examining its core mission and identity, charting a strategic and cogent path forward that prioritizes a high level of operational excellence, greater visibility on a national and international level, a healthy revenue mix, an active membership, and an engaged Board of Directors. 

ABOUT AAMC & AAMC FOUNDATION

AAMC supports, values, and advocates for the work of nonprofit art curators at all stages of their careers through leadership, connectivity, and advocacy, forwarding the role and impact of curators as agents of change, social impact, and cross-cultural understanding and currently serving an international community of over 1,500 members across more than 40 countries, AAMC’s strategic plan oulines three areas of focus:  Advancing the impact and range of the organization’s initiatives that create networks, leadership training, and advancement for nonprofit art curators in service of the field; amplifying the organization’s mission and reach through a re-envisioning of its name and institutional identity,  along with a reflection on its own structure and capacity; and by building resiliancy by ensuring the viability and sustainability of the curatorial profession and the organization. 

AAMC Foundation grew out of the Forum of Curators and Conservators at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), a recognized, non-union body of more than 100 members. In response to news of staff reorganizations at several major US museums, members of the Forum created an ad hoc committee to explore the feasibility of a national organization of museum curators in 1999. Over the course of two and a half years, prominent curators at The Met drafted the mission statement and by-laws of the proposed organization. In April 2001, they held a meeting in New York, attended by representatives from a dozen American art museums, during which they voted the organization into existence. At the same time, members of the Forum's ad hoc committee worked closely with prominent members of the Association of Art Museum Directors (AAMD), and in 2000, The Met’s Presidents Council held a formal discussion with senior curators regarding the establishment of the Association of Art Museum Curators (AAMC), the first time that curators were invited to speak to this committee. In Spring 2001, the formation of the AAMC was announced at the American Federation of Arts, and in June 2002, more than 300 curators from across the United States attended the first AAMC convention held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. 

Over the past 10 years, AAMC has successfully increased its annual operating budget to its current $1 million by securing major grants including first-time awards from NEA and IMLS; and through the introduction of field initiatives including Curatorial Digital Leadership and the Propel and Professional Alliance for Curators of Color fellowship programs, and professional development guides, including the well-regarded Professional Practices for Nonprofit Art Curators. Its four-person NYC-based staff is supported and guided by a 19+ person Board of Directors including leaders at major museums including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, J. Paul Getty Museum, Asia Society Museum, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. A committee of museum and museum adjacent professionals work together with AAMC’s staff to produce its hallmark annual Art Curators Conference offering a compelling snapshot into the issues and challenges faced by curators today. The Art Curators Conference celebrates its 23rd year with a return to New York City in May 2025. AAMC shares its offices on Lexington Avenue and E 32nd in Manhattan with the Art Dealers Association. For more information, visit www.artcurators.org.

The organization’s work is grounded on diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and belonging (DEIA/B) and seeks to recognize the full breadth of a person’s lived experience and self-identification inclusive of a range of socio-economic backgrounds.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The AAMC & AAMC Foundation approaches its 25th anniversary with the opportunity to refine and re-define its ability to serve the field through the development of accessible and impactful programs and its highly regarded annual conference connecting curators across the world.  At present, AAMC, as a 501(c)6, and AAMC Foundation, as a 501(c)3 will require the new Executive Director to facilitate the decision-making process and resolution of the organization’s name, identity and structure at the onset of their arrival.

As AAMC’s identity takes on more clarity, the Executive Director will step into the opportunity to chart a well-founded course for the organization with an energetic and passionate vision, and a collaborative, inclusive, and generative mindset. This opportunity will appeal to a visionary and seasoned field leader and arts advocate with exceptional management, operational, and fundraising skills. They will be well-networked as a natural connector and relationship-builder with established colleagues throughout the field in museums and adjacent cultural spaces. Importantly, the new Executive Director will be business-minded and possess a high level of managerial and administrative acumen with which to address the current organizational position and realize AAMC’s aspirational goals, galvanizing an influential network of worldwide members. 

Further, the Executive Director will serve as an empathetic advocate for the professional growth and mentorship of its small, relatively junior staff, as well as a continual champion for the professional development of others in the field, particularly curators of color. 

RESPONSIBILITIES AND EXPECTATIONS

The broad strategic priorities of this position will require the incoming Executive Director to engage in a comprehensive organizational assessment to develop a deep understanding of the issues, challenges, and opportunities inherent in the field at this stage of the organization, and to identify and prioritize key strategies to ensure the administrative, operational, and programmatic rightsizing of the organization. An early expectation will be the facilitation of the work around the organization’s name, identity and structure. The new Executive Director will then be able to effectively assess capacity and re-orient and scaffold support and programming to effectively address the key opportunities outlined in the current strategic plan while addressing and resolving structural challenges. A thoughtful Board Development plan that prioritizes transparent and consistent communications will be necessary to ensure the effective utilization of Board talents and leverage their relationships in the field. The successful leader will be an adept and collaborative facilitator of communications between diverse groups and constituents including institutional partners, Board, committee members, and curators at large, as well as an extensive alumni network. The Director will support the interests and continued development of AAMC’s staff through active mentorship and direct communications.

• Lead, inspire, and activate the potential of the organization and its mission as its key spokesperson, engage AAMC’s Board of Trustees, including Past Presidents and Ex-Officio members, and provide direction and support to a variety of Board Committees including Conference/Benefit, Fundraising, Finance, and Governance & Nominating.
• Strategically direct the administrative and management functions of AAMC Foundation, installing and overseeing key leadership to support the annual conference, as well as operational areas that include membership, outreach, communications, virtual programming, fundraising, programmatic activities, financial operations, and special projects, working closely with Board Committees and Board leadership.
• Actively participate in fundraising at all levels and develop a comprehensive development plan to guide and synergize fundraising efforts among diverse stakeholders, board and committee members, staff, and other constituents, while modeling best practices for more junior staff and others involved in donor-building initiatives.
• Provide strategic oversight of the organization’s programs by working proactively and collaboratively with staff and other partners and organizations in the field, primarily regionally and nationally, to broaden professional development opportunities for art museum curators and adjacent professionals. Current programs include the Art Curators Conference, the Propel Program (mid-career mentorship and peer-learning cohorts), and Professional Alliance for Curators of Color.
• Develop and finalize approval of the organization’s annual budget as well as oversee financial records and the yearly audit process with the Finance Committee and Vice President, Finance.
• Provide direct oversight to three full-time staff members: Senior Program Manager, Program Assistant, and Development and Office Administrator, mentoring and supporting their success and well-being as well as evaluating performance on a regular basis, along with contract staff including a Grant writer and Conference Producer.
• Engage the Board of Directors, working closely with multiple committees to ensure a high level of understanding and information-sharing across the Board and its committees, including staff where appropriate. Serve as a key thought partner in AAMC’s Board Development strategy, working with the Board President and Committee leaders to develop initiatives and offerings that advance and support future Board leaders, both to AAMC and in the field at large.
• Maintain active collaboration with professional organizations including College Art Association, Association of Art Museum Directors, American Alliance of Museums, and the Association of Academic Museums and Galleries, engaging in advocacy issues important to members.

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, AND ATTRIBUTES

• • B.A. in Art History or Business Administration, with an advanced degree preferred, focused on arts administration or in a related field.
  • At least seven years’ experience working in a related capacity in the field, experience in an art museum and/or another arts association preferred. Previous experience in a membership-based organization helpful.

• A demonstrated track record of successful board development and management in a similar organizational setting.

• A strong knowledge of, and experience with, fundraising and development (especially individual donors and corporate giving) for arts-based organizations, and an understanding of the structures and networks of donors and supporters that occupy the museum funding ecosystem.
• A passionate, proactive, undeterred, and compelling arts advocate, and an inspiring public speaker comfortable with visibility. Innovative and resourceful, a networked generalist.
• Connections throughout the field and industry with generative peer and collegial relationships.
• Emotional intelligence and strong written and verbal communication skills that engage diverse audiences. 
• Successful supervisory experience along with progressive organizational, communication, and team-building skills. Comfortable with delegation, evaluation, and mentorship, exhibiting a collaborative and generous mindset. Knowledge and comfort with progressive human resources practices.
• Financial management skills and experience with budget analysis and development.
• Knowledge of current best practices for art-association oversight and management through a relevant combination of skills, experience, and education, and familiarity with the tenets of professional practice in the field as articulated by the American Alliance of Museums, the Association of Art Museum Directors, and other related professional organizations.

Research shows that women and individuals from under-represented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.

COMPENSATION

• $168,000 – $182,000 per annum (commensurate with experience).
• AAMC offers a competitive benefits package, including retirement, health coverage, and a relocation stipend.
• The position is based in New York City and requires residence in the immediate region.
• The position offers a hybrid work opportunity with a recommended schedule of three days on-site and two days remote, recognizing that meetings and other commitments may vary within this schedule. 

HOW TO APPLY

To apply in confidence, submit the following materials via email to Suzanne Tan, Senior Search Consultant, Museum Search & Reference at [email protected].

1) A letter expressing interest in this position and giving brief examples of past related experience

2) A résumé or C.V.

3) The names of three references with contact information

Submit application by December 27, 2024. Applicants are encouraged to apply early as candidates will be considered on a rolling basis. References will not be contacted without prior authorization. Nominations are welcome. EO/EA employer.

For additional information visit: http://museum-search.com/open-searches/.

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