Curator of Paintings, Sculpture, and Works on Paper | Fort Worth, TX

Position Description 

Position: Curator of Paintings, Sculpture, and Works on Paper 

Reports to: Director of Collections and Exhibitions 

Revision Date: July 2025 

Classification: Salaried Exempt 

Introduction 

The Amon Carter Museum of American Art (the Carter) is one of the country’s leading museums of American art. The collection includes significant holdings of nineteenth-century American landscape painting and Beaux Arts painting and sculpture, great depth in the work of Frederic Remington and Charles Russell, excellent examples of twentieth-century American modernism, and deep holdings of works on paper from the nineteenth century through the present day. Recent acquisitions include works by Ruth Asawa, Cecilia Beaux, Esther Hernandez, Edmonia Lewis, Norman Lewis, Thomas Moran, Henry Ossawa Tanner, and Benjamin West, as well as an unpublished archive of John Kensett works on paper. The Museum’s Archives and Library offer rich resources for research and exhibition possibilities.   

Position Description 

The Curator of Paintings, Sculpture, and Works on Paper will collaborate with the Director of Collections and Exhibitions, curators, and other exhibitions and collections staff to develop and implement an ambitious curatorial vision that advances the mission, values, and strategic objectives of the Amon Carter Museum of American Art.  

The Curator will take a leadership role in the care, interpretation, exhibition, stewardship, and growth of the Carter’s collection, with a specific focus on paintings, sculpture, and works on paper of the nineteenth century and historical Western collection. The Curator will also be an advocate for community engagement, the Carter’s role as a center of new research and learning, and for enhancing the Carter’s position as a center for cultural life in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and beyond.  

Responsibilities 

• Lead the study, care, display, interpretation, record keeping, lending, and publication of the collection of nineteenth-century paintings, sculpture, and works on paper as well as the Museum’s founding collection of works by Frederic Remington and Charles Russell. 

• Develop and collaboratively manage exhibitions and rotations from initial idea to completion. 

• Publish and present original research on the Museum’s collection and exhibitions in formats including exhibition catalogues, scholarly and public presentations, journal articles, the Museum’s website, and more. 

• Establish strong ties with local communities and partners as well as with a wider network of artists, collectors, donors, patrons, galleries, universities, and arts organizations. 

• Take a proactive role in the Museum’s culture of philanthropy. 

• Build the collection through gifts and purchases in collaboration with the curatorial team, the development department, and the Museum’s leadership team. 

• Work in close partnership with the conservation department to regularly assess the conservation needs of the collection. 

• Provide curatorial oversight of the care, handling, movement, and storage of the permanent collection and art loaned for exhibition and acquisition consideration. 

• Participate on occasion in the Carter’s presentation of contemporary art, creating connections between the Museum’s historic collection and innovative modes of contemporary artistic practice.  

• Collaborate with the education department to support the Carter’s interpretive program in permanent collection galleries and for exhibitions organized or booked by the Museum. 

• Participate in programs related to the Museum’s collection and exhibitions including presentations, gallery tours, public programs, cultivation events, frontline staff and docent training, and other special events.  

• Work with communications/marketing to provide information on the collection, exhibitions, or other areas of American art to media outlets. 

• Respond to inquiries from the public.  

• Serve as a mentor for junior colleagues as well as for interns and fellows. 

• Maintain professional affiliations in scholarly and professional organizations.   

• Serve on Museum committees as requested. 

Skills and Requirements 

• Expertise in nineteenth-century American art and/or art of the American West. 

• Substantial research and publication history, including the development and completion of at least two major exhibitions and/or publications. 

• Demonstrated commitment to positive collaboration with Museum colleagues and community engagement. 

• Proven experience working closely with donors, collectors, trustees, and Museum members to assure long-term support for the Museum, its collection, curatorial programs, and community. 

• History of successful grant-writing abilities.  

• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.  

• A charismatic communicator, able to build enthusiasm for the Museum, its exhibitions, and its programs across diverse audiences. 

• Strong professional network and  reputation in the field.  

Key Characteristics/Traits 

• Collaborative 

• Critical thinker and creative problem solver 

• Ambitious 

• Energetic 

• Diplomatic 

• Willingness to receive and provide constructive feedback 

• Excellent time management 

• Accuracy and attention to detail 

• Celebrates the success of others 

• Flexibility and sensitivity to work with diverse personalities and situations 

• Good negotiation and project management skills 

• Flexible approach to work and evolving situations 

Qualifications/Education 

• Advanced degree in art history or American Studies (with specialization in the painting, sculpture, photography, or works on paper) required; Ph.D. preferred 

• Minimum seven years’ experience as a curator of American paintings, sculpture, works on paper or photography collection(s) 

• Substantial scholarly publication records, including numerous catalogue essays, scholarly articles, etc. Lead author/editor of at least one book or exhibition catalogue; two or more desired. 

• Significant record of curating exhibitions, including at least two major exhibitions. 

• Demonstrated success in negotiating loans  

• Record of Public Speaking including as invited lecturer/panelist at outside organizations  

• Experience with automated collection management systems  

• Ability to develop and execute a sustainable multi-year program, including experience setting and managing budgets. 

• Record of sustained fundraising and cultivation efforts 

• Demonstrated record of positive interaction with museum leadership, including Trustees 

• Demonstrated record of positive collaboration with museum colleagues.   

• History of significant acquisitions 

• Experience writing grants  

• Proven professional involvement in the field 

• Proficiency in MS Office applications  

• Supervisory experience and/or history of mentoring interns and fellows 

Other Job Requirements 

• Ability to maintain a high level of professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.  

• Strong computer ability, including MS Office and collection management software. 

• Successful completion of post-offer background, pre-employment drug screen and MVR. 

• Smart phone required. 

Salary/Pay Range: $95,000 to $104,000 

Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100 percent of the qualifications. We recognize that it is unlikely that an applicant meets 100 percent 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.  

The Carter is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, the Carter will ensure that people with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodation. If reasonable accommodation is needed in this process, please contact hr@cartermuseum.org.