Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia)

Assistant or Associate Curator of Native American Art

Department of the Art of the Americas

Full-time, exempt, union

Salary Range: $65,000 - $92,000

Onsite; eligible for relocation assistance

The Job

To develop, research, exhibit, and publish Mia’s collections of Native American art.

 In this role, you will….

1. Interpret the museum’s collections of Native American art through permanent collection gallery displays and didactic materials. Propose and oversee regular gallery rotations. Speak publicly about the museum’s collection and provide training for museum guides so that they can accurately and knowledgeably represent the collection. 

2. Conduct research and mount special exhibitions, with accompanying publications that add to the field of knowledge about Native American art. Such exhibitions should be of the scale of Cargill and/or US Bank Galleries, but do not preclude larger-scale shows. 

3. Oversee the care and preservation of the collection by ensuring proper and responsible handling and installation of objects and by recommending objects for conservation treatment. Participate in the museum’s efforts to secure funding for conservation initiatives. 

4. Locate, research, and propose acquisition of Native American works of art that significantly augment the museum’s existing collections. Review the museum collections of Native American art for potential deaccessions. Maintain a current knowledge of the art market and professional relations with art dealers. 

5. Develop and coordinate lectures and activities pertaining to Native American art for the museum’s Native American Art Affinity Group. Foster and maintain relationships with trustees, collectors, potential donors, and the general public, including community outreach.

6. Actively participate in broader museum initiatives through committees or specially formed teams. 

7.Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required or assigned, including assisting the head of the department as assigned.

To be successful in this role, you have…

· Demonstrated ability to work independently and coordinate complex projects to completion

· Excellent written and verbal communication and organizational skills

· Team skills and ability to work effectively and positively with staff, trustees, and all other internal and external contacts

· Ability to build positive and effective relationships with donors and the broader community

Specific Requirements

· M.A. in the field of Art History with specialization in Native American art & culture; Ph.D. desirable.

· Proficiency in applicable languages. 

· Minimum of 3 years of employment in a collection-based curatorial department with direct experience in the area of Native American art, including proven record of organizing exhibitions and producing publications of high quality. 

· Demonstrated ability to write interpretive material

· Significant demonstrated art historical research skills and experience

* Ability to travel 15-20%

Mia Culture

The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) is an audience-centered, equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone is welcome. Mia is Mission Driven, Generous, Agile, Emotionally Aware, and Positive, and endeavors to create a workplace culture where staff are responsible to one another, to our visitors, and to themselves to do the best work possible.

Mia is committed to championing policies and practices that value diversity, foster equity, and empower an accessible and inclusive environment. Our strength lies in the diversity among the broad range of people who contribute their time and talents to Mia. We consider inclusion and accessibility a driver of institutional excellence and seek out diversity of participation, thought, and action. It is our aim, therefore, that our employees, trustees, interns, and volunteers reflect and embrace these core values.

Mia is recognized by the Age-Friendly Institute’s Certified Age Friendly Employer (CAFE) program that identifies organizations committed to being the best places to work for employees aged 50+. 

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION / EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minneapolis Institute of Art

HR Operations Manager

Exempt, Full-time 

Salary: $70,000 – $75,000

Onsite

Come work in an environment that is not only beautiful to be in but also offers the cultural experience you have been looking for! The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) is the perfect place for that individual that believes work can be both fun and rewarding. Our vision is to inspire wonder through the power of art. Our Employees are not only passionate about art, but also passionate about what they do.

We are searching for a Human Resources Operations Generalist that will support the HR department in delivering operational excellence and strategic initiatives. This role combines HR generalist responsibilities with operational support, data analysis, and project and change management to enhance employee experience and drive organizational outcomes.

What Will You Do:

• Lead the full recruitment and hiring process, including job postings, interviews, background checks, onboarding, and offboarding, collaborating closely with managers.

• Enter bi-weekly payroll processing for Security and serves as a full backup for payroll and benefits processes.

• Lead and support compliance education, processes and projects that reduce risk, build awareness, and promote organizational compliance.

• Coordinate training and professional development activities.

• Assist in the development, administration and training of benefits and wellness programs.

• Handle employee relations cases of low to medium complexity.

• Design and support internship and fellowship programs in partnership with the DEI Executive Assistant.

• Maintain the Human Resource Information System (HRIS) by accurately updating employee records for new hires, terminations, and changes.

• Support HR projects including staff engagement surveys, performance reviews, job description updates, digitizing paper processes, and HR department procedures and communications.

• Prepare a variety reports, dashboards, and HR metrics for compliance purposes and share data insights to HR to help inform business decisions.

• Lead all required HR reporting - this includes answering all audit requests, ensuring HR data integrity and accuracy, communicating goals and requirements to management, and generating and submitting various HR reports and forms. In addition, monitors compliance and progress toward plan goals.

• Identify and problem solve process, resource, and HR issues while maintaining positive internal relationships.

• Documentation of HR processes and tasks. Generate regular progress reports, evaluate project outcomes against established metrics and objectives, identify lessons learned and areas for improvement, and present outcomes and recommendations.

To be Successful You Have:

Skills/Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Psychology or other related field (or equivalent experience) 

Required: 

• 3–5 years experience in HR, talent acquisition, and/or HR operations role

• Proven experience in recruitment and hiring, HR policy and employment law compliance, HR project management, reporting and process improvement 

• Confidentiality: Skilled at handling sensitive information with discretion and integrity

• Attention to Detail: Accuracy in maintaining employee records, processing payroll, and ensuring compliance

• Technical Skills: Proficient in HRIS systems, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides)

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal and presentation skills with ability to work well with all levels in the organization 

• Interpersonal Skills: Collaborative mindset with the ability to build positive working relationships across all levels, ability to build relationships, resolve conflicts, and foster a positive and supportive work environment

• Analytic Skills: Ability to interpret and report on HR data

• Project Management Skills: Proactive, organized, and able to successfully manage multiple priorities

• Problem-Solving Skills: Effective identification and resolution of HR-related issues

• Adaptability Skills: Ability to adjust to changing priorities in a dynamic HR environment

Preferred:

• Ceridian Dayforce experience

• Experience working with union contracts and in a union environment

• PHR Certified Professional (PHR-CP)

Mia Culture

The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) is an audience-centered, equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone is welcome. Mia is Mission Driven, Generous, Agile, Emotionally Aware, and Positive, and endeavors to create a workplace culture where staff are responsible to one another, to our visitors, and to themselves to do the best work possible.

Mia Benefits and Perks

Health and Wellness: Mia offers comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, paid life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, and vision coverage. We have a wellness and employee assistance program to support your overall wellbeing.

Financial Security: We provide financial peace of mind with a variety of options, including a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for health expenses and a Dependent Care Account (DCA) for dependent care expenses.  Our 403(b) Retirement + Savings Plan includes a percentage of salary contribution from Mia after two years of employment (and minimum hours and age eligibility requirements are met).

Additional Perks: In addition to paid vacation, personal, sick days, enjoy a balanced work-life with a 37.5-hour work week and 13 paid holidays. 

Join Mia and enjoy a workplace that values your health, financial security, and personal development, all while contributing to a vibrant cultural institution.

Discovery Days Volunteers at The Minneapolis Institute of Art

Overview:

As a Discovery Days Volunteer at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, you will play a vital role in providing engaging and educational experiences for K-5 students visiting our museum. You will facilitate discussions and activities with young people and inspire them to explore and appreciate art. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the cultural enrichment of children through volunteer service.

We are seeking greater diversity in our volunteer guide program to better reflect the demographics of the schools we serve. We want students to see themselves at the museum.

Education staff prepare talking points, discussion questions, and activities for volunteers. Training will be provided on art engagement techniques and strategies, grade-age characteristics, DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion), cultural fluency, and content specific to Discovery Days.

Commitment:

1. Volunteer as a Discovery Days Volunteer for a minimum of one year, renewable each year. 
2. Volunteer for a four-hour shift (typically 9:30 am -1:30 pm), on Wednesdays, at least two times per month throughout the year, especially January through May and July.
3. Participate in an initial five-session onsite training and ongoing training and professional development.
4. Maintain regular attendance and fulfill scheduled volunteer shifts to ensure the success of Discovery Days.
5. Serve the museum's mission of “enriching the community by collecting, preserving, and making accessible outstanding works of art from the world’s diverse cultures.”

Duties:

1. Facilitate object-centered discussions and hands-on activities for groups of K-5 learners and other museum visitors at Discovery stations and in the galleries on Discovery Days. 
2. Tailor interactions to the age group and interests of visiting school children (K-5).
3. Utilize multimedia resources, props, and hands-on activities to enhance the educational experience.
4. Adapt facilitation strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities.
5. Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment that encourages students to be curious and creative, and to connect global art to their own lives. 
6. Maintain a safe environment during Discovery Days, ensuring the well-being of students and artwork.
7. Provide excellent customer service to school groups, educators, and museum visitors.

Skills and Abilities:

1. A desire to share a passion for art and learning with children in kindergarten to fifth grade.
2. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with diverse audiences.
3. Experience, confidence, and comfort with speaking with children. 
4. Patience and empathy when working with children.
5. Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and independently with minimal supervision.
6. Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and managing multiple tasks simultaneously.
7. Ability to use technology including chat/text messaging for communication and iPads for gallery activities.

Additional Preferences:

1. Proficiency in Spanish, Somali, Hmong, or ASL 
2. Previous experience working with children in an educational or museum setting.
3. Enjoyment of interacting with young learners and creating memorable educational experiences.
4. Demonstrated ability to connect with children and inspire their curiosity and creativity.

Requirements:

1. At least 18 years old.
2. High school diploma or equivalent; college coursework preferred.
3. Availability to volunteer between the hours of 9:30 am and 1:30 pm on Wednesdays.
4. Completion of a criminal background check as required by state regulations.
5. Commitment to upholding the museum's mission, values, and code of conduct.

Physical Requirements:

1. Ability to remain in a stationary position
2. Ability to move about to accomplish tasks and move throughout the galleries
3. Capable of lifting and carrying lightweight educational materials or props as needed.
4. Stamina to maintain energy and enthusiasm throughout the duration of Discovery Days, which may last up to four hours.

Volunteers enjoy free admission to special exhibitions, discounts at the cafe and store, ongoing continuing education, and more. Join our team as a volunteer and make a lasting impact on the next generation of art enthusiasts.

Volunteer Positions at Mia

We deeply appreciate the time and effort that our volunteers dedicate to helping us fulfill our mission of promoting and preserving art in our community.

Please note that volunteering at Mia is a valuable way to contribute to our work and gain experience in the museum environment. However, being a volunteer does not serve as a pathway to paid employment within the museum and is separate from our hiring process. We encourage those seeking employment to regularly check our website and other job postings for available opportunities.

This is a pivotal moment for the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia). As one of the nation's finest and largest encyclopedic museums, with a world-renowned collection of over 100,000 objects spanning 5,000 years of human creativity, Mia is poised for its next chapter of growth and impact. The museum seeks a collaborative and forward-thinking Chief of Curatorial Affairs and Exhibitions to provide the intellectual and strategic leadership that will elevate its collections and exhibition programs to new heights of international distinction and local relevance.

 The new Chief will be a key steward of Mia's strategic pillars of excellence, inclusion, and sustainability. The successful candidate will join a dynamic leadership team committed to inspiring wonder through the power of art and ensuring Mia is a vital, accessible, and welcoming resource for all. This position transcends the traditional role of divisional oversight; it is an opportunity to fundamentally shape how a major American museum activates its collection, engages its diverse communities, and defines its role in the 21st century.

This leader will balance deep art-historical knowledge and creative vision with the practical demands of execution, fostering a culture of scholarly rigor, innovation, and cross-departmental collaboration. They will have the unique opportunity to lead a distinguished team of curators and develop a slate of internationally important exhibitions that will help to define the museum's public-facing identity.

Reporting directly to the Director and President, the Chief of Curatorial Affairs and Exhibitions is a senior leadership team member responsible for the overall direction, strategy, and management of the Curatorial Division. This executive provides the intellectual vision for the museum's permanent collection and its ambitious special exhibition program. They will manage and develop exhibition budgets, a generous acquisitions endowment, and be directly involved with planning for the reinstallation of Mia’s permanent collection.

Key Responsibilities 

The Chief of Curatorial Affairs and Exhibitions will be responsible for providing strategic direction and operational leadership across five key areas:

Strategic and Visionary Leadership

 · In partnership with the Director and President, establish and drive the overarching intellectual vision for the Curatorial Division, ensuring its goals and activities are fully integrated with Mia's strategic pillars of excellence, inclusion, and sustainability.

· Champion a culture of innovation, intellectual curiosity, and rigorous scholarship, encouraging new approaches to research, interpretation, and the presentation of Mia's encyclopedic collection that challenge conventions and engage contemporary audiences.

· Foster a deeply collaborative environment, leading cross-functional teams and building collegial working relationships with all museum divisions and other partners and stakeholders to achieve unified institutional goals.

· Serve as a compelling and articulate Spokesperson for Mia’s curatorial vision, effectively communicating its importance and strategic direction to Board of Trustees, staff, donors, and the public.

· Oversee the division’s budget development, ensuring the strategic planning and prioritization of all curatorial projects, acquisitions, and exhibitions are aligned with institutional resources and priorities, reflecting a commitment to long-term financial sustainability.

 Collections Strategy and Stewardship

 · Refine and implement a dynamic, multi-year collections plan that strategically guides the growth of Mia's collection of more than 100,000 objects. This includes a heightened focus on strategic priorities for outstanding acquisitions and thoughtfully managed deaccessions, informed by an active understanding of the global art market and a deep commitment to strengthening the collection's narratives to better reflect global histories and the communities Mia serves.

· Lead the acquisitions process with Curatorial Chairs, presenting proposed acquisitions to the Director and relevant committees with compelling, research-backed justifications that articulate their art-historical significance and alignment with the museum's strategic goals.

· Champion the highest standards of collections stewardship, including rigorous provenance research, ethical collections management, and the development of digital strategies to enhance scholarly and public access to the collection online, thereby extending Mia's reach and impact.

· Provide curatorial leadership for gallery re-installations and capital projects, working with senior leadership and architectural partners to re-imagine the presentation of the permanent collection in ways that are engaging, accessible, and reflect contemporary scholarship and community perspectives.

 Exhibition and Programmatic Innovation

 · Conceive, develop, and execute a balanced and dynamic exhibition program that achieves both scholarly excellence and broad public resonance, enhancing Mia's national and international reputation. This program will be a direct expression of the museum's strategic pillars, presenting art-historically significant exhibitions that are inclusive in their content and accessible to a wide range of audiences.

· Drive the long-range planning for major, internationally-important special exhibitions, with a particular focus on ambitious projects for the next ten years that will capture the public imagination and make significant contributions to the field.

· Actively leverage professional networks to secure high-profile exhibition partnerships with peer museums worldwide, bringing world-class traveling exhibitions to Minneapolis and developing compelling exhibitions from Mia's collection to travel to other venues.

· Ensure that the exhibition program aligns with institutional goals for significant audience growth, community engagement, and financial sustainability, working collaboratively across the museum to maximize impact and revenue opportunities.

Team Leadership and Mentorship

 · Lead, develop, and inspire a highly talented team of 5 department Chairs and 16 curators, fostering their professional growth, scholarly pursuits, and contributions to the museum field.

· Establish clear goals and performance metrics for the Curatorial Division, embedding strategic planning within the team's work and monitoring progress toward divisional and institutional objectives.

· Champion Mia's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the division, actively working to build an inclusive team culture and ensuring that curatorial practices, from acquisitions to interpretation, reflect these core values.

· Conduct regular performance reviews, provide constructive feedback, and support the professional development of all curatorial staff through mentorship and opportunities for research, travel, and publication.

 External Relations and Advancement

 · Serve as a key representative of the museum in the community and on the national and international stage, building and strengthening relationships with peer institutions, cultural organizations, and scholars.

· In close collaboration with the Director, Deputy Director, and Chief Advancement Officer, actively cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major donors, collectors, and patrons on Mia's behalf, connecting their philanthropic interests with the museum's strategic needs.

· In collaboration with Advancement division staff, play a leading role in securing financial support for exhibitions, acquisitions, research, and other key curatorial initiatives from individuals, foundations, and government sources.

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

The ideal candidate will be a proven and respected leader in the museum field, possessing a sophisticated blend of scholarly expertise, strategic acumen, and interpersonal skills. The Chief will be a visionary thinker with a deep commitment to the role of art in society and the capacity to inspire both their team and the museum's many stakeholders. Successful candidates may come from a variety of backgrounds and will bring several of the following:

Professional Experience

· A minimum of 10-15 years of progressively responsible leadership experience within an art museum, preferably with an encyclopedic collection.

· A distinguished record of scholarship and research in a relevant field of art history, with a Ph.D. strongly preferred; a Master of Arts is required.

· Demonstrated success in conceiving and executing art-historically significant exhibitions of high quality that have achieved both critical acclaim and public engagement.

· A proven track record of strategic collection development, including significant acquisitions through gift and purchase, and a sophisticated understanding of the international art market.

· Substantial experience in senior-level management, including strategic planning, complex budget oversight, and the successful leadership of cross-functional teams.

· Demonstrable success in cultivating and stewarding major donors and collectors, and a proven ability to partner effectively with advancement professionals to secure significant funding.

 Leadership Competencies and Personal Attributes

 · Visionary and Strategic Thinker: The ability to think creatively and strategically about the future of museums, collections, and exhibitions, and to translate that vision into actionable plans that align with institutional goals.

· Collaborative and Inclusive Leader: A collegial and diplomatic leader with a track record of building positive, trusting, and effective relationships across all levels of an organization. A genuine commitment to and demonstrated experience in applying principles of diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion to curatorial practice and team management.

· Exceptional Communicator: Superb written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, from scholars and trustees to the general public.

· Inspirational Mentor: Advanced managerial skills with a passion for mentoring and developing staff, fostering a supportive environment that encourages intellectual growth and professional excellence.

· Intellectual Curiosity and Global Perspective: A deep and broad knowledge of global art history and a commitment to an encyclopedic, cross-cultural approach to collections and exhibitions.

· Integrity and Sound Judgment: The highest ethical standards, discretion in handling confidential information, and the ability to navigate complex institutional dynamics with political acumen and grace.

About the Minneapolis Institute of Art

The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) believes that art—and a thriving art museum, vibrant with compelling stories that offer a window into the social, cultural, individual, and collective values of our shared history—informs our understanding of peoples and cultures, strengthens communities and enriches the lives of all. Mia offers its diverse audiences and communities a beautiful and accessible place to discover and explore humanity’s

artistic triumphs. To ensure the museum remains a welcoming and sustainable environment for visitors and the art it holds, Mia is currently undertaking significant improvements to its building systems. Mia’s work in the years ahead will inspire wonder and enhance access to its collection, fostering lifelong learning through participation in our programs.

Founded in 1883, Mia is among the finest and largest encyclopedic museums in the nation. Mia’s collection includes a world-famous permanent collection of more than 100,000 objects defined by iconic works spanning approximately 5,000 years that embody the highest levels of artistic achievement. The museum consists of five curatorial areas: African Art; Arts of the Americas; Global Contemporary Art; Asian Art; European Art. Through the museum’s diverse and far-reaching collections, Mia links the past to the present, enables global conversations, facilitates cross-cultural dialogue, and fosters empathy, understanding, and exploration.

Everyone is welcome at Mia, whether entering through the museum doors or viewing the online collection. Mia connects to its community by creating partnerships with community organizations and members to inform its curatorial approach and the development of public programs. The museum’s free general admission policy, public programs, classes for children and adults, and award-winning interactive media programs have broadened and deepened Mia’s relationships with the communities the museum serves in Minneapolis and beyond.

Mission

The Minneapolis Institute of Art enriches the community by collecting, preserving, and making accessible outstanding works of art from the world’s diverse cultures.

Vision

Inspiring wonder through the power of art.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this role is $200,000 to $220,000 annually. Total compensation, which includes a comprehensive benefits package, will be commensurate with experience.

Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia)

A. W. Mellon Assistant or Associate Curator of Japanese & Korean Art 

Department of Asian Art

Full-time, exempt, union

Salary: $60,000 - $100,000

Onsite

The Job

To develop, research, exhibit, and publish Mia’s collections of Japanese and Korean art. Identify and cultivate donor support for these activities.

In this role, you will…

· Report to and assist the Curator of Japanese and Korean Art / Director of the Clark Center.

· Interpret the museum’s collections of Japanese and Korean art through permanent collection gallery displays and didactic materials. Propose and oversee regular gallery rotations. Speak publicly about the museum’s collection and provide training for museum guides so that they can accurately and knowledgeably represent the collection. 

· Conduct research on the permanent collection and mount special exhibitions, with accompanying publications that add to the field of knowledge about Japanese and Korean art. Such exhibitions should be of the scale of Mia’s Cargill and/or US Bank Galleries, but do not preclude larger-scale shows. 

· Oversee the care and preservation of the collection by ensuring proper and responsible handling and installation of objects and by recommending objects for conservation treatment. Participate in the museum’s efforts to secure funding for conservation initiatives. 

· Locate, research, and propose acquisitions of Japanese and Korean works of art that significantly augment the museum’s existing collections. Review the museum collections of Japanese and Korean art for potential deaccessions. Maintain a current knowledge of the art market and professional relations with art dealers. 

· Develop and coordinate lectures and activities pertaining to Japanese and Korean art. Foster and maintain relationships with trustees, collectors, potential donors, and the general public, including community outreach.

· Actively participate in broader museum initiatives through committees or specially formed teams. 

· Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required or assigned.

To be successful in this role, you have…

· Demonstrated ability to work independently and coordinate complex projects to completion.

· Excellent written and verbal communication and organizational skills.

· Team skills and ability to work effectively and positively with staff, trustees, and all other internal and external constituents.

· Ability to build positive and effective relationships with donors and the broader community.

· Excellent time-management and problem-solving skills and ability to prioritize tasks.

Requirements:

· M.A. in the field of Japanese art, with some knowledge of Korean art (Ph.D. desirable).

· Competence in Japanese language.

· Minimum of 3 years of employment in a collection-based curatorial department with direct experience in the areas of Japanese and Korean art, including proven record of organizing exhibitions and producing publications of high quality.

· Demonstrated ability to write interpretive material and to express complex ideas in an engaging way to a wide audience.

· Demonstrated art historical research skills and experience.

Mia Culture

The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) is an audience-centered, equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone is welcome. Mia is Mission Driven, Generous, Agile, Emotionally Aware, and Positive, and endeavors to create a workplace culture where staff are responsible to one another, to our visitors, and to themselves to do the best work possible.

Mia Benefits and Perks

Health and Wellness: Mia offers comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, paid life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, and vision coverage. We have a wellness and employee assistance program to support your overall wellbeing.

Financial Security: We provide financial peace of mind with a variety of options, including a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for health expenses and a Dependent Care Account (DCA) for dependent care expenses.  Our 403(b) Retirement + Savings Plan includes a percentage of salary contribution from Mia after two years of employment (and minimum hours and age eligibility requirements are met).

Additional Perks: In addition to paid vacation, personal, sick days, enjoy a balanced work-life with a 37.5-hour work week and 11 paid holidays. 

Join Mia and enjoy a workplace that values your health, financial security, and personal development, all while contributing to a vibrant cultural institution.

To Apply

To be considered for this position, please apply online at https://jobs-artsmia.submittable.com/submit.

Posting Deadline

No set expiration date. Job postings typically stay posted until candidates are selected for phone interviews. 

Mia is committed to championing policies and practices that value diversity, foster equity, and empower an accessible and inclusive environment. Our strength lies in the diversity among the broad range of people who contribute their time and talents to Mia. We consider inclusion and accessibility a driver of institutional excellence and seek out diversity of participation, thought, and action. It is our aim, therefore, that our employees, trustees, interns, and volunteers reflect and embrace these core values.

Mia is recognized by the Age-Friendly Institute’s Certified Age Friendly Employer (CAFE) program that identifies organizations committed to being the best places to work for employees aged 50+.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION / EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER


 

Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia)

Jane Emison Associate Curator/Curator of South and Southeast Asian and Islamic Art

Department of Asian Art

Full-time, exempt, union

Salary: $90,000 - $110,000

The Job

To heighten the profile of the South and Southeast Asian and Islamic Art collection at the Minneapolis Institute of Art through significant acquisitions, ambitious and intellectually rigorous exhibitions, publications and programs. To cultivate relationships with donors, professional colleagues, partner organizations and the community at large in furtherance of Mia’s strategic goals. To responsibly manage the museum’s collection of South and Southeast Asian and Islamic Art, ensuring proper documentation, maintenance, display and conservation.

In this role, you will…

1. Locate, research, and recommend important works of art for acquisition.

• Develop and maintain a Collection Development Plan that articulates the collection’s strengths and weaknesses and that recommends strategic collecting goals based on the museum’s holdings and the market.
• Foster relationships with collectors locally and nationally, actively soliciting their help in enhancing the collection.
• Communicate and maintain positive relationships with dealers.
• With the approval of the Head of Department, Chief Curator, and/or Director, solicit funds from individuals and groups. 

2. Conceptualize, organize, and execute special exhibitions that provide fresh insights and new ways of understanding human creativity.

• Develop thematic concept and conduct research leading to object selection.
• With museum colleagues establish learning objectives and interpretive goals.
• Seek out potential venues for the exhibition (should it be able to travel).
• Research and invite experts to contribute intellectual capital.
• With the approval of the Chair, Chief Curator, and Director, solicit funds from individuals and groups. 

3. Interpret the permanent collection through rotations, special projects, general and scholarly publications, public speaking and teaching. Oversee management of the collection on display, in special exhibitions, in storage, and on loan. Work collaboratively with members of museum staff to:

• Plan installations and participate in the generation of support materials such as visitor-friendly didactic panels and labels. Rotate displays as necessary for conservation and educational reasons.
• Prepare publications that will enhance the general and scholarly understanding of the collection. 
• Conduct research and field work that supports the interpretation of the collection.
• Prepare lectures for the general public, museum support groups, and the scholarly community on issues relating to the collection.
• Oversee the conservation and security of works.
• Utilize knowledge of aesthetic and historical significance, as well as monetary value, to prioritize care and maintenance.
• Maintain files on all objects.
• Review loan requests from other institutions and make recommendations about the suitability of lending based in the validity of the project, the condition of the object, and Mia’s exhibition plans. 

4. Cultivate relationships with museum members, trustees, staff, and the public.

• Serve as a professional resource for members of the community, including private collectors.
• Develop programming for the museum’s South and Southeast Asian and Islamic Art.
• Foster relationships with members of the public (artists, scholars, critics, community groups) by encouraging their interest in Mia, its collections and its mission.

5. Assist Chair of Asian Art with supervising department:

• Manage department interns.
• Provide work direction when Department Chair is out of office.

6. Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required or assigned.

Additional Performance:

• Participate in the museum community as active scholar/curator in their field.
• Engage actively in enhancing the reputation of the Mia collection and exhibitions locally, nationally, and internationally.
• Actively maintain awareness of art market and exhibitions through research and contact with dealers, other professionals, and collectors.
• Represent the Mia through participation on committees and involvement in programs that enhance the knowledge and appreciation of art.

Requirements:

· Minimum of M.A., Ph.D. strongly preferred.

· Minimum of 5 years of professional experience as a museum curator 

· Expertise in South and Southeast Asian and Islamic Art desired 

· Strong record of research and scholarship, with proven experience organizing exhibitions and producing publications of high quality 

· Demonstrated skill at strategically building a collection through gift and purchase 

· Team player with proven ability to work effectively and positively with staff, trustees, and all other internal and external contacts

· Ability to build positive and effective relationships with donors and the broader community 

· Ability to travel nationally and internationally approximately 25%

· Applicable language knowledge preferred

Mia Culture

The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) is an audience-centered, equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone is welcome. Mia is Mission Driven, Generous, Agile, Emotionally Aware, and Positive, and endeavors to create a workplace culture where staff are responsible to one another, to our visitors, and to themselves to do the best work possible.

Mia Benefits and Perks

Health and Wellness: Mia offers comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, paid life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, and vision coverage. We have a wellness and employee assistance program to support your overall wellbeing.

Financial Security: We provide financial peace of mind with a variety of options, including a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for health expenses and a Dependent Care Account (DCA) for dependent care expenses.  Our 403(b) Retirement + Savings Plan includes a percentage of salary contribution from Mia after two years of employment (and minimum hours and age eligibility requirements are met).

Additional Perks: In addition to paid vacation, personal, sick days, enjoy a balanced work-life with a 37.5-hour work week and 11 paid holidays. 

Join Mia and enjoy a workplace that values your health, financial security, and personal development, all while contributing to a vibrant cultural institution.

To Apply

To be considered for this position, please apply online at https://jobs-artsmia.submittable.com/submit.

Posting Deadline

No set expiration date. Job postings typically stay posted until candidates are selected for phone interviews. 

Mia is committed to championing policies and practices that value diversity, foster equity, and empower an accessible and inclusive environment. Our strength lies in the diversity among the broad range of people who contribute their time and talents to Mia. We consider inclusion and accessibility a driver of institutional excellence and seek out diversity of participation, thought, and action. It is our aim, therefore, that our employees, trustees, interns, and volunteers reflect and embrace these core values.

Mia is recognized by the Age-Friendly Institute’s Certified Age Friendly Employer (CAFE) program that identifies organizations committed to being the best places to work for employees aged 50+.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION / EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER