Curator, Pacific Jobs

The Curator, Pacific is expected to nurture, maintain, and develop reciprocal relationships with Pacific Island communities and organizations locally and abroad as part of researching, documenting, publishing, and programming the Pacific collection; to promote access and encourage the collection’s use in research, exhibitions, educational programs, and community development; to engage with artists, community members, and colleagues to facilitate dialogue and connections among Indigenous peoples of the Pacific as well as locally and globally in relation to the collections; and to disseminate information about these collections to MOA’s diverse audiences through programs, exhibitions, conferences, and symposia, for the public, community members, UBC faculty and students, scholars, museum colleagues, and partner institutions.

Organizational Status

This position reports to the Department Head, Curatorial and Design.

Work Performed

Curatorial:

• Collaborates with programmers in the design and delivery of museum-related programs
• Undertakes active research in areas of curatorial responsibility and expertise
• Seeks sources of funds through grant writing, and through Development, donations
• Ensures that information about collections within realm of responsibility is correct and accessible
• Participate in MOA Committees as required.
• Disseminates curatorial research through teaching, publishing, exhibitions, programming, and speaking
• Supervises contract research personnel as required
• Develops relationships with individuals and communities who have interests in collections in MOA’s care

Teaching:

• May supervise graduate students in directed studies courses, and through membership on their graduate committees
• Teaching components of the MOA Volunteer Associates training program as required
• Designs and supervises internships and work-learn programs
• Give lectures and tours as required

Acquisitions:

• Participate in the acquisitions process by preparing and maintaining correspondence and records associated with donors and acquisitions in areas of responsibility

Consequence of Error/Judgement

The Curator, Pacific is responsible for the safekeeping of MOA’s Pacific collections, and for assuring that acquisitions-related documentation is correct. Errors could have financial, legal, ethical and other consequences for donors, originating peoples and the University.

Supervision Received

The position is directly responsible to the Head, Curatorial and Design. Decisions are made collaboratively with relevant staff.

Supervision Given

The position participates in the selection, training, hiring, motivating, and supervising of volunteers, interns, UBC students and students from other programs.

Minimum Qualifications

Master’s degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of six years of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Ph.D. preferred, or M.A. with appropriate experience. Minimum of 6 years of museum-related work experience.

Experience

• Must be committed to developing the digital assets of the Museum and working towards ensuring full and updated documentation of collections in area of responsibility.
• Active in professional associations and experience on boards of community organizations and other outreach work.
• Experience working with a variety of Pacific communities and individuals and knowledge of appropriate protocols for such work done in relation to museums and universities.
• Must have experience working with Pacific collections as well as artists, community members and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated track record in research, publications, exhibitions, or appropriate curatorial outputs.

Skills

• Knowledge of a Pacific Islands language is preferred.
• Ability to deal effectively with a diversity of people.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse Indigenous and other communities and individuals in relation to community-based, university, and museum protocols.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing in English.
• Ability to effectively recruit, train, supervise, and motivate employees.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• Ability to prepare effective grant applications.
• Ability to teach.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and time-management skills.
• Demonstrated ability in working with artists, cultural communities and organizations, and other program partners.
• Ability to develop and monitor budgets.
• Ability to exercise tact and discretion.
• Ability to effectively lead committees and plan meetings.
• Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to initiate and conduct research projects.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to approach interactions with an awareness of sensitive issues (e.g., issues concerning specific cultures).
• Ability to travel and to work flexible hours when required.
• Computer competence.
• Ability to develop and deliver effective presentations and workshops.