Description

ABOUT THE MUSEO DE ARTE DE PONCE

Through access to its exceptional collection of American, European and Puerto Rican art, and art-based experiences, the Museo de Arte de Ponce promotes discovery, stimulates curiosity, and fosters dialogue to enhance the life of its community. It was founded by Luis A. Ferré (1904-2003), a Puerto Rican philanthropist, industrialist and governor of Puerto Rico, who began buying works of art for the Museum by first establishing The Luis A. Ferré Foundation, in 1957.

The Museum opened its doors to the public on January 3, 1959, in a colonial house in Ponce, Puerto Rico. In 1965, the building that is home today to the Museum was designed by the renowned U.S. architect Edward Durell Stone. An Annex Building was added in 2010 to expand its facilities and services to the community. The collection of the Museum consists of close to 5,000 works of art and is renowned for its great examples of Baroque, Pre-Raphaelite and Victorian paintings as well as Puerto Rican and Latin American art. 

Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums since 1987, the Museo de Arte de Ponce has become an essential institution for the educational development and social transformation of our communities.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Associate Curator will work closely with the Curator to develop and implement an exhibition and collection program for the Museo de Arte de Ponce. They will conduct research and write about the Museum’s collection. Additionally, they will deliver lectures, publish scholarly publications, and propose exhibitions and donations to the collection. The Associate Curator will collaborate with other members of the Curatorial Department in a team environment. They will also work closely with the Registrar, Conservation, and Education Programs, as well as Community Empowerment staff, and often coordinate with other departments such as Development, Communications, Finance, and Facilities.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The Associate Curator is a full-time, exempt position, with an annual salary range of $55,000 to $60,000. The specific compensation offered to a candidate may be dependent on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, education, special licensing or qualifications.  

Benefits offered may differ based on full-time or part-time employee status: 

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance coverage begins on the first day of the month following the hire date; Museum covers 90% of the premium
• Paid time off, including (annually): 15 days of vacation, 12 sick days, birthday off, funeral leave and 13 holidays
• Short-term disability insurance
• Christmas bonus
• 10% staff discount in Museum Shop
• Paid memberships for professional associations
• Free parking space
• Other benefits may apply 

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• The Associate Curator works with the Curator in researching, planning, and developing both the permanent collection installation and temporary exhibitions, as well as creating related texts and publications.
• Conducts research on the permanent collection and assists with its preservation, care, and planning for its greater impact and accessibility.
• Collaborates in the development, design, editing, and production of scholarly publications created by and for the museum and exhibition-related materials, including digital and web-based content.
• Produces scholarly writings and publications about the Museum’s collection and incoming loans.
• Initiates, researches, and develops ideas for new exhibitions, both based on the Museum’s permanent collection and incoming loans, presents temporary exhibition proposals, and explores potential partnerships with other institutions.  
• Collaborates with the Curator on preparing and implementing exhibition budgets, managing work plans and tracking expenses, and scheduling and installing temporary exhibits.  
• Gives lectures, gallery talks, and guided tours at the Museum.
• Develops exhibition interpretive materials and educational programs in collaboration with the Curator and the Head of Education Programs and Community Empowerment, conducts docent training, and participates in public programs as needed.
• Assist in drafting the Museum’s policies on display, collection management, and strategic plan.
• Works with the Curator and Executive Director to develop a strategic collections plan and vision for the long-term growth of the permanent collection.
• Identifies and researches potential artwork donations and acquisitions.
• Assist the Curator and Development staff in cultivating donor contacts.
• Assist the Curator and Development staff with fundraising activities, including the annual preparation of grant narratives and support materials, and recommend potential sponsors and donors.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• A record of excellence in the field of Art History, demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications, participation in symposia, and other academic forums. Ability to research and write about topics related to both European and Latin American art.
• Demonstrated knowledge of curatorial and museum practices, including collection management, exhibition development, and current museum practices.
• Excellent skills in writing, editing, translating, and proofreading in both Spanish and English.
• Computer skills are essential. Knowledge of Microsoft Office, TMS Gallery Systems, SketchUp, and Adobe Suite is required.
• Ability to work effectively both as part of a team and independently, remaining calm under pressure in a fast-paced work environment to meet institutional goals and tight deadlines.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills: leadership, etiquette, ethical behavior; also, must have tact, vision, patience, perseverance, and diplomacy.
• Highly organized with excellent skills in implementing systems and follow-up processes.
• Willing to work extended hours as necessary for special events. 

 REQUIREMENTS

Master’s in Art History. Over four (4) years of experience working in a museum context, organizing exhibitions, and a proven record of scholarly publications. 

 WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU APPLY

The Museum’s main building, designed by Edward Durell Stone, suffered damages caused by a 6.4 earthquake in January 2020 that forced its ongoing closure. The Museum is entering an exciting new phase as it begins this summer (2025) a comprehensive seismic retrofit, with a projected reopening in late 2027. This is part of a broader effort to rebuild Ponce following the earthquake. While the museum remains active through satellite programming and community initiatives, candidates should be aware of this 2-year reconstruction process. 

 APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Please submit a cover letter, your resume, and two published writing samples, one in Spanish and one in English. Documentation should be saved as a single document and sent to: careers@museoarteponce.org   Only qualified candidates will be interviewed. Please reference Associate Curator position opening.   EEO EMPLOYER