Stanford University is one of the world’s premier academic and research institutions, devoting tremendous intellectual and physical resources toward the betterment of humanity. As a major Silicon Valley employer, Stanford seeks people committed to excellence and to improving our world. In turn, the university is committed to supporting its employees as they develop their careers and enrich their lives. We believe Stanford’s future success will be shaped by the diverse perspectives, unique experiences, and inclusive culture of its community.
Serving the Stanford University campus, the Bay Area community, and visitors from around the world, the Cantor Arts Center provides an outstanding cultural experience for visitors of all ages and a growing online audience of scholars. The Cantor’s encyclopedic collection spans 5,000 years and includes more than 40,000 works of art from around the globe. An established resource for teaching and research on campus, the Cantor offers free admission and programs year-round. It is consistently one of the most visited university museums in the U.S.
It is an exciting time to join the expanding team at the Cantor Arts Center—a loyal community of donors and members, and bold curatorial initiatives that will shape a broader understanding of our collective art histories. Join us as we build capacity to achieve the museum’s goals within an equitable, collaborative, and creative work environment.
The Cantor Arts Center seeks a curatorial fellow to work with its collection of photography, reporting to the Assistant Curator of Photography and New Media. The fellow will be expected to participate in scholarly museum production, including cataloging, research, exhibition planning and implementation, related program development, and collection care. The primary goal of the fellowship is to produce new and innovative research on the Capital Group Foundation Photography Collection, a pillar of the collection’s strength in twentieth-century photography of the United States, and propose a focused, single-gallery exhibition. The Cantor seeks a candidate who has the interest and skills to use the CGF Collection as the basis for scholarship that narrates new stories of photography and centers a wider range of perspectives within the twentieth-century American experience and its historical and global contexts. The fellow should be committed to fostering dialogue around historical and contemporary issues of interpretation, representation, and other relevant concerns.
In This Role, You Will
Collaborate with other team members in some aspects of a major exhibition. May manage all aspects of a smaller exhibition.
Contribute to the development of related programming including lectures, symposia, and other educational programs.
Participate in the development of rotations of a collection for display in permanent collection galleries.
Facilitate required registration records and review didactic and collection materials.
Support collaborative projects with curatorial staff and faculty.
May assist in preparing/administering educational materials.
Ensure appropriate care of collections.
* - Other duties may also be assigned
Please note that this position will be based on the Stanford campus and will be considered hybrid with the expectation to be on campus 3-4 days per week depending on events. In addition, this position may require working evenings and weekends as needed. Some travel may be required. You may work in areas with exposure to dust, paint, chemicals, and other toxins.
In Order To Be Successful, You Will Bring
Master’s degree and two years of related experience or a combination of education and relevant experience. PhD Preferred.
Demonstrated commitment to promoting and supporting an environment of diversity and inclusion.
Good interpersonal skills and professionalism to interact with a wide range of people at various levels of an organization.
Expertise in the history of photography, including its materials and processes, and familiarity with issues relevant to 20th century art and photography of the United States. Additional knowledge of 19th century and/or international photography a plus.
Ability to conduct thorough, original research across the history of photography.
Interest in organizing and implementing innovative museum installations and/or special exhibitions.
Sensitivity to historical and contemporary issues around museums and other cultural institutions.
Ability to write for and speak effectively with a wide range of audiences, from the general public to scholars.
Ability and willingness to work collaboratively with colleagues within the museum and across the Stanford University campus. Ability and willingness to collaborate with other local universities and public museums.
Demonstrated verbal and written communication, demonstrated presentation skills.
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities effectively and efficiently, with competing deadlines.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Proficiency working with computer programs including Microsoft Office and art management software.
Don’t meet every single requirement? At the Vice Presidency for the Arts and Cantor Arts Center, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. Let us know in your cover letter how your experience makes you a good fit for us. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles!
The expected pay range for this position is $77,000 – 82,000 per annum.
Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.
At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.
Why Stanford is for You
Benefits
Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:
Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources at stanfordelr@stanford.edu. For all other inquiries, please submit a contact form.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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