The Lisa Roberts and David Seltzer Curator of Modern and Contemporary Design

The Philadelphia Museum of Art (PMA) seeks an accomplished, innovative and collaborative professional to serve as The Lisa Roberts and David Seltzer Curator of Modern and Contemporary Design.  Reporting to The Keith L. and Katherine Sachs Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, this role will lead the conceptualizing and organizing of exhibitions and installations, conduct and present research, connect with designers, makers, artists, and architects across the field and collaborate across departments to develop programming and scholarly and educational materials. 

In partnership with the Sachs Curator and Museum leadership, the Curator of Design focuses on these key areas: 

Strategic Planning: The Curator of Design will define the strategic direction of the Museum's design and decorative arts collections, ensuring alignment with the institution’s strategic plan. 

Collaboration & Cultivation: The Curator of Design will be proactive in collaborating and engaging with departments across the museum to contextualize works of modern and contemporary design and decorative arts. 

Exhibitions & Programming: The Curator of Design will be responsible for organizing all exhibitions and installations in the Modern and Contemporary Design gallery and elsewhere across the building. In collaboration with department colleagues across the institution, they will develop dynamic exhibitions that engage the collection in innovative and expansive ways while supporting a strong program deeply engaged with a diversity of artists, locally and internationally.

Community Engagement: The Curator of Design will continue to support and expand Collab, a group of design professionals and enthusiasts who actively support modern and contemporary design at the museum. In partnership with Collab, the Curator of Design will develop exhibition previews, day trips, talks, special access events, and other opportunities for members to connect with other design curators and visionaries. In addition, the Curator of Design will participate in Collab's annual student award competition and the selection of the Annual Design Excellence Award issued by Collab and organize the exhibition of work by the recipient(s).

All inquiries, nominations, and applications should be directed to the search firm electronically below.

Sarah James is leading this search with Quizayra Gonzalez and Siobhan Hanley.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is an equal access, equal opportunity employer.