Curator of the Secunda Art Museum

Curator of the Secunda Art Museum

Position Summary:

Cleary University is excited to announce the creation of a new, grant-funded position for a Curator of the Secunda Art Collection. This position has been made possible by a prestigious grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), awarded to help preserve and enhance the accessibility of the Arthur Secunda Museum, which houses the largest collection of works by the renowned Michigan artist Arthur Secunda. See information about the museum at https://www.cleary.edu/community/secunda-museum/

Arthur Secunda is internationally recognized for his contributions to modern art, particularly for his vibrant collages and graphic works from the late 20th century. His collection at Cleary University features significant works across multiple mediums and is an important educational and cultural resource for both the campus and the wider community.

The Curator will not only oversee the preservation and exhibition of the collection but will also manage the NEA grant, ensuring full compliance with federal grant regulations, financial reporting, and public engagement requirements.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and implement the strategic direction for the Secunda Art Collection, in line with the goals outlined in Cleary’s NEA grant.
• Oversee the restoration, reframing, and preservation of artworks, ensuring the collection is preserved for future generations in accordance with federal preservation guidelines.
• Organize 2-4 annual exhibitions to highlight the diversity of the Secunda collection and expand its visibility.
• Collaborate with faculty to integrate the collection into academic curricula, creating opportunities for educational and scholarly engagement.

Grant Administration and Compliance:

• Serve as the primary Grant Administrator for the Save America’s Treasures grant, ensuring that all activities comply with the grant’s financial and regulatory requirements as outlined in the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) Grants Manual.
• Prepare and submit progress reports, financial documentation, and project updates to the National Park Service (NPS) as required.
• Manage the grant budget, track project expenditures, and ensure proper allocation of funds in compliance with federal cost principles.
• Ensure that all work related to the project adheres to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and other applicable guidelines.

Program Development and Implementation:

• Enhance public awareness through outreach programs, guided tours, and community events, promoting the legacy of Arthur Secunda.
• Identify and pursue additional funding opportunities through grants and partnerships, helping to ensure the collection remains sustainable beyond the 3-year grant period.

Team Leadership and Collaboration:

• Supervise volunteers, docents, and student interns, fostering a collaborative environment around the museum’s operations.

 SUPERVISED BY: President & CEO

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time, 3-year term position, with potential for renewal based on future funding.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in art, art history, curatorial practice, or a related field.
• 3+ years of curatorial experience, ideally with university or museum collections.
• Expertise in conservation, restoration, and exhibition management, particularly with mid-20th century artworks.
• Strong skills in grant writing, fundraising, project management, and grant administration, with a working knowledge of federal grant compliance.
• Familiarity with federal cost principles, procurement guidelines, and reporting requirements as outlined in the HPF Grants Manual.

Diversity

Cleary University is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. Cleary strongly believes that workforce diversity creates an environment in which its employees can thrive. Cleary understands and embraces the variety through which people gain experiences whether through professional, personal, educational, or volunteer opportunities. Cleary University is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Cleary encourages interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities.

Why Work at Cleary University?

Cleary University offers a collaborative and innovative work environment where employees are valued for their contributions. We offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth. See https://www.cleary.edu/employment/.

Our Core Values:

• Students First: We are personally invested in our students’ lives, empathizing with their challenges and supporting their journey.
• Collaboratively Engaged: We work together to advance the university’s mission and student success, breaking down barriers and supporting one another.
• Community-Centered: We actively represent the university in our communities, seeking mutual benefit and well-being.
• Always Find a Way: We are resourceful, creative, and persistent, looking for solutions in the face of challenges.

We welcome candidates who embody these core values and are committed to integrating them into their work.