Job Description

Senior Curator (0421U), The Magnes - 81098 The Magnes is a rare jewel of a museum and research center dedicated to Jewish art and life. It is part of the College of Letters and Science at UC Berkeley and holds one of the world’s largest collections of Jewish art and artifacts. We are looking for a Senior Curator to work with the Executive Director to realize the museum’s mission and vision. About UC Berkeley UC Berkeley is a world‑leading institution known for academic excellence, public mission, and commitment to equity and social justice. Our inclusive community welcomes all individuals and supports learning, research, and innovation. Departmental Overview The Magnes began in 1962 and became part of UC Berkeley in 2010. With over 60,000 objects, it serves scholars, students, and the public through research, teaching, and dynamic programming. The museum collaborates with the Berkeley Center for Jewish Studies and other campus partners to promote Jewish studies and cultural understanding. Position Summary As Senior Curator, you will develop, manage, and interpret the Magnes’s collections. You will lead exhibitions, research projects, and community outreach, creating engaging experiences for museum audiences and academic partners. Application Review Date First review date: September 25, 2025. Responsibilities Curatorial: Lead collections‑based activities—including development, care, research, access, exhibitions, and strategy—using a collaborative, people‑centered approach. Plan and project‑manage exhibitions and installations built on original research, writing materials and catalogs. Develop curatorial projects with faculty, students, academic programs, and courses. Maintain a leadership role in Jewish studies or a related field, staying current with scholarship and theory. Apply expertise in museum studies, collections preservation, interpretation, and audience engagement. Participate in national and international networks, meetings, and conferences. Leadership and Supervision: Play a key role in institutional planning and strategy, setting programmatic vision and priorities. Partner with the Executive Director to lead the museum and represent the Magnes on campus and beyond. Supervise Collections and Curatorial staff, and support professional and pre‑professional employees. Academic Relations: Deepen relationships with UC Berkeley students, faculty, and staff. Collaborate with the Learning & Engagement Coordinator to support teaching and learning opportunities. Engage faculty and departments in initiatives that strengthen student engagement and faculty research. Development and External Relations: Work with the Development Office to cultivate donors and funders for collections and curatorial needs. Act as a spokesperson for the museum and its partners. Staff advisory boards with the Executive Director and Communications Manager. Participate in fundraising events and grant writing. Cultivate gifts‑in‑kind for the permanent collection. Budget and Financial Operations: Partner with the Executive Director and Department Assistant to manage the collections and curatorial budget. Identify revenue generation opportunities in compliance with ethical standards. Required Qualifications Deep knowledge of Jewish history, religion, cultures, and material culture with specialization in a relevant collection area. Ability to curate engaging exhibitions based on original research and audience relevance. Expertise in curatorial practices, collection development, and ethical acquisition. Knowledge of conservation/preservation principles. Strong interpretive skills for diverse audiences, including label writing and visitor experience. Research and publication experience across a wide range of media and contexts. Leadership and supervision with coaching, mentoring, and team motivation. Donor cultivation and relationship‑building skills. Budget and project management expertise. Strategic planning and goal‑setting ability. Excellent verbal and written communication, including public speaking. Collaborative and flexible working style with ability to lead and work simultaneously. Engagement of board members, advisors, and community stakeholders in decision‑making. Teaching experience in a museum setting. Proactive collaboration across constituencies in curatorial projects. Ability to integrate curatorial activities with UC Berkeley’s mission. Fluency in Hebrew (required); proficiency in Russian, Polish, Yiddish, Ladino, or another Jewish language a plus. Advanced degree in a related field or equivalent experience with extensive knowledge in Jewish studies and museum administration. Preferred Qualifications Experience curating photographic collections or knowledge of the history of photography. Salary & Benefits Annual salary range: $112,400.00 – $214,000.00. The position is an exempt, monthly‑paid role. How to Apply Submit your resume and cover letter. Other Information This is not a visa opportunity. The position is eligible for up to 10% remote work; arrangements will be made with the supervisor. Conviction History Background This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley hires people with conviction histories and reviews information in the context of the job. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of the background check. Mandated Reporter This position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter required to report suspected abuse or neglect of children, dependent adults, or elders. Employment is contingent upon completion of mandated reporter training and acknowledgement of responsibilities. Equal Employment Opportunity The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law. To apply, visit #J-18808-Ljbffr University of California, Berkeley

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