St. Louis Mercantile Library Endowed Curator of Fine Art and Endowed Research Professor

St. Louis Mercantile Library, University of Missouri - St. Louis

The St. Louis Mercantile Library, a two-centuries old research library and art center with deep collections in the humanities, at the University of Missouri - St. Louis is seeking an experienced, enthusiastic, curatorial professional with a passion for regional art for the role of Curator of Fine Art and Research Professor. The Mercantile Library is the only institution in the state whose primary art collecting mission is dedicated to Missouri art, while also holding extensive collections in regional and American paintings, prints, drawings, sculpture, artists' archives, and artifacts.

This full-time, benefit-eligible position reports to the Mercantile Library's Executive Director and is responsible for building, preserving, exhibiting and interpreting the Mercantile Library's historic fine art collection. The curator is part of a dynamic team of professionals and exercises extensive advisory board contact and supervisory duties. The ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal skills, be a systematic, meticulous, patient, self-starter who works well under pressure, manages time efficiently, analyzes and solves problems independently and if necessary, collaboratively, and can be flexible and embrace changes within this position due to departmental priorities. This is a Non-Tenure Track Faculty position.

Responsibilities:
-Advise on additions to the Fine Art collection through solicited donation and suggested purchase in accordance with the Collections Development Plan.
-Oversee the accessioning, storage, conservation, shipping, insurance and security of the Fine Art Collections.
-Research, design and oversee installation of exhibitions of the art collection to include artwork selection, writing scholarly and interpretive text, and collaborating on publicity, opening receptions, and programming.
-Engage in collections-based scholarship to be published in exhibition catalogues or scholarly journals as well as in lectures, symposia, and conference presentations.
-Develop and maintain professional affiliations with curatorial colleagues at other institutions and attend and present at conferences and professional events on behalf of the Mercantile Library.
-Cultivate long-term relationships with donors, collectors, scholars, established and emerging local artists, and art dealers to attract and secure works of art, collections and acquisition funds.
-Provide exhibition support to the director and other curators as needed.
-Aid library staff, visiting scholars and the public with collection-related questions; answer research requests and correspondence related to the collections.
-Supervise the Assistant Curator and Graduate Research Assistants

-Oversee and take part in the volunteer docent training program.
-Oversee and assist in training student workers and art-collection volunteers.
-Advise the Assistant Curator for Fine Art Collections in their capacity as Coordinator of University Exhibits and Collections in areas of art handling, conservation, and outgoing loan requests from off-campus entities.
-Oversee the digitization and Rights/Reproductions request for Fine Art Collection materials, with the support of the Assistant Curator.
-Prepare and present off-site outreach lectures to promote the Library.
-Effectively communicate with team members and other members of the university community, while contributing to and sustaining a positive and supportive workplace.
-Adhere to the Collected Rules and Regulations of the University of Missouri System.
-Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Ph.D. in art history with an emphasis in 19th - 20th century American Art from an accredited college or university with broad knowledge of American painting, sculpture, prints, and drawings.

Minimum 6 years' curatorial experience working with art collections in a museum or university art gallery, showing increasing levels of responsibility and demonstrated proficiency in areas of art historical scholarship, connoisseurship, acquisitions, exhibition design and execution, staff supervision, and donor relations.

Exemplary writing skills, compelling public speaking presence, and excellent oral communication skills, as well as strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail.

Ability to build and sustain effective and productive interpersonal relationships with library staff, faculty, students, administrators, board members, and members of the public.

Evidence of analytical, project, and time management skills and demonstrated ability to set priorities, meet deadlines and complete tasks and projects on time and within budget in accordance with task or project parameters.

Demonstrated proficiency with personal computers and software, and office applications including the Microsoft Office suite, especially Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams/ SharePoint, and PowerPoint, and other productivity software, and proficiency with museum collection software.

Preferred Qualifications
-Knowledge of Midwest regional or Missouri art.
-Familiarity with early American art movements and patronage.
-Experience with docent training and/or tour programs.
-Familiarity with Past Perfect Museum software.
-Experience or familiarity with fine art conservation techniques.
-Experience or familiarity with fine art shipping and/or storage processes.

Applications must be submitted via the UMSL Jobs Portal. Priority will be given to candidates who apply by April 24, 2026, however the position will remain open until filled. Application must include cover letter, CV, college transcript(s), and list of three professional references. We welcome letters of reference & references will be called.

Visa Sponsorship Information:
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The University will not sponsor applicants for this position for employment visas.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please email the Office of Human Resources at umslhr@umsl.edu.