Director of Collection

Position Summary  

Based in Dia Beacon and reporting to the Deputy Director of Program, the Director of Collection is a key leader and collaborator for the Curatorial and Exhibitions departments. This role is responsible for the strategic oversight of all matters related to Dia’s Beacon-based collection and archive as well as the oversight of all exhibition implementation and installations at Dia Beacon. The position acts as the direct supervisor to the Director of Registration and Collection Management, Director of Exhibitions, and Archivist. The role also supervises and is supported by the Curatorial Associate and collaborates with Dia’s curators on the day-to-day administration of the Curatorial department.  

With guidance from the Deputy Director of Program, the Director of Collection is responsible for conceptualizing, developing, and delivering long-term presentations of Dia’s collection, both internally at Dia and externally with partnering institutions and venues. This position collaborates on the development of the collection strategy and new curatorial thinking, helping to advance Dia’s mission, as well as works closely with the Director of Registration and Collection Management and the Director of Exhibitions, contributing oversight for the display, growth, care, research, and storage of Dia’s collection. Further, the Director of Collection oversees the direction, department goals, and projects for Dia’s archive and is the primary on-site liaison at Dia Beacon for individual curators responsible for collection displays and projects at the location.   

As a member of the Program team, this role works closely with the Learning and Engagement and the Publications departments and is part of the Program Heads group that fosters cross-departmental collaboration. This position ensures thorough and appropriate communication and information-sharing with the Communications, Development, Marketing, and Visitor Experience departments and, for Development in particular, works closely on tours and introductions of Dia’s collection to visiting donors and prospects.  

The Director of Collection conceives and implements public programs, special projects, and internal initiatives, mainly, but not limited to, Dia’s collection. The Director of Collection is the curatorial representative at Dia Beacon and the primary curatorial liaison for its site-specific artworks.  

Education, certification, and experience  

• M.A. in art history or other relevant subject desired or an equivalent 
• At least 10 years prior art-museum experience in a relevant capacity required  
• Significant and demonstrable experience with institutional collection building, strategy, and management required 
• Demonstrable knowledge of and involvement in international contemporary art  

For full Job Description please visit www.diaart.org. Qualified candidates are invited to apply by completing the online job application, linked here