This position is located in the National Museum of African Art (NMAfA). Through compelling, audience-centered exhibitions, scholarly publications and dynamic learning experiences, the Museum fosters public understanding and appreciation of the diverse cultures and artistic achievements of Africa from ancient to contemporary times.

The incumbent serves as a Museum Curator (Art) performing professional work involving scholarly research in preparation of material for exhibition and publication, acquisition and collection development, care and preservation, cataloguing and exhibition of African works of art and public service/education for the NMAfa. Additionally, the incumbent provides authoritative information on traditional and contemporary objects, particularly in own area of specialization.

DUTIES:

•The incumbent conceives, recommends, and develops scholarly research projects in the field of African art history and African studies, that results in publications and/or exhibitions that are considered by the scholarly community to be a major contribution to the discipline of African art studies; independently investigates and documents recommended and approved research topics, consistent with Museum objectives and goals.

•The incumbent recommends museum acquisitions via purchase or gift that will enhance, strengthen and maintain a well-balanced collection of African art, and is responsible for proper documentation, and identification of works in the museum’s collection; recommends and develops special temporary exhibitions – locating objects and documents, research, preparing manuscripts, and working with designers and editors in the production of an exhibition and publications.

•The incumbent is expected to serve as an expert adviser on educational matters to other government agencies, colleagues, educational and research institutions, and the general public.

•Reading knowledge of French/German is highly desirable.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Experience:

You qualify for this position if you possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal Service or comparable pay band system. For this position Specialized Experience is defined as experience is defined as experience creating exhibitions, building collections, and developing scholarly publications focused on the traditional and/or contemporary arts of Africa.

•Reading knowledge of French/German is highly desirable.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week.

For a full explanation of this option please see the Qualification Standards. Special Instructions for Foreign Education: If you are qualifying by education and/or you have education completed in a foreign college/university described above, it is your responsibility to provide transcripts and proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study. For instructions on where to fax these documents, see the “Required Documents” section of this announcement.

Full application: here