John Olbrantz Curator of Collections and Exhibitions

at Willamette University supports student learning at the university as well as faculty and student research, while also serving as a vital cultural resource for campus, the greater Salem community, and the entire Northwest region. Founded in 1998, HFMA has a primary programming focus on art from the Pacific Northwest, with significant holdings of modern and contemporary Northwest art, customary and historic Native American basketry and regalia, and twentieth century craft. In addition, the museum’s survey collection includes objects from the ancient Mediterranean, Asia, Europe, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas.  The museum presents an ambitious program of exhibitions with three changing exhibition galleries and three galleries dedicated to the permanent collection – in a total of 10,000 square feet of gallery space across two floors.

Position Summary:

This endowed Curator of Collections and Exhibitions position works closely with the Maribeth Collins Director toward the care of collections and development of exhibitions at the museum. The position will care for and manage the permanent collection (approximately 13,000 objects), develop temporary exhibitions, and work with other museum staff on the curatorial efforts related to the permanent collection galleries. The position manages all incoming and outgoing shipping. Additionally, this position represents the museum on and off campus, developing relationships with the various communities that we serve to help guide decisions around collections and exhibitions at HFMA. The Curator of Collections and Exhibitions will contribute to and support HFMA’s strategic plan, institutional initiatives, and commitment to equitable internal and public practices.

Supervisory Relationship:

Reports to the Maribeth Collins Director of the Hallie Ford Museum of Art. Works independently under applicable University policies, procedures, regulations, and guidelines. Supervises and works closely with a part-time registrar, as well as work study students and interns from Willamette University.

Essential Functions:

Manages and provides proper care, storage, preservation of the permanent collection; with the Registrar will respond to incoming offers of donations from collectors, artists, and galleries; chairs Collection Committee meetings where donation offers are discussed and reviewed; oversees the cataloging, accessioning, photographing, and storage of objects in the collection.

Oversees the creation and maintenance of the Hallie Ford Museum of Art’s collection records and collection policies, including the collection database, digital images, and hard files related to the objects in the permanent collection; ensures the implementation of the collection policy; conducts research on objects in the permanent collection as needed.

Oversees the packing, unpacking, and condition reports for incoming and outgoing loans to/from the Hallie Ford Museum of Art.

Responsible for the planning and coordination of shipping arrangements for incoming and outgoing loans and acquisitions to/from the Hallie Ford Museum of Art.

Identifies and prioritizes collection management projects in consultation with the Director; identifies potential funding sources for collection management projects; may write collection-related grants; serve as project and budget manager for grant-funded collection management projects.

Provide direction and context for conservation of objects in the permanent collection; oversees the work of contract conservators.

Coordinates with the Office of University Services about fine arts insurance.

Reviews and makes recommendations to the Director about outgoing loan requests and the ongoing rotation of objects in the permanent collection galleries; responds to inquiries from campus regarding campus art loans; reviews requests and assists in the selection of artworks for campus loans; oversees the installation and maintenance of art loans on campus as well as the Salem Convention Center.

This position provides logistical and project management support to all exhibitions; makes recommendations to the Director about temporary exhibitions drawn from the permanent collection or external sources; may coordinate and facilitate all aspects of the development of an exhibition – including curatorial concept, curatorial decisions, securing loans, writing didactic texts, and arranging shipping; Provides support to student and faculty exhibition projects. This position will periodically need to assist with preparatory work (ie. matting, framing, hanging artwork).

Along with Curator of Education, serves as a liaison with the faculty in the planning for class visits to the museum as well as integrating its permanent collection and temporary exhibitions into the liberal arts curriculum of the college; provides faculty, staff, students, and researchers with hands-on access and virtual access to the permanent collection as well as accompanying information about the objects in the collection.

Advises the Exhibition Designer/Chief Preparator on security, lighting, and display of objects in permanent and temporary exhibitions.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum 5 to 7 years experience of progressively responsible curatorial experience in an art museum or gallery

Advanced degree in art, art history, museology, or related field required. Any combination of additional education, training, or experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the essential functions of the position.

Knowledge of American Alliance of Museums (AAM) best practices and standards;

Ability to establish and maintain harmonious relations with collectors, donors, faculty, staff, students, members, visitors, and others

Strong research and writing skills

Excellent interpersonal and communications skills

Project management skills and ability to manage multiple projects at the same time

Ability to execute those physical activities required to perform the essential functions of the job.

To apply:

https://willamette.wd501.myworkdayjobs.com/WillametteUniversityJobs/job…

Annual Meeting

Annual Meeting Info

Awards & Scholarships

Wanda Chin Scholarship

Arthur H Wolf Impact Award

Leadership Award

Charles Redd Award

2026 Annual Meeting Agenda

Annual Meeting FAQ

2026 Networking Events

2026 Partners

Partnership Opportunities

Past Partners

Past Annual Meetings

Community Resources

Job Board

Webinars & Events

WestMuse Blog

DEAI Resources

Self-Care Resources

Civic Engagement Resources

Disaster & Emergency Preparedness Resources

Professional Development Resources

Digital Empowerment

Membership

Membership Information

Membership Application

Corporate Members

Institutional Members

About

Mission & Values

Board

Board Nominations

Staff

Program Committee

Contact

Donate