Director-Curatorial Services
Admin & Office Jobs
- National Gallery of Zimbabwe
- Expires 30 Jun 2026
- Harare
- Full Time
Job Description
Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced persons to fill the above-mentioned senior post which has arisen at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, the country's premier modern and contemporary art institution. The incumbent will report directly to the Executive Director and will provide strategic leadership across all curatorial functions of the Gallery.
Duties and Responsibilities
Job Description | Director-Curatorial Services
The Director-Curatorial Services is a full-time, senior leadership position. In collaboration with the Executive Director and the curatorial team, the incumbent provides overarching artistic direction, strategic vision, and operational coordination to the National Gallery of Zimbabwe's curatorial programme. The role requires exceptional scholarly credentials, a deep passion for Zimbabwean and African modern and contemporary art, and demonstrated leadership in a museum or gallery environment. The Director-Curatorial Services is expected to be an active and highly visible member of the national, regional, and international art community, and to champion the institutional advancement of the Gallery.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
The Director-Curatorial Services is responsible for:
Providing strategic leadership and management of the Gallery's curatorial department, including supervision of curatorial staff.
General scholarship and research into contemporary art, with an emphasis on Zimbabwean and African modern and contemporary art.
Advancing the institution's mission and ensuring alignment with its strategic plan.
Executing and developing support for curatorial and public programmes.
Working closely with Deputy Directors and Board Committees to guide the Gallery's artistic vision.
Exhibitions
Plays a principal role in the formulation of the overall direction of the Gallery's artistic programme and long-range exhibition schedule.
Prepares and approves exhibition proposals 2–3 years in advance of exhibition dates for review by the Executive Director.
Originates and oversees four to six exhibitions of varying scale and content each year, with accompanying scholarly catalogues.
Secures touring venues for exhibitions nationally and internationally and oversees their implementation.
Coordinates with the Deputy Director-Education and Public Programs and Deputy Director-Regions to integrate exhibitions with public engagement initiatives.
Works with the Deputy Director-Collections and Conservation to ensure the highest level of professional care is given to works of art entrusted to the Gallery.
Works with the Executive Director and Exhibitions Office to track exhibition budgets and expenditures.
Fosters collegial dialogue within and beyond the Gallery, advancing ideas and scholarship in contemporary art.
Maintains a visible and active role in the community through sustained relationships with artists, galleries, collectors, donors, and the general public.
Public Information and Electronic Media
Leads the Gallery's curatorial voice across all publications and communication platforms.
Provides curatorial content for the Gallery's website, social media, and digital channels.
Collaborates with the Communications and Marketing Department to prepare exhibition-related materials for public relations and marketing purposes.
Contributes to the development of communications and marketing strategies to serve diverse audiences and to enhance the Gallery's image, identity, community outreach, and donor prospects.
Development, Donor Relations, and Institutional Advancement
Under the guidance of the Executive Director, takes an active and leading role in identifying funding sources, preparing grant applications, and submitting donor reports.
Cultivates and maintains relationships with donors, sponsors, and funding bodies locally and internationally.
Participates in the planning and execution of programmes for supporter groups, collectors, and institutional partners.
External Relations
Represents the National Gallery of Zimbabwe to the public, media, and professional community.
Attends exhibition openings, art fairs, biennales, and related events across Zimbabwe and internationally.
Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.
Qualifications and Experience
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
• A Master's degree in Curatorship, Museum Studies, Fine Arts, or Art History is required.
• A Doctorate (PhD) in a relevant field will be a distinct advantage.
Technical Skills and Prior Experience
A minimum of 6 years of progressive curatorial experience, with at least 3 years in a senior or leadership curatorial role.
A demonstrated record of significant exhibitions, scholarly publications, and curatorial accomplishments.
Deep knowledge of Zimbabwean and African modern and contemporary art, and a broad understanding of international contemporary art discourse.
Excellent oral and written communication skills; strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external stakeholders.
Proven leadership and people management capacity, with experience supervising curatorial or professional staff.
A highly motivated self-starter with strong analytical, problem-solving, and organisational abilities.
Proficiency in relevant ICT systems and digital tools for curatorial and administrative work.
Experience working in a public institution or government setting will be an added advantage.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit their applications with a covering letter enclosing a detailed Curriculum Vitae, a statement of curatorial vision (maximum 500 words), and certified copies of qualifications, clearly marked:
Only applicants meeting the strict criteria outlined above will be contacted as part of the shortlisting process.
The Executive Director
National Gallery of Zimbabwe
"Director-Curatorial Services"
20 Julius Nyerere Way
P.O. Box CY 848
Causeway
HARARE
or hr@nationalgallery.co.zw
Closing date for applications is 30 June 2026.
