Senior Vice President, Curatorial

About the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is dedicated to celebrating the art, history, and future of cinema. As a cultural landmark in Los Angeles, the museum serves as a global hub for film enthusiasts, scholars, and industry professionals. Our mission is to foster a deeper understanding of the moving image through immersive exhibitions, educational programs, and a world-class collection.

About the Role

The Senior Vice President of Curatorial is a visionary leader who will report directly to the Director and President of the Academy Museum. This role is central to the museum's identity, tasked with conceiving, developing, and collaborating on exhibitions across all gallery spaces. The SVP will set the strategic vision and priorities for the curatorial department, ensuring that every project upholds the highest standards of scholarly rigor and historical accuracy.

This position is more than a management role; it is a partnership. The ideal candidate will balance deep expertise in film history with a genuine openness to listening and learning from both internal teams and external voices. Success in this role is defined by a track record of co-creation, where collaborative efforts drive the success of complex initiatives. As an ambassador for the institution, the SVP will represent the museum publicly through programs, panels, and interviews, while also fostering a cohesive and supportive internal culture.

The Day-to-Day

In this role, you will guide the curatorial team in managing all exhibition content, from initial strategy to final scheduling. You will cultivate relationships with a diverse network of constituents, including filmmakers, Academy members, lenders, and community leaders. A significant portion of your time will be spent collaborating with the Director and President to secure donors and partners for new initiatives.

You will also oversee the growth of exhibition opportunities, ranging from local installations to national and international travel. Working closely with teams in education, film programs, publications, and marketing, you will ensure that all collateral, from didactics to training materials, aligns with the museum's goals. Ultimately, you will lead the department's policies, procedures, and budgets while championing a commitment to diversity, equity, access, and inclusion.

Hiring Process

Candidates selected for an interview will be invited to participate in a series of discussions designed to assess their strategic vision, leadership style, and fit within the Academy Museum culture. The process typically includes an initial conversation with the hiring team, followed by deeper engagements with senior leadership and potential cross-functional partners.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and visitors. We consider qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Vaccination Policy

Full vaccination against COVID-19, including any applicable booster vaccinations, is required for all employees. Medical and religious accommodations are available and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Office of People & Culture.