Director of the Emilio Ambasz Institute and Curator, Architecture and Design

Mission:

The mission of the Emilio Ambasz Institute for the Joint Study of the Built and the Natural Environment at The Museum of Modern Art is to promote the exploration and study of creative approaches to design at all scales of the built environment – buildings, cities, landscapes, and objects – with an emphasis on understanding their joint relationship to their natural environment. Through research and a variety of programs, including exhibitions in gallery settings, public lectures, conferences and symposia, publications, and their digital equivalents, the Institute’s objective is to be a globally leading think tank furthering the understanding of the interaction between design and ecology. The Institute’s mission is interdisciplinary, bringing into conversation architects, designers, policy makers, social thinkers, historians and the general public. The Institute will synthesize research and programmatic initiatives with current socio-political issues to help solidify cultural and art institutions’ relevance for today’s diverse audiences.

The Position:

The Museum seeks a Director of the Emilio Ambasz Institute who will also serve as a Curator, joining the curatorial team in the Museum’s Department of Architecture and Design, and reporting directly to the department’s Phillip Johnson Chief Curator of Architecture and Design.

As the second Director of the Institute, the successful candidate develops, leads, and implements the Institute’s manifold research initiatives through a range of programs, including exhibitions, public lectures, conferences and symposia, seminars, and publications on a variety of platforms.

The Institute intends to address a diverse, global audience through a multitude of digital channels and in-person offerings, and hence the Director should be particularly skilled in developing innovative programs for both the digital and in-person realms.

Specific responsibilities include curatorial leadership of exhibition programs, fiduciary oversight of the Institute, including all annual financial reporting on the Institute’s use of funds; active contribution to the conversation and programs of the Department of Architecture and Design; collaboration and active leadership with Museum departments and initiatives focused on ecology and sustainability; and partnership with external entities dedicated to ecological restoration and justice.

The Director will be supported in their role by a junior staff member. Any additional staffing is contingent upon new initiatives to be developed by the Institute, with input from the Philip Johnson Chief Curator of Architecture and Design. Additionally, in their role as Curator, they will help to develop a strategy for the collection and future acquisitions that deal with environmental architecture.

Major Responsibilities:

• Leads and develops the activities of the Ambasz Institute and ensures broad dissemination of the activities. Coordinates the activities of the Institute’s Advisory Board. Administers the budget, personnel, and operations for the Institute.
• Leads and develops scholarly initiatives in collaboration with the Museum’s curatorial department.
• Participates in pan-institutional committees as required.
• Responsible for organizing digital offerings on a variety of platforms, related in-person and virtual public programs, in-gallery collection-based rotations, and in-gallery temporary exhibitions. In conjunction with the Exhibitions department and the Creative Team is responsible for creating and maintaining the budget for these digital offerings and exhibitions, and for obtaining the loan of objects from other institutions or individuals for temporary exhibitions. Responsible for research of these programs and exhibitions and when appropriate is responsible for producing a catalogue and any written, recorded, and digital materials to accompany the exhibition.
• Works with Communications and Public Affairs, Marketing and Audience Strategy, Graphic Design, External Affairs, and others to promote and support the broad range of programming of the Ambasz Institute.
• Works with the Creative Team and Publications staff to produce exhibition catalogues and budgets for the publication and digital content, including photography. When appropriate solicits essays for publications from other scholars in the field.
• Works with the Learning and Engagement department on programs relevant to the Institute, including public programs tied to exhibitions.
• Works with the Creative Team in developing and implementing a plan for a diverse set of digital programs to support the priorities of the Institute.
• Writes articles for publication in outside professional journals, gives lectures at other institutions, and actively develops digital and in-person offerings with external collaborators.

Candidate Specifications and Ideal Criteria:

• Seven to ten years of related academic and curatorial experience. Master's degree in architecture or environmental studies, or closely related field. Strong background in contemporary architecture, urban studies, and visual art.
• Experience curating contemporary architecture in a museum, gallery, or comparable institutional setting preferred.
• Skilled at navigating large institutional settings, successfully cultivating internal support for initiatives, while securing necessary buy-in and approvals from internal stakeholders.
• Extensive track record as a thought leader in environmental architectural discourse, demonstrated commitment to and knowledge of issues related to sustainability and ecological design, with the ability to take an active role in shaping the current discourse around related social issues.
• Possesses a strong international network of individuals and organizations who are currently active in the field.
• Ability to lead people, with supervisory experience and demonstrated project management skills.
• Exhibits a style which is diplomatic, extroverted, sophisticated, and demonstrates an ability to work with colleagues as well as trustees.
• Proven ability both to initiate independent projects and work collaboratively, with the understanding that the work of the Institute is an integral part of the Department of Architecture and Design. Works closely with the Chief Curator to collectively develop strategic priorities for the Institute and has the ability to take direction and receive constructive criticism.
• Innovative, independent thinker with a strong ability to develop and implement intellectual content into tangible form.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, along with effective presentation skills.
• Demonstrated research capabilities and record of high-level, peer-reviewed publications.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Skills in digital publishing and ability to develop innovative formats on digital platforms.
• Unquestioned integrity that the organization and employees can trust without reservation.

Critical Competencies for Success:

• Strong communication and influencing skills given the diversity and complexity of MoMA’s organizational structure and workforce.
• Ability to inspire confidence, convey credibility, and develop and maintain effective working relationships at all levels of the organization.
• Ensure robust programs of the Ambasz Institute, furthering its ability to become a global leader in shaping the discourse on architecture and ecology.
• Experience with recruiting, training, leading, motivating, and mentoring support staff. Ability to nurture the team,
• provide professional development opportunities, and serve as a mentor.

Salary range: Minimum of $175,000 to maximum of $200,000 per annum 

To apply, please visit MoMA Jobs. Applicants should submit a resume and a statement of interest. Applications without cover letters will not be considered.

Application deadline:  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with a deadline of Sunday June 15, 2025.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement: Equal Employment Opportunity has been, and will continue to be, a fundamental principle at the Museum, where employment is based upon personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, marital and civil partnership/union status, alienage or citizenship status, creed, genetic predisposition or carrier status, unemployment status, familial status, domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking victim status, caregiver status, arrest or conviction record to the extent required by applicable law, credit history, or any other protected category as established by applicable law, including the New York City Human Rights Law (“NYCHRL”).

06/15/2025