Seeking collection head, works on paper/photography

As collection head in the area of contemporary art, you will contribute to shaping the profile of the Hamburger Kunsthalle. You will expand the collection and participate in the planning of the exhibition program. Your focus will lie on works on paper and photography after 1960 as well as the media collection. You will take a multimedia approach when conceiving exhibitions. You have a good overview of the international art scene and demonstrable knowledge of at least one non-European art region.

The collection of works on paper after 1960 historically evolved from the Department of Prints and Drawings, its exhibitions are held in the Gallery of Contemporary Art. Accordingly, you will manage and develop the collection in close collaboration with the Head of the Contemporary Art Collection.

You are in possession of in-depth knowledge of contemporary art as well as scholarly expertise and experience in working with others in the areas of conservation, collections management, registrar functions, fundraising, communications and museum education and outreach. An open attitude to the art of other time periods, media and regions as well as an interdisciplinary approach are a matter of course for you.

Your duties will include
–Scholarly supervision of the Contemporary Art Collection with a focus on works on paper—drawings, prints, and photography after 1960—as well as the media collection
–Indexing the collection via the database, physical files, publications, digital media, etc. 
–Continuous further development of the collection concept on an international level in contact with relevant people and institutions—including artists, foundations, etc. through acquisitions, donations, bequests or permanent loans
–Close cooperation and coordination of work on the collection and its expansion with the Gallery of Contemporary Art, the Department of Prints and Drawings and the library, e.g., with respect to the Kunsthalle’s collection of artist books
–Conception and realisation of exhibitions and collection presentations on contemporary art as part of the overall concept of the Gallery of Contemporary Art, as well as contributing to overarching monographic/thematic exhibitions (including for the Triennial of Photography Hamburg), including publications (analogue and digital)
–Conception and realisation of events and programs accompanying exhibitions, e.g., symposia, artist talks (analogue and digital)
–Supervision and guidance of assistant curators and training of curatorial trainees in connection with various projects
–Cross-departmental collaboration within the Kunsthalle as well as with external partners in the field of contemporary art, for example museums, exhibition venues, universities, foundations, etc. 

Your knowledge and skills profile
–University degree in the field of art history or comparable subjects (master’s degree, preferably with doctorate) and academic activity in the field of contemporary art documented by publications
–Extensive knowledge and several years of experience in the field of international contemporary art, with a focus on art on paper as well as media art
–A broad understanding of the global art scene 
–Several years of experience in conceiving, planning and realising international, interdisciplinary exhibitions, exhibition-related programs and events, as well as publications
–Professional background in museum work, in a comparable position of responsibility
–Experience with digitalisation, in particular with databases and digital media and formats
–Excellent conceptual and organisational skills
–Demonstrated project and process management skills 
–Strong communication and networking skills 
–Fluent in German and English as well as ideally another foreign language 
–Strong teamwork skills and reliability 

Regular weekly work schedule is currently 40 hours. Payment: German Pay Grade 14 under the TV-AVH collective bargaining agree. 

We welcome applications from all people, regardless of origin, and we promote gender equality and work-life balance. Severely disabled persons will be given preferential consideration given equal suitability and professional performance.

Please address any questions / send your complete and detailed application documents by October 30, 2026, via email to bewerbung@hamburger-kunsthalle.de

We collect only personal data that is relevant to the application process while complying with all statutory provisions. For more information, visit hamburger-kunsthalle.de.