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African Curator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Hampton University

Visitor Service Manager

Hampton, VA · On-site

$31K/yr

Environmental Monitoring Duties: Assist the Curator of Collections and Registrar with seasonal ... of African American Art (IRAAA) journal. * Work collaboratively with the Digital Outreach ...

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African Curator information

What does an African Curator do?

An African Curator is responsible for acquiring, researching, preserving, and displaying collections related to African art, culture, and history in museums or galleries. They organize exhibitions, interpret artifacts for the public, and work to increase awareness and appreciation of Africa's diverse cultural heritage. Additionally, they collaborate with artists, scholars, and communities to ensure accurate and respectful representation of African traditions and histories. Their role often includes educational outreach, publishing scholarly work, and managing collections to ensure their long-term conservation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an African Curator?

To thrive as an African Curator, you need expertise in African art, history, and culture, typically supported by a degree in art history, museum studies, or a related field. Familiarity with collections management systems, digital archiving tools, and conservation techniques is highly valuable. Strong research abilities, cultural sensitivity, and excellent communication skills help in engaging diverse audiences and collaborating with communities. These competencies ensure accurate representation, effective exhibition planning, and the preservation of cultural heritage.

What are some common challenges faced by an African Curator when developing exhibitions, and how can they be addressed?

African Curators often encounter challenges such as sourcing authentic artifacts, navigating cultural sensitivities, and ensuring accurate representation of diverse African histories and communities. Working closely with source communities, building strong networks with artists, and collaborating with other museums can help address these issues. Additionally, curators must stay updated on ethical guidelines for acquisition and display, and prioritize inclusive, community-driven narratives to create meaningful and respectful exhibitions.

What is the difference between African Curator vs Museum Educator?

AspectAfrican CuratorMuseum Educator
Required CredentialsDegree in Museum Studies, Anthropology, or related field; experience in curationDegree in Education, Museum Studies, or related field; experience in educational programming
Work EnvironmentGallery or exhibition spaces, research areas, conservation labsEducational spaces, visitor centers, workshops
Employer & Industry UsageMuseums, cultural institutions focusing on African art, history, or cultureMuseums, cultural institutions, educational organizations

While both roles work within museums and cultural institutions, an African Curator primarily manages collections, develops exhibitions, and conducts research related to African art and history. A Museum Educator focuses on engaging visitors through educational programs, workshops, and tours. Both roles require relevant credentials and work closely to enhance visitor experience, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to African Curator jobs in Virginia?

For African Curator jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching African Curator jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for African Curator jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for African Curator jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most African Curator job openings:

African Curator jobs near you

Visitor Service Manager

Hampton University

Hampton, VA • On-site

$31K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Salary: $31,200.00 Semi-Monthly
Location : 200 William R. Harvey Way, Hampton, VA 23668
Job Type: Full-Time
Department: University Museum
Opening Date: 12/12/2025
Description
The Visitor Service Manager will develop and implement audience-centered visitor services and engagement strategies for the Hampton University Museum. The manager will provide excellent customer service to museum's constituents and responsible for maintaining the Museum Store. Primary: Interact with incoming patrons and serve as the liaison for guided and self-guided tours. Deliver all aspects of the retail operation: from maintaining a clean and tidy workplace, shop purchases, sales, on line store and mailings; inventory and continued development of the store. Manage volunteer/docents and work study students. May be called upon to assist with Gallery maintenance coordinate assigned programs and events; patrolling galleries; assist in maintaining inventory of and ordering of gallery lighting fixtures; assist with installation of exhibitions including changing gallery lights and other duties as assigned. Marketing: prepare promotional materials and social media updates for all aspects of the store. Assist with membership program and benefits.
Environmental Monitoring Duties: Assist the Curator of Collections and Registrar with seasonal visible and ultraviolet light readings used to develop a more protected environment for museum objects. Perform integrated pest management of pests inside structures and work on exclusion measures as appropriate. Manage acquisition of temperature and humidity data and some analysis of site data.
This is a grant-funded position. Continuation of the position is contingent upon the continuation of related grant funding.
Examples of Duties
  • Work cooperatively with others and accept directions from supervisors.
  • Communicate with museum visitors, volunteers, students, Museum Store vendors, consultants and contractors.
  • Prepare written documents, spreadsheets and inventory.
  • Open and close building during public hours on Saturday's, select programs, and events and monitor museum security, work-study students and volunteers.
  • Manage the museum store overall, purchase merchandise for the store, and work with vendors.
  • Responsible for store inventory and assisting with the sell and merchandising of the International Review of African American Art (IRAAA) journal.
  • Work collaboratively with the Digital Outreach Coordinator and the Administrative/Assistant Editor of the IRAAA.
  • Assist in gallery maintenance including assuring that all materials needed for installation of exhibitions are on hand.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications
  • Ensure a positive and memorable experience for visitors.
  • Engage visitors with welcoming and efficient dialogue such as greeting and orienting guests, responding to inquiries.
  • Ability to quickly learn and perform all duties with accuracy and efficiency.
  • Must possess excellent customer service skills and a welcoming demeanor to successfully engage and interact with a diverse audience.
    • An ability to calmly and effectively direct large crowds
    • Experience operating point of sale systems
    • Experience in customer service and prioritizing multiple tasks to meet deadlines
    • Familiarity with the museum field a plus
    • Must be able to communicate effectively orally and in writing
    • Demonstration of creative graphic design skills and experience
    • Proficiency in operating Microsoft Office Suite and ability to quickly learn new programs
    • Experience working in galleries and museums and/or Customer service experience in hospitality, retail, or museum setting.
    • Willingness to work independently and as a team Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, volunteers, members of the Hampton University community, and the public.
    • Maintain a clean and orderly appearance in the museum store and storage areas.
    • Ability to work on Saturdays from noon - 4 pm and as needed for special events.
    • Ability to stand for long periods of time; ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Supplemental Information
  • Undergraduate degree preferred in Fine Art, Marketing, Art History.
  • Experience working in retail, visitor services and in Museum installation and preparatory work.
  • Three to five years working full-time in a museum or over 20 hours a week part-time.

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees and part-time employees who regularly work 20 hours or more per week including health care, dental, vision, retirement, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, legal insurance, accident, critical illness, hospitalization, tuition remission, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
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