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African Curator Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Museum Specialist

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$70K - $91K/yr

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is a national museum for the study and ... curatorial departments in collections work connected with exhibitions and research and the ...

African Curator information

See Reston, VA salary details

$26.5K

$75.6K

$124.3K

How much do african curator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for african curator in Reston, VA is $75,557.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,000.00 and $97,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Reston, VA?

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

What job categories do people searching African Curator jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for African Curator jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for African Curator jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most African Curator job openings:

Museum Specialist

Smithsonian Institution

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

$70K - $91K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Smithsonian Institution rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 29 rated museums


Job description

Summary
The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is located in the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) under Office of Collections Management (OCM) division. The National Museum of African American History and Culture is a national museum for the study and exhibition of African American history and culture.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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The Museum Specialist (General) is responsible for carrying out collections management activities for the Office of Collections Management (OCM).
In this position you will:
  • Facilitate the work of other NMAAHC collection units with the collection. Assist the Photo Services department in the handling of objects to be photographed, the curatorial departments in collections work connected with exhibitions and research and the Registrar in preparing objects going out or returning from loan.
  • In preparation for storage, shipping, transportation or exhibition, disassemble, assemble, load, unload, secure, crate or cradle artifacts. Perform all types of collection handling operations, including those that require the operation of forklifts or similar equipment, box trucks and other vehicles or equipment.
  • Monitor environmental conditions of the collection storage areas.
  • Plan for, facilitate, and document researcher use of the collection.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Requires career/career-conditional status or eligibility.
  • Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.

Conditions of Employment
Occasionally the work is strenuous, with significant physical activity required to lift some object types that are large and heavy up to 40 lbs.
Qualification requirements, including one year time-in-grade at the next lower grade level for promotion candidates, must be met within 30 days of the job announcement closing date. See the 'Required Documents' section for additional information.
For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions viewable on OPM Website.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications: Experience related to the operation or management of a museum or similar collection of valuable objects. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include collections management, registration, cataloging, research, preservation, restoration, or conservation of collections of museum material, or other experience related to the position to be filled. Most positions require a particular subject-matter specialization, e.g., aeronautics, anthropology, art, geology, history, natural science, technology, biology, or zoology.
In addition to the basic qualification requirement above:
Experience: You qualify for this position if you possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 level in the Federal service or comparable pay band system. For this position, specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience Creating and coordinating workflow related to collections processing; preparing objects for shipping; providing transport and scheduling installation and de-installation for exhibition; creating object housing.
Or Education: Two (2) full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education or master's or equivalent graduate degree related to the position. Unofficial transcripts are required.
Or a Combination: Education and experience may be combined to meet the basic qualifications. For a full explanation of this option please see the Qualification Standards. Special Instructions for Foreign Education: If you are qualifying by education and/or you have education completed in a foreign college/university described above, it is your responsibility to provide transcripts and proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study. For instructions on where to fax these documents, see the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages and should clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and specialized experience required for this position. Do not copy language directly from the vacancy announcement, as you will be deemed ineligible for consideration. Instead, provide detailed, descriptive information about your actual experience.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week.
Special Instructions for Foreign Education: If you are qualifying by education and/or you have education completed in a foreign college/university described above, it is your responsibility to provide transcripts and proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study. For instructions on where to fax these documents, see the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
In an effort to streamline our hiring process, SI employees whose current position of record is in the same job series (1016) and who are in a Federal competitive service appointment as this advertised position, are not required to submit a transcript with your application package. However, if selected, you will be required to provide a copy of your transcript before your start date in the position.
Time-in-Grade Requirements: Under competitive merit promotion procedures, any individual who is currently holding, or who has held within the previous 52 weeks, a General Schedule position under a non-temporary appointment in the competitive or excepted service, must meet "time-in-grade" requirements (have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade of the grade for which you are applying).
Education
This position does not have a positive education requirement.
Additional information
  • This position is included in the bargaining unit.

Recruitment Incentive: Recruitment incentive(s) may be authorized for this position. However, approval for incentives are contingent upon various availability. If authorized, certain incentives will require the incumbent to sign a service agreement to remain in the Federal government for a certain time period.
Note: This statement does not imply nor guarantee an incentive will be offered and paid.
Selections may be made for vacancies across the Smithsonian Institution (SI). By applying to this position, you agree to allow your application and other personal information to be shared with one or more SI hiring officials for employment consideration for same/similar positions within the location(s) identified in this announcement.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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The Smithsonian offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, vacation and sick leave, holidays, health/life insurance, accident insurance, and excellent retirement program options.
Please see Benefits at https://www.si.edu/OHR/benefits for a complete description.
Flexible Spending Accounts - https://www.fsafeds.com/
Health Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/health/index.asp
Leave - http://www.opm.gov/oca/leave/index.asp
Life Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/life/index.asp
Long Term Care Insurance - http://www.ltcfeds.com
Retirement Program - https://www.opm.gov/retirement-services/

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