African Curator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About Our Organization
Founded in 1968, the Studio Museum in Harlem is the nexus for artists of African descent locally, nationally, and internationally and for work that has been inspired and influenced by Black culture. It is a site for the dynamic exchange of ideas about art and society.
Job Summary
The Studio Museum in Harlem seeks a collaborative and detail-oriented Registrar to support the oversight and management of the permanent collection and exhibitions. Reporting to the Head Registrar, this role will play a key part in improving collection accessibility, enhancing digital records, and ensuring centralized information management aligned with institutional priorities. The Registrar will manage acquisitions, outgoing loans, exhibitions, logistics, and collection documentation while supporting conservation, storage solutions, and policy implementation.
This position will work closely with a team of approximately five staff members focused on collections and exhibitions.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Ongoing management of museum's permanent collection and exhibitions programming including but not limited to:
Collection & Registration Management
- Manage incoming acquisitions, including creating acquisition files, conducting condition reports, cataloging artworks, and coordinating shipping, photography, and rehousing
- Maintain and update collection records in TMS according to data standards
- Organize and maintain collection files in line with records retention policies
- Conduct annual inventory of permanent and special collections
Exhibitions & Loan
- Coordinate and manage outgoing loans in partnership with the Head Registrar
- Support planning and logistics for exhibition installations and deinstallations
- Coordinate artwork photography for exhibitions and documentation
Collections Care & Conservation
- Coordinate conservation projects with external conservators
- Assess and recommend object housing and storage improvements
- Oversee rehousing initiatives and ensure proper care of objects
Operations & Administration
- Track budgets and expenses related to collection care
- Serve as a key administrative contact for internal teams and external vendors
- Supervise and mentor interns, fellows, and contractors
- Perform additional duties as assigned
Key Stakeholders (who this position will interact with regularly):
Internal (excluding direct chain of command):
-Preparators
-Curatorial Staff and Fellows
-Director's Office
-As related to Exhibitons install/deinstall: Communications, Security, Facilities, Visitor Experience, Learning & Engagement
External:
-Storage Facility Staff
-Conservators
-Photographers
-Shippers & Craters
-Framers
-Temporary/Contract Art Handlers & Registrars
-Fabricators
Skills and Qualifications
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Art History, Museum Studies, or a related field
- Minimum of 8 years of experience in a museum, gallery, or cultural institution
- Experience with TMS or other collections software and Microsoft 365
- Familiarity with digital asset management systems (e.g., NetX) is a plus
- Demonstrated interest in African American art
Skills
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Excellent communication (written and verbal)
- High attention to detail
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to change
- Collaborative and proactive mindset
- Comfortable handling artworks and lifting up to 30 lbs
- Ability to work onsite five days per week
Work Environment
-Due to the nature of this role, onsite work is required at one of three main sites. The registrar will work primarily from an administrative office at storage, the museum's administrative headquarters, and the museum building, determined by the project or task at hand.
-Transit costs between work sites is covered by the museum.
-Building Accessibility - office locations are wheelchair accessible, with elevators in the building. Other accessibility accommodations can be further discussed.
-Fast-paced work environment
-Open plan administrative office within climatized storage space.
Compensation
$77,000 - $82,000 annual salary
Salary is commensurate with experience within the guidelines of a small not-for-profit. A competitive benefits package is provided, including medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance, a retirement account, and substantial vacation time.
Application Instructions
Please upload your resume and cover letter to your application. No phone calls or emails, please. Please be prepared to provide contact information for two professional references, at least one who can speak to your experience as a direct.
Please note that while careful consideration will be given to each submission, the Museum will only be able to move forward with a select number of candidates.
Application Deadline:June 1st, 2026
The Studio Museum in Harlem is an equal opportunity employer and considers all candidates for employment regardless of race, color, sex, age, gender identification, national origin, creed, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or political affiliation. We celebrate our inclusive work environment and encourage folks of all backgrounds and perspectives to apply. At the Studio Museum, we are committed to having an inclusive and transparent environment where every voice is heard and acknowledged. We embrace our differences and know that our diverse team is a strength that drives our success.
Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.