ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Assistant Museum Curatorial Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Glenstone Museum

Curatorial Assistant

Potomac, MD · On-site

$49K - $64K/hr

Opened in 2006 and expanded in 2018, the museum welcomes visitors to a unique experience of indoor ... Curatorial Assistant will assist the curatorial team with a variety of projects related to ...

New

Smithsonian Institution

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 ... Assist the Photo Services department in the handling of objects to be photographed, the curatorial ...

Museum of the Bible

Collections Manager

Washington, DC

$65K - $70K/yr

Curatorial - Collections Location: Washington DC FLSA: Exempt Schedule: Full-Time Reporting Manager ... Catalog and document Museum special collections according to Museum documentation standards * Move ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMuseum Curatorial JobsAssistant Museum Curatorial JobsAssistant Museum Curatorial Jobs in Reston, VA

Assistant Museum Curatorial information

See Reston, VA salary details

$7

$22

$34

How much do assistant museum curatorial jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant museum curatorial in Reston, VA is $22.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $25.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an assistant museum curatorial do?

An Assistant Museum Curatorial professional supports the curators in managing collections, organizing exhibitions, conducting research, and handling administrative tasks related to the museum's artifacts and displays. They may help with cataloging objects, preparing exhibit materials, and assisting with educational programs. Their work is crucial in ensuring the smooth operation of the museum's curatorial department and the preservation and presentation of its collections.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant museum curatorial?

To succeed as an Assistant Museum Curatorial, a background in art history, museum studies, or a related field is essential, often complemented by a bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with collection management systems, digital cataloging tools, and exhibit design software is typically required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help in collaborating with curators, artists, and the public. These abilities are vital for ensuring accurate collection care, successful exhibitions, and meaningful visitor experiences.

What are some common challenges faced by assistant museum curatorial staff, and how can they prepare for them?

Assistant Museum Curatorial staff often face challenges such as balancing multiple tasks, managing tight deadlines for exhibitions, and ensuring proper documentation of artifacts. They may also need to adapt quickly to changes in exhibition themes or priorities set by senior curators. Building strong organizational skills, being detail-oriented, and maintaining clear communication with team members can help overcome these challenges and contribute to the successful curation and presentation of museum collections.

What is the difference between Assistant Museum Curatorial vs Assistant Museum Education?

AspectAssistant Museum CuratorialAssistant Museum Education
Primary FocusManaging collections, exhibitions, and researchDeveloping educational programs and visitor engagement
Required CredentialsBackground in art history, museum studies, or related fieldsBackground in education, museum studies, or related fields
Work EnvironmentGalleries, storage, research areasClassrooms, public programs, outreach areas
Industry UsageCommonly employed in museums with a focus on collectionsCommonly employed in museums emphasizing public education

While both roles support museum operations, Assistant Museum Curatorial primarily handles collections and exhibitions, whereas Assistant Museum Education focuses on visitor programs and educational outreach. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations within the museum industry.

What are popular job titles related to Assistant Museum Curatorial jobs in Reston, VA?

For Assistant Museum Curatorial jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Assistant Museum Curatorial jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Assistant Museum Curatorial jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Assistant Museum Curatorial jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Assistant Museum Curatorial job openings:

Assistant Museum Curatorial jobs near you

Curatorial Assistant

Glenstone Museum

Potomac, MD • On-site

$49K - $64K/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Position
Curatorial Assistant
Reports To
Associate Curator
Salary Range
$49,000 - $64,000 per year
An Introduction to Glenstone Museum
Founded with the mission to seamlessly integrate art, architecture, and nature, Glenstone is a world-class contemporary art museum in Potomac, Maryland. Opened in 2006 and expanded in 2018, the museum welcomes visitors to a unique experience of indoor and outdoor spaces enveloped by 300 acres of organically maintained meadow and woodlands. Admission is always free. 
The work culture at Glenstone is dynamic and team-oriented. As a mission-driven nonprofit, we are proud to foster a workplace where associates feel valued, respected, and accepted. We leverage our collaborative and enriching culture to provide abundant opportunities for all associates to develop new skills, feel connected to our mission, and actively participate in advancing their careers. 
Position Overview
Reporting to the Associate Curator, the Curatorial Assistant will assist the curatorial team with a variety of projects related to Glenstone’s exhibition program. Primary duties include leading and assisting with the research, organization, planning, and execution of exhibitions and installations; aiding with the development of museum publications and programs, both print and digital; conducting research on artists for special projects; and leading coordination with the Visitor Experience department to execute Glenstone’s internal training program. Specific projects will require independent coordination and oversight. This position will contribute to a range of scholarly projects and exhibition-related initiatives while providing administrative support that helps advance departmental goals and priorities.

Key Responsibilities
  • Provide exhibition support from research and development through realization, including research relevant to the understanding, history, use, loan, display, and care of artworks in the collection.
  • Perform independent object research and craft original writing related to exhibitions, including curatorial statements, fact sheets, wall labels, didactics, web text, and more.
  • Communicate directly with artists and their representatives to plan and execute installations, including preparing associated checklists, budgets, and instructions.
  • Prepare and circulate formal correspondence to lenders, artists, essayists, and other key vendors.
  • Provide tours of the museum and grounds to members of the public and support programming and event production, including giving public talks.
  • Support publication production by reviewing editorial changes, proofreading interim and final texts, color correcting, and ensuring edits are accurately incorporated and relayed to design.
  • Manage publication rights and reproduction requests and tracking, layout and photography coordination, and vendor supervision on-site at the museum.
  • Provide the Visitor Experience team with information on relevant artists and artworks, support refresher sessions, and digitize research relevant to works on view. In addition, coordinate staff training dates.
  • Prepare PowerPoints and lead staff training on artists, artwork and content on view, including preparing material to be hosted on Glenstone’s internal training program.
  • Support the Communications team by reviewing and approving copy for web, social, and other media.
  • Manage vendors including photographers, printers, designers, copyeditors, publishers, and distributors.
  • Create full and small-scale maquettes as required for exhibition planning.
  • Assist with day-to-day financial operations such as processing invoices, reimbursables and other operational needs.
  • Address inquiries from the public and scholars as assigned.
  • Coordinate department meetings through Microsoft Outlook, prepare minutes, and manage food service when applicable.
  • Assist with preparation of presentation materials for internal and external engagements.
  • Coordinate mailings and provide administrative support for departmental activities as needed.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Desired Attributes amp; Characteristics
The ideal candidate will possess strong art historical knowledge with a focus on post-war and contemporary art and artists, exceptional organizational skills, a heightened sense of discretion, and the ability to work quickly under tight deadlines. Strong writing skills and a keen eye for detail are critical for success in this role. The candidate must have the ability to multitask, balance competing deadlines, and exhibit patience and flexibility in the face of evolving goals and deliverables. A passion for contemporary art and an embrace of the spirit of teamwork will be critical.
Required Skills amp; Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in Art History, Museum Studies, or similar.
  • 1-3 years professional experience working in a modern and contemporary art museum, gallery, or academic setting.
  • Demonstrated ability to work well in a team environment.
  • Exemplary writing and public presentation skills.
  • Strong cultural competence, interpersonal communication, planning and organizational skills.
  • Excellent administrative skills.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Professional experience researching and writing on modern and contemporary art.
  • Demonstrated experience assisting with or coordinating the production of art publications, with a focus on editorial work.
  • Experience supporting project management in a team setting, particularly working on the delivery of several projects concurrently.
  • Experience working with living artists and artists’ estates.
  • Familiarity with the Chicago Manual of Style.
  • Knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, and related programs.
Salary amp; Benefits
This is a full-time position. Glenstone offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and provides a total benefits package that helps you manage your health, protect your income, and prepare for the future. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; life, long-term disability and AD amp;D insurance, a Flexible Spending Account (FSA); a 401(k)-retirement account with a matching contribution; an Employee Assistance Program (EAP); and tuition reimbursement.
Glenstone is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Apply