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Associate Curator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Studio Museum in Harlem

Associate Curator

New York, NY · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Job Summary The Associate Curator will assume primary responsibility for the execution and continued articulation of the department's strategic vision for the Museum's permanent collection. The ...

VAWAA

Design Curator / Partnerships Associate

$50K - $65K/yr

Role overview The Design Curator & Partnerships Associate will work closely with our Founder and team and play a pivotal role in curating and growing our roster of extraordinary artists from around ...

National Gallery of Art

Museum Curator

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$85K - $133K/yr

Applicants selected will be titled as either GS-1015-11 Assistant Curator or GS-1015-12 Associate Curator Duties for this position include; * Ensure accurate documentation of and reliable access to ...

National Gallery of Art

Museum Curator

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$85K - $133K/yr

Applicants selected will be titled as either GS-1015-11 Assistant Curator or GS-1015-12 Associate Curator Duties for this position include; * Ensure accurate documentation of and reliable access to ...

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How much do associate curator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate curator in the United States is $28.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.20 and $31.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by an associate curator when developing new exhibitions?

Associate Curators often navigate challenges such as balancing scholarly research with audience engagement, managing tight deadlines, and coordinating with multiple departments like education, marketing, and installation teams. They must ensure that the exhibition aligns with the institution's mission and collection strengths while also appealing to a diverse audience. Additionally, Associate Curators regularly collaborate with artists, lenders, and conservators, which requires strong communication and organizational skills.

What is the difference between Associate Curator vs Collections Manager?

AspectAssociate CuratorCollections Manager
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in art, history, or related field; experience in curationBachelor's degree; experience in collections management, preservation, or related field
Work EnvironmentMuseums, galleries, cultural institutionsMuseums, archives, cultural institutions
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in museums and galleries for curatorial rolesUsed in museums and cultural institutions for managing collections
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for roles involving curation and collection oversightCompared with curatorial roles for collection management responsibilities

The Associate Curator primarily focuses on developing exhibitions, researching collections, and assisting with curation. The Collections Manager handles the preservation, cataloging, and physical management of collections. While both roles work closely within museums, the Associate Curator emphasizes research and exhibition planning, whereas the Collections Manager concentrates on collection care and logistics.

What is an associate curator?

Associate Curators are museum or gallery professionals responsible for assisting in the development, organization, and management of collections and exhibitions. They work closely with senior curators to research, acquire, and interpret objects or artworks, and may also help design and implement educational programs. Their role often involves cataloging items, preparing materials for display, and collaborating with other departments to enhance the visitor experience. Associate Curators are typically early- to mid-career professionals who contribute to both the scholarly and practical aspects of a museum or gallery’s mission.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate curator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Curator, you need a solid background in art history or a related field, often supported by a master's degree and prior museum experience. Familiarity with collection management systems, exhibition planning software, and research databases is typically required. Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills help you coordinate exhibitions and engage diverse audiences. These competencies ensure effective stewardship of collections, successful programming, and enhanced visitor experiences.
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Infographic showing various Associate Curator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,714 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Associate Curator

Studio Museum in Harlem

New York, NY • On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

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 Associate Curator will assume primary responsibility for the execution and continued articulation of the department's strategic vision for the Museum's permanent collection.
The candidate must be equipped to think broadly and innovatively about the institution's artist-centered mission, while independently managing a range of administrative and stewardship responsibilities. Reporting to the Chief Program Officer, and in partnership with the Chief Curator, this candidate will be focused on the long-term planning and oversight of the Museum's growing permanent collection, which currently contains about 9,000 objects from the nineteenth through twenty-first centuries. This focus will require a deep knowledge of the work of artists of African descent, with a particular emphasis on work between 1900 and -1960, as well as an understanding of current artistic practice.
Serving a leadership role within the curatorial department, the candidate must be comfortable working in a collaborative, experimental, and culturally diverse setting. Strong candidates will possess the openness, flexibility, and diplomacy required for meaningful collaboration with contemporary artists, estates, and peer institutions. Exceptional speaking, writing, and research abilities are required.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Conduct original research and organize visionary exhibitions; produce didactic texts and exhibition-related publications
  • Manage loans, acquisitions, and donation offers.
  • Work closely with the museum registrar on the maintenance and care of the permanent collection.
  • Develop and lead a variety of projects related to the Museum's permanent collection, including conservation initiatives, rights and reproduction, and object research.
  • Create presentations and reports for various stakeholders, including trustees, committees, staff, and public.
  • Manage departmental budget, supporting the development of grant and proposal budgets.
  • Co-supervise curatorial assistants, assistant curators, and curatorial fellows.
  • Cultivate and maintain relationships with a diverse constituency of artists, patrons, trustees, members of the press, professional associations, and local organizations.
  • Collaborate effectively across departments, communicating updates and representing the department at interdepartmental meetings.
  • Engage multiple audiences and stakeholders, both internal and external, across a variety of platforms
  • Other duties as assigned.

Skills and Qualifications
  • In depth historical expertise in art by artists of African descent, with demonstrated command of the period from 1900 to 1960.
  • Demonstrated ability to situate historical works in dialogue with contemporary practices.
  • Ability to read the collection along present day artistic, critical, and curatorial lines and to make credible, rigorous connections.
  • Fluency with current global practices, including emerging artistic practice. Active engagement with the cultural community.
  • Experience with the stewardship of a permanent collection, including acquisitions and committee processes, provenance research, loans and administrative management, collection database systems, and working in partnership with registrars.
  • Ability to speak and write persuasively on the role of culturally specific institutions and collections in the museum field.

Education and Experience
  • Master's degree in Art History with emphasis on modern and contemporary art by artists of African descent; Black history and culture; PhD preferred.
  • At least 5 years of curatorial practice in a museum setting.

Physical Demands
N/A
Work Environment
  • This position is an exempt position and may require working in excess of forty (40) hours during a work week.
  • Fast-paced environment with varying levels of guests and employees present.
  • Building Accessibility - office locations are wheelchair accessible, with elevators in the building. Other accessibility accommodations can be further discussed.

Compensation
$90,000 - $100,000 annually
A competitive benefits package is provided, including medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance, a retirement account, and substantial vacation time.
Application Instructions
  • Cover letter that summarizes the applicant's most relevant work experience; educational background, and familiarity with art by artists of African descent; and the candidate's sense of their own potential contribution to the Museum and its mission.
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Three writing samples: Two samples should focus on artists of African descent or artworks by an artist of African descent active between 1900 and 1960. One sample should focus on an artist of African descent or artwork by an artist of African descent active from 1960 to the present.
  • The names, titles, and contact information of three professional references able to speak to the candidate's skills, experience, character, and commitment.

No phone calls, please.
All applications must be received by 5pm, Friday, July 31, 2026.
Please note that while careful consideration will be given to each submission, the Museum will only be able to contact those applicants whose knowledge, skills and work experience best fit the requirements of the position.
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.

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