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Associate Curator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Design Curator & Partnerships Associate At VAWAA.com (Vacation With An Artist), we are on a mission to offer immersive, one-on-one creative experiences with master artists from around the world. In ...

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 ...

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How much do associate curator jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 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 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.

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 are Associate Curators?

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 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.

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Infographic showing various Associate Curator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Locum Tenens, 10% Internship, 15% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 60% Nights, and 5% Summer. Highlights an 33% Hybrid, and 67% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,714 per year, or $28.7 per hour.
Claudia Gould Curator/Associate Curator

Claudia Gould Curator/Associate Curator

The Jewish Museum

Manhattan, NY

Other

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

1
Claudia Gould Curator/Associate
Curator
Posted Date: January 2026
Start Date: ASAP
Title: Claudia Gould Curator/Associate Curator
Department: Curatorial
Reports to: Morris & Eva Feld Senior Curator
FLSA Status: Exempt
Schedule: Full-time
The Jewish Museum:
The Jewish Museum is an art museum committed to illuminating the
complexity and vibrancy of Jewish culture for a global audience. Through
distinctive exhibitions and programs that present the work of diverse artists
and thinkers, the Museum shares ideas, provokes dialogue, and promotes
understanding. The Jewish Museum maintains a unique collection of nearly
30,000 works of art, ceremonial objects, and media reflecting the global
Jewish experience. Located on New York City's Museum Mile, in the
landmarked Warburg mansion, the Museum plays an important role among
cultural institutions, challenging all forms of bigotry and discrimination and
promoting understanding among diverse audiences. The Jewish Museum
invites applicants of all backgrounds to consider joining the Museum in its
work. For more information, please visit www.TheJewishMuseum.org
The Position:
The Claudia Gould Curator/Associate Curator is open to candidates
prepared for either the full or associate curator title. The ideal candidate
will be a vital member of the curatorial team at the Jewish Museum,
reporting to the Morris & Eva Feld Senior Curator. This position will play an
instrumental role in working with the archives, collections, and library in
enhancing the research, organization, display, and scholarship of these
assets. They will work closely on the creation and implementation of a three-
year plan for the archives and library; supervise interns; actively participate
in strategies to expand the visibility of the collection, including touring
shows; and engage in broad departmental initiatives. They will also initiate
and support exhibitions that foreground the breadth and depth of the
collection, including focus installations developed for the Museum's
renewed collection galleries which opened in October 2025 and exhibitions
connecting the Museum's mission and its collection to broader art historical
and cultural themes. They must possess a broad knowledge of art history,
with special consideration given to candidates who work in 19th and 20th
Century art and photography. Finally, the Curator/Associate Curator will
bring energy and insight into the process of connecting with today's
audiences - through creative use of collections, archives, and temporary
exhibitions - while upholding the Museum's commitment to the values,
diversity, and history of Jewish culture. The Curator/Associate Curator will
bring a spirit of openness and collaboration to their work at the Museum,
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working in support of the Museum's mission, leadership, and institutional
history.
Responsibilities Include:
Exhibitions and Collections
* Research, plan and originate onsite and touring exhibitions inspired by the
Museum's collections, including archives
* Develop deep knowledge of - and implement best practices for - the
oversight of Museum archives, including organization, access, and
scholarship
* Actively participate in the Museum's traveling exhibition program - both
incoming and outgoing - including but not limited to collections
* Work closely with Chief Curator and Senior Curator to develop proposals
for publications exploring, researching, and contextualizing the collection
* Participate as an active team member in dialogue with cross-
departmental initiatives, including Education and Public
Engagement/Partnerships
* Work closely with Senior Curator on pacing and scope of rotations in
collection galleries, including strategic loan shows; contribute as curator
to these initiatives
* Contribute to any written materials as determined by projects in
development, including grants, label, marketing/communication
materials, and scholarly essays
* Respond to and take on assignments as assigned by Senior Curator and/or
Chief Curator
* Participate in committee meetings as needed
* Propose acquisitions for consideration within areas of expertise
* Field in-house and outside requests for use of archival and library
materials
Audience Engagement
* Work closely with Education on ways to engage innovatively with the
collection or to take inspiration from its strengths to identify teaching
opportunities as well as future classes, panel discussions and trainings.
* Bring a versatile and creative approach to social media platforms to
enhance visibility of the layered stories and histories of the collection and
archives; write and post regularly on the Museum's social media channel
* Recommend new ways to structure internal conversations and team-
based meetings to ensure smooth communication and collaboration
among those most deeply involved in collection work
* Engage comfortably with donors supporting the Museum and its
collections
Requirements:
* A minimum of 5-7 years of curatorial experience at a comparably-
scaled institution or organization
* M.A. or Ph.D. in art history or related field
* A track record of significant exhibitions and publications, along with a
wide knowledge of and curiosity about the role of Jewish artists
historically and in the present day
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* Dynamic public speaking presence and engaging communication skills
with a commitment to connecting with others - both within and
beyond the museum field - about the Museum and its mission
* Highly organized and able to multi-task
* Background in collections and archives preferred
Salary Range for Position: $85,000 - $100,000
Send Resume with Cover Letter To:
Director, Human Resources
The Jewish Museum
1109 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10128
Email: jobs@thejm.org
The Jewish Museum is committed to diversifying its staff and encourages
individuals of all ethnic, racial, and religious backgrounds to apply for this
position. The Museum is an equal opportunity employer and does not
discriminate on the basis of any protected characteristic prohibited by
applicable law.
This is a unionized position with covered employees represented by
Local 2110, UAW, AFL-CIO.