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Associate Curator Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Curatorial Assistant

Potomac, MD · On-site

$49K - $64K/hr

... 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 ...

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Curating Associate

Mclean, VA · On-site

$31 - $36/hr

RH is seeking a Curating Associate with a passion for design and home furnishings. This role is ideal for those with a sense of personal style, polished appearance, refined taste and a discerning eye ...

RH is seeking a Curating Associate with a passion for design and home furnishings. This role is ideal for those with a sense of personal style, polished appearance, refined taste and a discerning eye ...

RH is seeking a Curating Associate with a passion for design and home furnishings. This role is ideal for those with a sense of personal style, polished appearance, refined taste and a discerning eye ...

As a KME.digital Social Media Associate, you will be responsible for juggling the social media ... and curation of content ideas * Collaborate with other departments for multi-channel promotional ...

Associate Attorney

Rockville, MD · On-site

$75K - $120K/yr

Associate Attorney Aldridge Pite, LLP is a multi-state law firm that focuses heavily on the ... Handle a caseload, primarily of litigated title curative matters, in accordance with firm, client ...

As a KME.digital Social Media Associate, you will be responsible for juggling the social media ... and curation of content ideas * Collaborate with other departments for multi-channel promotional ...

As a KME.digital Social Media Associate, you will be responsible for juggling the social media ... and curation of content ideas * Collaborate with other departments for multi-channel promotional ...

Sales & Spa Associate

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Our sales associates and front hosts are responsible for curating a welcoming environment for our clients, driving sales, and client retention. Roles and responsibilities include, but are not limited ...

Sales & Spa Associate

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Our sales associates and front hosts are responsible for curating a welcoming environment for our clients, driving sales, and client retention. Roles and responsibilities include, but are not limited ...

Content Development Associate

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$131K - $136K/yr

As a KME.digital Content Development Associate, you will write and edit marketing content ... and curation of content ideas * Identify opportunities for content promotion * Provide Search ...

Content Development Associate

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$131K - $136K/yr

As a KME.digital Content Development Associate , you will write and edit marketing content ... and curation of content ideas * Identify opportunities for content promotion * Provide Search ...

Content Development Associate

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$131K - $136K/yr

As aKME.digital Content Development Associate, you will write and edit marketing content ... and curation of content ideas * Identify opportunities for content promotion * Provide Search ...

Associate Store Manager

Mclean, VA · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

As Associate Store Manager, you will focus on hiring and retaining great talent to deliver an ... Who We Are Since 1982, Ballard Designs has offered a unique curation of home furnishings and décor ...

Gallery Housekeeping Support Associate

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

We are moving the brand beyond curating and selling products to conceptualizing and selling spaces ... RH is seeking a Housekeeping Support Associate to join our team in providing world-class service to ...

Associate Store Manager

Mclean, VA · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

As Associate Store Manager, you will focus on hiring and retaining great talent to deliver an ... Who We Are Since 1982, Ballard Designs has offered a unique curation of home furnishings ...

We are moving the brand beyond curating and selling products to conceptualizing and selling spaces ... RH is seeking a Housekeeping Support Associate to join our team in providing world-class service to ...

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Associate Curator information

See Washington, DC salary details

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$39

How much do associate curator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate curator in Washington, DC is $32.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.66 and $35.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

Do I need a degree to be an associate curator?

An associate curator typically benefits from a bachelor's degree in art history, museum studies, or a related field, though requirements can vary by employer. Relevant experience, internships, and knowledge of collections management are also important for this role.

Is an associate curator higher than an assistant curator?

Yes, an associate curator is generally higher than an assistant curator. The associate curator typically has more experience, responsibilities, and authority in managing collections and exhibitions, while the assistant curator supports these tasks and often is earlier in their career. Career progression usually moves from assistant to associate to senior or chief curator roles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Curator jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Curator jobs in Washington, DC are:

What are popular job titles related to Associate Curator jobs in Washington, DC?

For Associate Curator jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Associate Curator jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Curator jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various Associate Curator job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,632 per year, or $32.5 per hour.

Curatorial Assistant

Glenstone Museum

Potomac, MD • On-site

$49K - $64K/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 3 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.