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Chief Curator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Woodruff Arts Center

$48K/yr

Chief Curator FLSA: United States of America (Exempt) Employment Status : Regular/Full time ABOUT THE HIGH The High brings art, ideas, and people together to amplify the importance of artistic ...

City of Mesa

Museum Curator

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$75K - $102K/yr

General supervision is received from the Chief Curator, who reviews work through conferences, meetings, reports, and overall results achieved. This class is FLSA exempt professional. Please refer to ...

Woodruff Arts Center

$100K/yr

Chief Curator FLSA: United States of America (Exempt) Employment Status : Regular/Full time About the Role: The High Museum of Art seeks an innovative and experienced curator with expertise in ...

City of Mesa, AZ

Museum Curator

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$75K - $102K/yr

General supervision is received from the Chief Curator, who reviews work through conferences, meetings, reports, and overall results achieved. This class is FLSA exempt professional. Please refer to ...

Valid8 Financial, Inc.

Director, Education

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$90 - $110/hr

Partnering with the Chief Curator and Deputy Director, the Director sets the strategy for MCNY's education programs and leads the operations that bring that strategy to life across K-12, youth, and ...

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How much do chief curator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief curator in the United States is $72,627.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $94,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a chief curator do?

A Chief Curator is responsible for overseeing the curation, acquisition, and management of collections in museums, galleries, or cultural institutions. They develop exhibition strategies, ensure proper conservation of artifacts, and collaborate with artists, researchers, and stakeholders. Additionally, they may handle budgeting, fundraising, and public engagement to enhance the institution’s reputation and accessibility. Their role balances artistic vision with administrative leadership to maintain and expand a compelling collection.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chief curator?

To thrive as a Chief Curator, you need deep expertise in art history or a related field, significant curatorial experience, and advanced organizational abilities, usually supported by a relevant master's degree or Ph.D. Proficiency in collection management systems, digital archiving tools, and knowledge of conservation standards are typically required. Strong leadership, exceptional communication, and creative vision help set outstanding Chief Curators apart. These capabilities are vital for effectively managing collections, leading curatorial teams, and shaping the institution’s public engagement and exhibition strategies.

What are some typical challenges a chief curator faces in their daily work?

Chief Curators often balance the needs of managing extensive collections with developing innovative exhibitions that attract and engage diverse audiences. They may face challenges such as budget constraints, evolving technology demands, and the need to address inclusivity and accessibility in programming. Effective collaboration with directors, curatorial staff, educators, and external partners is essential to their success. The role can be both intellectually rewarding and administratively demanding, requiring ongoing problem-solving and adaptability to changing priorities. Candidates should be prepared for a dynamic environment that values both strategic vision and hands-on involvement.

Do chief curators make a lot of money?

Chief curators typically earn a salary that reflects their experience, the size of the institution, and geographic location, with median salaries often ranging from $60,000 to $120,000 annually. Senior chief curators or those working at major museums can earn higher salaries, especially with advanced degrees and extensive experience. Compensation may also include benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

How much do chief curators make?

Chief curators typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $120,000, depending on the institution, location, and experience. Senior chief curators or those working in large museums may earn higher salaries, often exceeding $150,000. The role often requires advanced degrees in art, history, or related fields, along with extensive curatorial experience.
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Chief Curator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chief Curator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,627 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

Associate Curator / Curator, Asian Art

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)

Providence, RI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Rhode Island School Of Design rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

150th of 622 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Job Summary
RISD Museum
Established with the college in 1877, the RISD Museum currently contains more than 100,000 works of art and design from all over the world, representing diverse cultures from ancient times to the present. A strong staff and seven excellent curatorial departments (Ancient Art; Asian Art; Costumes & Textiles; Decorative Arts & Design; Prints, Drawing, and Photographs; Painting and Sculpture; and Contemporary Art) are a rich resource for undergraduate and graduate research. RISD's academic programs are well integrated with the museum, and the strategic plan envisions further strengthening of those ties. The museum is an important part of the bridge that RISD provides between Providence's past and its future, meaningfully connecting RISD to its local community.
The Opportunity
As the sole curatorial-track position within the department, the Curator / Associate Curator of Asian Art is responsible for the development, and care of an important departmental collection, as well as its interpretation through exhibitions, publications, and participation in Museum teaching and educational programs in alignment with the museum's strategic plan. Responsible for budgets and other administrative matters relative to individual projects. Must recognize and value diversity as central to excellence.
Candidates who apply by October 23, 2026 will be assured full consideration.
Essential Functions:
  • Responsible for the development of the collection.
  • Maintain a sound knowledge of the art market, including the availability and value of objects. Maintain contact with dealers and cultivate donors and potential donors.
  • Through the Director and Chief Curator, recommend purchases, gifts, deaccessions, and methods of deaccessioning (sale, exchange, transfer).
  • Responsible for the care of the collection.
  • Documentation of objects within the collection: provide basic cataloguing information to the Registrar for all objects acquired or already owned by the Museum; schedule and supervise inventories of objects in the collection; conduct and record or publish research on objects in the collection.
  • Preservation of objects within the collection in consultation with conservation: work in collaboration with the Registrar to set standards for housing, storage, and installation and oversee the proper storage of all objects to ensure safety and accessibility; determine conservation priorities, develop a budget plan, recommend appropriate treatments, and supervise treatments; recommend loans and set standards for care; at the request of the Director, serve as courier.
  • Work closely with the Museum Security Department to ensure the security of works of art.
  • Develop exhibitions, educational programs, and interpretative texts
  • Interpret and display Asian Art-both generally and in the collection specifically-through exhibitions, publications, and educational programs (in coordination with all departments responsible for interpretation and audience engagement) that present works of art from the Museum and outside collections in alignment with the goals and priorities articulated in the museum's strategic plan.
  • Teach and make the collection accessible to RISD faculty and students, the broader academic community, and the general public, emphasizing inclusivity. Answer scholarly and public inquiries.
  • Support the fundraising and public relations efforts of the Museum and the Development and Communications Offices. (Note: The degree of expected support will differ between the full Curator and Associate Curator roles.)
  • Identify, cultivate, and educate supporters and potential supporters of the Museum through advice and special activities.
  • Prepare grants, budgets, and project work plans with the Director, Chief Curator, Director of Finance Operations, and Institutional Advancement.
  • As project director of grant-funded projects, responsible for the execution of work plan and budget, and with the Deputy Director, Exhibitions, Education & Programs, and Deputy Director, Museum Finance and Operations, adherence to deadlines and requirements for interim and final reporting.
  • Provide timely information to the Communications Office and support its efforts.

Additional Functions:
  • Share day-to-day departmental responsibilities equitably with colleagues in a manner that promotes collaboration and teamwork.
  • Contribute to the life of the Museum and college through participation in institution-wide and Museum-wide committees and projects, as requested and approved by the Director.
  • Participate in the larger academic field and the museum profession through such activities as lectures, written contributions, panel and peer review service, and attendance at symposia, professional workshops and meetings, and local/regional arts events.
  • Perform related assignments as requested by the Chief Curator

Required Knowledge/Skills/Experience
Appointment will be made at the Associate Curator or Curator level based on the candidate's years of curatorial experience, professional qualifications, scholarly publications and/or exhibitions.
Associate Curator:
Experience:
  • Minimum of 3-5 years of curatorial and related experience.
  • Elementary experience with fundraising and collection growth having helped to secure sponsorships, manage and apply for grants, and build strong relationships with donors.

Curator:
Experience:
  • Minimum of 5-7 years of curatorial and related experience.
  • Possesses an active professional profile built through exhibitions, publications, and public speaking.
  • Strong track record of cultivating significant relationships with key donors, including trustees, curatorial support groups, and collection-adjacent committees including a proven track record of securing major acquisitions and stewarding high-level philanthropic commitments.

Qualifications (Associate Curator and Curator):
  • Record of scholarly publications and/or exhibitions.
  • Master's or equivalent combination of education and experience required; Ph.D. preferred.
  • Specialization in Asian art, with an emphasis on historical objects and periods.
  • Expertise in Japanese art, particularly works on paper, strongly preferred.
  • Fluency in a language relevant to the area of specialization is required; fluency in Japanese strongly preferred.
  • Strong connoisseurship skills; familiarity with conservation and collection care.
  • Excellent research, writing, and verbal communication skills.
  • Collaborative, teamwork approach.
  • Flexibility.
  • Strong interpersonal skills.
  • Strong organizational skills.

Union:
No
Work Schedule:
35 hours per week; 12 months per year
Employment Status:
Full-time; Exempt; Regular
Grade:
Associate Curator 535EX
Curator 550EX
Work Modality:
Hybrid Eligible
Documents Needed to Apply:
Resume (Required)
Cover Letter (Required)
Finalist candidates will be asked to submit a presentation
Salary Grade Structure
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please upload all required documents.
The successful candidate will be required to meet our pre-employment background screening requirements.
RISD recognizes diversity and inclusivity as fundamental to its learning community and integral to an art and design education. We welcome candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence. RISD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.
For internal use only - Job Family:
Museum Curatorial

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