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Chief Curator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Koitecc Solutions

Assists the Chief Curator and Curatorial Officer in management duties beyond the departmental level. Participates in Gallery-wide advisory, curatorial, and management committees. Conditions of ...

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 ...

University of Texas

The Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art leads one of the Blanton Museum's key curatorial areas and is an important part of the senior management team, reporting to the Chief Curator and Deputy ...

Marquette University Clg-Nurse

Chief Curator on exhibition‑related tours; Operations team on set‑up or A/V needs; and with other staff and University partners as needed. Manage class visits on shared museum calendars.

University of Texas

The Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art leads one of the Blanton Museum's key curatorial areas and is an important part of the senior management team, reporting to the Chief Curator and Deputy ...

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$25.5K

$72.6K

$119.5K

How much do chief curator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 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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Infographic showing various Chief Curator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,627 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

Curator/Producer

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF THE ARTS
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF THE ARTSexternal

$32.45 - $36.69/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

SUMMARY
The Curator/Producer reports to the Deputy Director and Chief Curator and provides curatorial direction for select programs and comprehensive producing and administrative support for programming at REDCAT (The Roy and Edna Disney CalArts Theater). The position aids in planning and coordination related to REDCAT’s artistic program in all areas: dance, performance, theater, music, film, visual art, and critical studies. REDCAT’s contemporary cultural programs are presented in a theater and gallery in the Walt Disney Concert Hall complex in downtown Los Angeles. REDCAT is an interdisciplinary arts center presenting influential new works of international scope in the performing, visual and media arts. The theater features flexible seating configurations and a performance space suitable for theater, music, dance, film and video. 

Position Classification: Full-Time, Non-Exempt, UAW-Represented Staff Position

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Curate select performance and exhibition programs as assigned by Supervisor, with an emphasis on new works by Los Angeles artists. 
  • Coordinate and assist with organizing project-related curatorial and contextual materials, such as trailers, program notes, and checklists.
  • Prepare travel, housing, and on-site logistic arrangements for artists and visiting guests, including advance and in-person communication with artists and presenting companies.  
  • Coordinate artist relations and communications for senior staff. 
  • Assist with budget creation and management for all program areas. 
  • Generate artist contracts and program-related agreements, including loan requests.
  • Coordinate, including sourcing and organizing, all program-related content from presenting artists and companies for curatorial, marketing, and PR purposes. 
  • Assist in organizing and designing printed and electronic programs for shows and events, program-related didactic materials in collaboration with artists and collaborators. 
  • Develop content for programs and related marketing including photoshoots, videos and misc design projects.  
  • Create, maintain and update program-related web pages inclusive of regular website maintenance. 
  • Coordinate design and deployment for all related marketing materials inclusive of print pieces, weekly e-newsletters, and some social media. 
  • Respond to general telephone and email inquiries and refer specific inquiries as appropriate.
  • Track and maintain schedules for internal and external meetings.
  • Other duties as assigned. 

SKILLS/ABILITIES:

  • Demonstrated passion for contemporary performance, art and media. 
  • Working understanding of performing arts, museum and/or non-profit operations. 
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment, tact and discretion in dealing with REDCAT’s diverse constituencies. 
  • Excellent English language composition and editing skills.
  • Strong planning, organizing and communication skills; ability to be proactive, follow through and meet deadlines and organize and maintain a schedule. 
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks, work under general direction and tight deadlines and prioritize workload. 
  • Excellent customer service skills and ability to work well under pressure. 
  • Demonstrated computer skills (InDesign, Adobe Suite, Microsoft Office, HTML, database, CMS software) and Internet/social media skills.

EDUCATION:

  • B.A. from an accredited college/university or a minimum of 3-years experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

EXPERIENCE:

  • Experience with website content management
  • Experience making travel arrangements.

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