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Curator Jobs in Springfield, VA (NOW HIRING)

ICF

Data Operator/Curator

Reston, VA · On-site

The Data Curator will perform advanced metadata curation and quality review for biomedical publication records. This role applies independent judgment to complex citation review, research funding ...

The Phillips Collection

Curatorial Assistant

Washington, DC · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Support the Chief Curator's efforts to steward relationships with members, donors, patrons, artists, and museum audiences. * Assist with communications with colleagues, donors, partners, and lenders ...

Chenega MIOS SBU

Data Manager / Curator

Arlington, VA · On-site

Chenega Military, Intelligence & Operations Support (MIOS) is seeking a Data Manager / Curator to support data governance, data lifecycle management, and data quality initiatives. The role involves ...

Chenega MIOS

Data Manager / Curator

Arlington, VA · On-site

$137K/yr

Req ID: 40891 Summary Data Manager / Curator Arlington, VA Are you ready to enhance your skills and build your career in a rapidly evolving business climate? Are you looking for a career where ...

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All JobsCurator JobsCurator Jobs in Springfield, VA

Curator information

See Springfield, VA salary details

$26.6K

$75.9K

$124.8K

How much do curator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for curator in Springfield, VA is $75,860.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,200.00 and $98,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges curators face when planning exhibitions, and how can they overcome them?

Curators often encounter challenges such as balancing artistic vision with budget constraints, managing loan agreements for artworks, and coordinating logistics for installation. They also need to ensure that exhibitions are accessible and engaging for diverse audiences. To overcome these challenges, curators frequently collaborate with educators, registrars, designers, and conservators, and rely on strong project management and communication skills to bring exhibitions to fruition while aligning with institutional goals.

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

To thrive as a Curator, you typically need expertise in art history or a related field, often supported by a master's degree and relevant museum experience. Familiarity with collection management systems, digital cataloging tools, and conservation techniques is commonly required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences set outstanding curators apart. These skills ensure the effective preservation, interpretation, and presentation of collections, which are critical for engaging the public and safeguarding cultural heritage.

What is a curator?

Museum curators work with the collection of an entire museum. Part of your job in this career is to oversee the acquisition of new pieces to a collection, either by directly arranging to purchase a piece or providing advice on what pieces to add. You also work with other museums and private collectors in order to arrange for loans and traveling exhibitions. As a museum curator, your duties include supervising staff members, advising on conservation, and writing grant proposals and museum literature. You are also in charge of meeting with trustees and managing programs and research projects that enhance the museum’s mission.

What does a curator do?

A curator is responsible for managing and overseeing collections of artwork, historical items, or scientific specimens in museums, galleries, or similar institutions. Their duties often include acquiring new items, organizing exhibitions, conducting research, and ensuring proper care and documentation of the collection. Curators also work to engage the public through educational programs and collaborate with other professionals in the field. They play a key role in shaping the narrative and presentation of a collection to educate and inspire visitors.

What is the difference between Curator vs Archivist?

AspectCuratorArchivist
Required CredentialsTypically a master's degree in museum studies, history, or related fieldOften a master's degree in library science, archival studies, or history
Work EnvironmentMuseums, galleries, cultural institutionsArchives, libraries, historical repositories
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in museums and cultural organizations to manage collectionsUsed in archives and institutions to preserve and organize records

While both roles involve managing collections, a Curator primarily oversees museum exhibits and educational programs, whereas an Archivist focuses on preserving and organizing historical records and documents. Both require specialized education and work in cultural or historical settings, but their daily tasks and focus areas differ significantly.

More about Curator jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Curator jobs in Springfield, VA?

The most popular types of Curator jobs in Springfield, VA are:

What cities near Springfield, VA are hiring for Curator jobs?

Cities near Springfield, VA with the most Curator job openings:

Curator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Curator job openings in Springfield, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,860 per year, or $36.5 per hour.

Museum Curator

Opportunities at the National Gallery of Art

Washington, DC • On-site

$85K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

The National Gallery of Art welcomes all people to explore art, creativity, and our shared humanity. Millions of people come through our doors each year, with even more online, making us one of the most visited art museums in the world. Our renowned collection includes over 160,000 works of art, from the ancient world to today. Admission to the West and East Buildings, Sculpture Garden, special exhibitions, and public programs is always free.

Qualifications:Basic Requirements:

A. Degree: museum work; or in an applicable subject-matter field.

OR

B. Combination of education and experience -- courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

OR

C. Four years of experience that provided knowledge comparable to that normally acquired through the successful completion of the 4-year course of study as shown in A above

GS-11 Specialized Experience Statement: Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience, equivalent in responsibility to the GS-09 level in the Federal service or private sector working with modern and contemporary prints and drawings in a curatorial capacity in a fine arts museum; AND demonstrated expertise in the history of modern and contemporary graphic arts outside of Europe and the United States, i.e. Latin America, Asia, or the broader Global South for a art museum.

GS-12 Specialized Experience Statement: Candidates must possess at least one year of documented specialized experience, equivalent in responsibility to the GS-11 level in the Federal service or private sector working with modern and contemporary prints and drawings in a curatorial capacity in a fine arts museum; AND demonstrated experience researching, curating, and proposing acquisitions of modern and contemporary prints drawings fromoutside of Europe and the United States, i.e. Latin America, Asia, or the broader Global South for a art museum. 

Individual Occupational Requirements: Museum Curator Series 1015  Associated Group standard:  General Schedule Qualification Standards

Other Relevant Eligibility Criteria: May be required to submit a writing sample. 

You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education:

A. Degree: museum work; or in an applicable subject-matter field.

OR

B. Combination of education and experience -- courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

OR

C. Four years of experience that provided knowledge comparable to that normally acquired through the successful completion of the 4-year course of study as shown in A above

Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website.

Employment Type: OTHER

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