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Curatorial Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Glenstone Museum

Curatorial Assistant

Potomac, MD

$49K - $64K/hr

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 ...

Wyndy LLC

Assistance near available

Takoma Park, MD · On-site

Assistant Teacher available. Assist with educational activities, provide support to staff, and promote positive learning environment. Qualifications * A love of working with children * Excellent ...

Wyndy LLC

Assistance near available

Bethesda, MD · On-site

Assistant Teacher available. Assist with educational activities, provide support to staff, and promote positive learning environment. Qualifications * A love of working with children * Excellent ...

New

RH

Curating Associate

Mclean, VA · On-site

We are moving the brand beyond curating and selling products to conceptualizing and selling spaces ... * Assist in maintaining inventory integrity * Read and audit planograms, visual maps and offer ...

Restoration Hardware

Curating Associate

Mclean, VA · On-site

We are moving the brand beyond curating and selling products to conceptualizing and selling spaces ... * Assist in maintaining inventory integrity * Read and audit planograms, visual maps and offer ...

RH

Curating Associate

Mclean, VA · On-site

$31 - $36/hr

We are moving the brand beyond curating and selling products to conceptualizing and selling spaces ... * Assist in maintaining inventory integrity * Read and audit planograms, visual maps and offer ...

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Curatorial Assistant information

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$7

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How much do curatorial assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for curatorial assistant in Reston, VA is $22.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $25.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a curatorial assistant?

Curatorial assistants assist the curators with the daily operations of a museum, art gallery, or historical site. They perform a number of different functions, depending on the type of facility in which they work. Museum curatorial assistants may set up and tear down exhibits, straighten up visitor areas, and distribute educational materials to patrons. In an art gallery, they may be responsible for organizing the viewing presentations and schedule for featured artists. Historical buildings utilize curatorial assistants to authenticate artifacts found at the site.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a curatorial assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Curatorial Assistant, you generally need a background in art history, museum studies, or a related field, often supported by a bachelor's degree. Familiarity with collection management software, digital cataloging systems, and basic research tools is typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for excelling in this role. These competencies ensure accurate collections care, seamless exhibition planning, and effective collaboration with curators and other museum staff.

What are some typical challenges curatorial assistants face when supporting exhibition planning?

Curatorial Assistants often encounter challenges like managing tight deadlines, coordinating with multiple departments, and ensuring the accuracy of cataloging and documentation. Balancing administrative duties with research tasks can be demanding, especially during periods of exhibition preparation. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are crucial, as Curatorial Assistants frequently collaborate with registrars, conservators, and external lenders to ensure the smooth execution of exhibitions.

What is the difference between Curatorial Assistant vs Collections Assistant?

AspectCuratorial AssistantCollections Assistant
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in art history, museum studies, or related fieldBachelor's degree often in museum studies, art, or related field
Work EnvironmentMuseums, galleries, cultural institutions, assisting curatorsMuseums, archives, or collections management departments
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in museums and art institutionsIn museums, galleries, and cultural organizations
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in curatorial teamsUnderstanding roles in collections management

The main difference is that a Curatorial Assistant supports curators with research, exhibition planning, and educational programs, while a Collections Assistant focuses on cataloging, preserving, and managing collections. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work in museum environments, but their specific responsibilities differ based on whether they support curatorial activities or collections management.

What skills should a curatorial assistant have?

A curatorial assistant should have strong research and organizational skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of art history or relevant collections. Proficiency with databases, cataloging systems, and basic administrative tasks is also important, along with good communication skills for collaborating with staff and visitors.
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Curatorial Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Curatorial Assistant job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,554 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Curatorial Assistant

Glenstone Museum

Potomac, MD

$49K - $64K/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago

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.

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