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Curatorial Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Department MOCA, Curatorial Compensation $42,000.00 Annual General Description The Assistant Curator reports to the Senior Curator and collaborates with the Curatorial team to support the planning ...

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How much do curatorial assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for curatorial assistant in the United States is $21.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $24.76 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 are Curatorial Assistants?

Curatorial Assistants are professionals who support curators in museums, galleries, or cultural institutions with the planning, organization, and management of collections and exhibitions. Their duties often include researching objects, handling administrative tasks, cataloguing items, assisting with exhibit installation, and communicating with artists or lenders. They play a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of curatorial projects and help facilitate public engagement with art and historical artifacts.

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 cities are hiring for Curatorial Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Curatorial Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Curatorial jobs? The most popular types of Curatorial jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Curatorial Assistant jobs? The top employers for Curatorial Assistant jobs are:
What states have the most Curatorial Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Curatorial Assistant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Curatorial Assistant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Curatorial Assistant jobs are:
Infographic showing various Curatorial Assistant job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $45,709 per year, or $22 per hour.

Assistant Curator

Unf

Jacksonville, FL

$42K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Department

MOCA, Curatorial

Compensation

$42,000.00 Annual

General Description

The Assistant Curator reports to the Senior Curator and collaborates with the Curatorial team to support the planning, development, and execution of exhibitions and programs under the Arts UNF umbrella at MOCA and the University of North Florida (UNF) campus. This position assists with the care and interpretation of MOCA and UNF permanent collections, conducts original scholarly research, and ensures adherence to the highest professional standards. The role emphasizes exhibition coordination, research, writing, and community engagement to advance MOCA's mission and enhance audience experience.

Job FunctionsExhibition Development
  • Collaborate with the Senior Curator to plan and implement featured exhibitions and permanent collection presentations.

  • Assist with research, timelines, checklists, and logistics for exhibitions, including securing loans and coordinating with the Registrar and Preparator.

  • Contribute to exhibition interpretation, layouts, and graphic identity.

  • Propose and curate or co-curate exhibitions as assigned.

Research and Writing
  • Draft and edit exhibition texts, including labels, didactics, proposals, and web content.

  • Support the publishing process with proofreading, fact-checking, and publication coordination.

Community Engagement
  • Participate in donor and community relations at events, including receptions, programs and fundraisers, serving as a positive museum representative.

  • Lead exhibition-related public programs and tours for diverse audiences.

  • Cultivate relationships with artists, curators, educators, and cultural institutions nationally and internationally.

Administrative Support
  • Prepare agreements for artists, writers, and designers.

  • Monitor exhibition budgets and assist with departmental planning.

  • Maintain accurate object files and exhibition records.

  • Provide materials for marketing and social media updates.

  • Oversee interns and volunteers assigned to the department.

  • Assist with preparing reports and presentations for Board and committee meetings.

  • Support copyright permissions and image licensing coordination.

  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Oversees interns and volunteers within the Curatorial Department.

Required Qualifications

Master's and 2+ years of relevant experience or Bachelor's degree and 4+ years of relevant experience. Or an equivalent combination of education and experience pursuant to Fla. Stat. 112.219.Departmental Requirements
  • Knowledge of, and experience in, the field of contemporary art.
  • Experience in developing exhibitions.
  • Object-based experience and knowledge of best practices for object handling and care.
  • Strong writing, editing, and research abilities.
  • Proficient in crafting persuasive and informative content.
  • Effective supervisory and leadership skills.
  • Maintain discretion with confidential information.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Team environment with frequent group meeting participation.
  • Willingness to work evenings and weekends, occasional travel.

Statement(s) of Understanding

This position requires a background check. In conjunction with the University's policy, this position may also require a credit check.

The holder of this position is designated as a "Responsible Employee" pursuant to their role under Title IX. Therefore, the incumbent must promptly report allegations of sexual misconduct, sexual violence, and child sexual abuse by or against any student, employee, contractor, or visitor to the University's Title IX Administrator or any divisional Title IX Coordinator

Equal Opportunity

The University of North Florida (UNF) is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all who interact in our community. In building this environment, we strive to attract students, faculty and staff from a variety of cultures, backgrounds and life experiences. The University of North Florida does not commit or permit discrimination or harassment on the basis of genetic information, race, color, religion, age, sex, disability, marital status, national origin, or veteran status in any educational, employment, social, recreational program or activity that it offers. In addition, UNF will not commit or permit retaliation against an individual who reports discrimination or harassment or an individual who cooperates in an investigation of an alleged violation of university regulation.

Carnegie

UNF is a Carnegie Community Engaged Institution. This designation celebrates the University's collaboration with community partners from the local to the global level. It reflects UNF's mission to contribute to the public good and prepare educated, engaged citizens.