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Curatorial Research Assistant Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Glenstone Museum

Curatorial Assistant

Potomac, MD

$49K - $64K/hr

Position Curatorial Assistant Reports To Associate Curator Salary Range $49,000 - $64,000 per year ... Primary duties include leading and assisting with the research, organization, planning, and ...

CODART

Curator of European Painting

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$74.86 - $82.35/hr

... as a Curatorial Research Associate. Other key curatorial collaborators include the Assistant Curator of Prints, Drawings, and Photographs and the Anne Stone Associate Curator of Decorative Art.

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How much do curatorial research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for curatorial research assistant in Silver Spring, MD is $22.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.12 and $25.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a curatorial research assistant?

Curatorial Research Assistants are professionals who support curators in museums, galleries, or cultural institutions by conducting research, organizing information, and assisting with exhibition planning. Their duties often include cataloging works of art, preparing written materials, and gathering historical or contextual information about objects in a collection. They play a key role in ensuring the accuracy and depth of exhibitions and publications. This position is ideal for individuals interested in art history, museum studies, or cultural heritage, and often requires strong research, organizational, and communication skills.

What are the main challenges curatorial research assistants face when preparing materials for exhibitions?

Curatorial Research Assistants often encounter challenges such as tight deadlines, managing large volumes of research data, and ensuring the accuracy and relevance of information presented. They must balance meticulous attention to detail with the ability to synthesize complex historical or artistic contexts into accessible exhibition materials. Collaborating closely with curators, registrars, and conservation staff, they must also adapt to shifting priorities and last-minute changes in exhibition planning. Excellent organizational skills and effective communication are essential to navigating these challenges successfully.

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

To thrive as a Curatorial Research Assistant, you need strong research abilities, art historical knowledge, and often a relevant degree in art history or museum studies. Familiarity with collection management systems, digital archives, and databases is typically required. Attention to detail, organization, and effective communication help you stand out in collaborating with curators and supporting exhibition planning. These skills are crucial for ensuring accuracy in research, supporting curatorial projects, and maintaining the integrity of museum collections.

What is the difference between Curatorial Research Assistant vs Collections Assistant?

AspectCuratorial Research AssistantCollections Assistant
Primary RoleConducts research to support exhibitions and curatorial projectsAssists with the organization, cataloging, and preservation of collections
Required SkillsResearch, analysis, writing, knowledge of art history or relevant fieldOrganization, attention to detail, knowledge of collection management systems
Work EnvironmentMuseums, galleries, cultural institutionsMuseums, archives, cultural institutions
Typical CredentialsBachelor’s degree in art history, museum studies, or related fieldBachelor’s degree, often in museum studies, history, or related field

While both roles support museum and gallery functions, the Curatorial Research Assistant focuses on research and content development for exhibitions, whereas the Collections Assistant handles the organization and preservation of collections. Both positions require relevant education and work in similar environments, but their core responsibilities differ.

How much does a curatorial research assistant get paid?

A curatorial research assistant typically earns between $30,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the institution. Entry-level positions may start lower, while those with specialized skills or advanced degrees can earn higher salaries.

What are popular job titles related to Curatorial Research Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

For Curatorial Research Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Curatorial Research Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Curatorial Research Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

Curatorial Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Curatorial Research Assistant job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,253 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Curatorial Assistant

Glenstone Museum

Potomac, MD

$49K - $64K/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 15 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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