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Manager Historical Curator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This role offers a unique chance to shape the future of art history within a well-resourced and ... Manage and mentor staff with clarity and purpose, fostering a collaborative and high-performing ...

This role offers a unique chance to shape the future of art history within a well-resourced and ... Manage and mentor staff with clarity and purpose, fostering a collaborative and high-performing ...

This a two year position (24 months) intended for an early career curator, arts researcher, or art ... Master's degree in Art History or Anthropology, Museum Studies, Library Science, Arts Management ...

Job Title Administrator & Curator Department Art Museum Worker Type Temporary (Fixed Term) Pay Type ... historical society, educational institution, or non-profit institution; experience in management of ...

The Curator leads research, collection management, exhibit development, and public engagement ... Design, plan, and curate permanent and temporary exhibits highlighting automotive history ...

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Manager Historical Curator information

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$25.5K

$72.6K

$119.5K

How much do manager historical curator jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for manager historical 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 is the difference between Manager Historical Curator vs Museum Collections Manager?

AspectManager Historical CuratorMuseum Collections Manager
Required CredentialsDegree in history, museum studies, or related field; experience in curationDegree in museum studies, collections management, or related; experience in collection care
Work EnvironmentMuseums, historical sites, cultural institutionsMuseums, galleries, cultural organizations
Employer & IndustryHistorical museums, cultural heritage organizationsMuseums, art institutions, cultural organizations
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Manager Historical Curator focuses on researching, acquiring, and interpreting historical collections, often emphasizing research and public engagement. The Museum Collections Manager primarily manages the physical care, cataloging, and preservation of museum collections. While both roles work within museums and require related credentials, the Curator emphasizes research and interpretation, whereas the Collections Manager concentrates on collection maintenance and logistics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Manager Historical Curator, and why are they important?

A Manager Historical Curator needs expertise in museum studies or history, strong research skills, and several years of curatorial experience, usually supported by an advanced degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with collection management systems, digital archiving tools, and relevant certifications such as Certified Archivist is often required. Leadership, strategic planning, and excellent communication are essential soft skills for effectively managing teams and engaging diverse audiences. These capabilities ensure the preservation, interpretation, and promotion of historical collections in a way that is both accurate and accessible.

What does a Manager Historical Curator do?

A Manager Historical Curator oversees the acquisition, preservation, and display of historical artifacts within museums or cultural institutions. They are responsible for managing collections, developing exhibitions, conducting research, and ensuring proper care and documentation of items. Additionally, they supervise staff, coordinate educational programs, and may collaborate with other organizations to enhance public engagement with history. Their role is essential in preserving cultural heritage and making history accessible to the public.

What are some common challenges faced by a Manager Historical Curator, and how can they be addressed?

A Manager Historical Curator often faces challenges such as balancing the preservation of delicate artifacts with the need for public accessibility, managing limited budgets for acquisitions and exhibitions, and coordinating among curatorial, conservation, and educational teams. Addressing these challenges typically involves strategic planning, strong communication, and creative problem-solving—such as developing partnerships, pursuing grant opportunities, and implementing innovative exhibit solutions. Being proactive in staff development and fostering collaboration across departments also helps ensure successful management and growth within the institution.
What cities are hiring for Manager Historical Curator jobs? Cities with the most Manager Historical Curator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Historical Curator jobs? The most popular types of Historical Curator jobs are:
What states have the most Manager Historical Curator jobs? States with the most job openings for Manager Historical Curator jobs include:
MARIE AND HUGH HALFF JR. CURATOR OF AMERICAN ART

MARIE AND HUGH HALFF JR. CURATOR OF AMERICAN ART

SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF ART

San Antonio, TX • On-site

$65K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Title: Marie and Hugh Halff Jr. Curator of American Art

Department: Curatorial

Reports To: Chief Curator

Job Type: Full-time | Exempt

Pay: $65,000-$90,000, commensurate with experience

Job Summary:

The San Antonio Museum of Art seeks a dynamic and engaging individual as the next Marie and Hugh Hal Jr. Curator of American Art. Reporting to the Chief Curator, the Hal Curator oversees SAMA’s collection of American Art, which includes more than 1,500 works that represent major artists and developments in the United States from the late 18th to early 20th century, primarily in painting, decorative arts, works on paper and photography. The Hal Curator also has curatorial responsibility for the Museum’s European Art collection, including the celebrated Rowan Collection of Irish silver. The position is oered at open rank, and candidates at all stages of their careers are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities and Duties:

 
  • Oversees the proper care, conservation, installation and maintenance of the collections of American and European Art
  • Works closely with the Director and Chief Curator to shape the overall vision for the American and European Art collections, including developing and implementing a comprehensive, strategic and long-range collection plan that is informed by institutional and community history and goals
  • Enhances the collection by seeking, researching and presenting for approval acquisitions and loans
  • Conducts collection-based research, including provenance research, and undertakes collection-related publications
  • Collaborates with the Director, Chief Curator and Curatorial department to develop and implement a strategic and balanced exhibitions program and to develop innovative approaches to permanent collection installations
  • Collaborates with colleagues across the Curatorial department to present an expansive narrative of American and European art and to draw connections with other areas of the Museum’s permanent collection.
  • Collaborates with the Collections and Exhibits Departments to maintain and digitize records on works in the permanent collection; to assess conservation needs and coordinate collection management solutions; to assess loan requests; to implement exhibitions and installations; and to facilitate access to the collection for external scholars and students as requested
 
  • Collaborates with the Development department in fundraising and cultivation eorts for the support of the permanent collection, exhibitions, and other programs
  • Collaborates with the Education department to develop and implement public programs, activities, and events that are exhibition and collection-based and to provide docent training
  • Collaborates with the Marketing department to produce high-quality content that represents the American and European Art collections
  • Collaborates with the Chief Curator and Finance department to develop and oversee project budgets
  • Represents SAMA to the public, including engaging with Board members, donors, stakeholders, government ocials and community members
  • Fosters communication and partnerships with community organizations and institutions
  • Develops and maintains strong relationships with other museum professionals, colleagues and dealers
  • Travels nationally and internationally for research and professional development
  • Lectures, publishes, and participates in conferences that advance research in eld of expertise and the mission and reputation of the San Antonio Museum of Art
  • Supervises and/or mentors other sta (interns, postdoctoral fellows, curatorial assistants, assistant curators, etc.) as appropriate
Knowledge, skills, and abilities: 
  • Passion for art and commitment to excellence and best museum practices
  • Commitment to being a professional representative of SAMA at all times
  • Collaborator, creative problem-solver, and strategic thinker
  • Commitment to creating a team-building atmosphere in which productive and respectful conversations and collaborations can be realized
  • Exceptional organizational and management skills and attention to detail
  • Committed to adaptability and flexibility in short- and long-term tasks and projects
  • Strong art historical research skills; familiarity with emerging approaches as well as established practices and standards
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate effectively to a variety of internal and external audiences, including specialists and the general public
  • Competent with collection management and digital asset management tools
Qualications: 
  • 7-10 years of curatorial experience at an accredited arts institution
  • M.A. in Art History, American Studies, or a related field; Ph.D. strongly preferred

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements of the position described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform successfully.    

  • Working onsite at a desk in a renovated historic building on a 12+ acre campus.
  • Walking, bending, climbing, stooping, and lifting up to 35 pounds.
  • Must be able to sit and stand for long periods of time.
  • Physical ability to climb stairs and work in a multi-level building.

Benefits (Eligible Employees):
  • Health Insurance (with low-cost options for employee-only plans)
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance
  • Short and Long Term Disability
  • 403(b) with fixed employer contribution of 5% after 1 year of service with SAMA.
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Sick Time Off
  • Paid Holidays

About the San Antonio Museum of Art  

The San Antonio Museum of Art serves as a forum to explore and connect with art that spans the world’s geographies, artistic periods, genres, and cultures. Its collection contains nearly 30,000 works representing 5,000 years of history and is particularly strong in arts of the Americas; ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman art; Asian art; and contemporary art.


San Antonio is the nation’s seventh-largest city and is consistently listed as one of its fastest-growing. The Museum is housed in the historic Lone Star Brewery on the Museum Reach of San Antonio’s River Walk and is committed to promoting the rich cultural heritage and life of the city. It hosts hundreds of events and public programs each year, including concerts, performances, tours, lectures, symposia, and interactive experiences. As an active civic leader, the Museum is dedicated to enriching the cultural life of the city and the region, and to supporting its creative community.


E-Verify Participation:

San Antonio Museum of Art participates in E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires. Candidates must provide documentation to establish identity and legal authorization to work in the United States.


EEO Statement:

San Antonio Museum of Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role.  Therefore, if much of this job posting describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role. 

 SAMA is committed to equal employment opportunity.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.