Job Details

Position Title: Curatorial Associate

Department: Curatorial

Reports to: Director of Collections and Exhibitions/Chief Registrar, upon hire; Deputy Director for Curatorial Affairs, once seated

Supervises: Interns and Volunteers, as needed

FSLA Status: Full Time

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, occasional weekends or evenings required

Salary: $45,000

Date: August 6, 2025

Position Summary

The Curatorial Associate is a dynamic and integral part of the Columbus Museum of Art's curatorial department, who supports all aspects of the department's exhibition and acquisition activities and general operations. This role contributes to permanent collection care, exhibition development, publication projects, and programming, working closely with the Deputy Director for Curatorial Affairs, Director of Collections and Exhibitions, curators, and registrars. The Curatorial Associate also serves as a key point of contact for other departments across the museum and inbound research requests and scholar visits.

Key Responsibilities

Collection and Exhibition Support

• Assist curators with research and planning for exhibitions, permanent collection works, and publications.
• Write texts for a variety of purposes, including didactic and promotional materials, including wall texts, labels, and social media content.
• Collaborate with curators to maintain accurate exhibition checklists, loan documentation, image files, and related details.
• Manage rights and reproduction requests for images related to exhibitions and publications.
• Coordinate logistics and correspondence for exhibitions and public programs.
• Assist with documentation of exhibitions and collection works and maintain both physical and digital archives.
• Manage the curatorial library, including purchasing and cataloging books and supporting curatorial research needs.
• Respond to outside inquiries and research requests regarding exhibitions and the permanent collection.

Administrative and Financial Coordination

• Provides administrative and financial support to department leadership through budget tracking and management, vendor setup, invoice processing, and wire transfers.
• Coordinate travel, lodging, honoraria, and event-related logistics for visiting artists, curators, and scholars.

Publications & Communications

• Support all aspects of institutional publications, including research and project management for exhibition catalogues.
• Contribute content for fundraising materials, press releases, newsletters, and CMA's social media presence.

Qualifications

• BA or BFA in Art History, Art, Curatorial Studies, Museum Studies, or a related field required; MA preferred.
• At least two years of relevant museum, gallery, or research experience.
• Strong writing, research, organizational, and administrative skills.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines independently and collaboratively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and Adobe Creative Suite; familiarity with SketchUp and museum databases preferred.
• Experience working with artists and managing exhibitions strongly desired.
• Ability to work occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Performance Standards:

The Curatorial Associate is expected to be:

• professional in the performance of their duties,
• efficient and accurate in their work,
• a team player who works well with a variety of staff and volunteers,
• a skilled communicator comfortable engaging with a range of audiences, and
• willing to take on additional responsibilities as needed.

Physical Demands:

The museum offers reasonable accommodations for those with disabilities, but candidates will be expected to see, talk, hear, and manipulate computer software.

The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibilities and essential functions of this position, but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work duties and requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.