University of Chicago is hiring an Associate Curator

The Smart Museum of Art at the University of Chicago is looking for an Associate Curator to join its curatorial team. You will collaborate with museum staff, faculty, students, and outside scholars to support the museum's artistic vision, contributing to research, exhibitions, and collections.

What You'll Do

• Engage with scholars, museum personnel, students, donors, and the public regarding collections, providing access and information.
• Contribute research for exhibitions and collections, including provenance research and database updates.
• Work on the Smart’s collections plan for its permanent collection.
• Support senior leadership in developing a dynamic schedule of collection installments, exhibitions, and commissions.
• Collaborate with museum staff to administer exhibitions and collections, assisting with schedules, conservation needs, and budget tracking.
• Serve as coordinating curator for traveling exhibitions as needed.
• Research, write, and edit exhibition labels and didactic materials.
• Author published materials such as books, articles, exhibition catalogues, and digital content when appropriate.
• Provide exhibition tours and educational talks to support engagement and curricular integration.
• Assist with the preparation and coordination of grant applications for exhibitions and programs.
• Participate in training and supervision of student employees and interns under senior staff guidance.
• Support marketing and public relations efforts for exhibitions and programs.
• Participate in the development and implementation of programming and events.
• Work with the senior team to design and implement an assessment program for exhibitions and programs.
• Represent the Museum in the academic and arts communities by attending events, lectures, and presenting public talks.
• Provide support for Smart Board of Governors’ Collections Committee meetings.
• Engage with museum staff and faculty by developing a dynamic visiting artist speaker series and other programming.
• Help commission new work and develop exhibitions to advance the University's visual arts efforts.
• Coordinate support for museum programs through fundraising efforts.

What We're Looking For

• College or university degree in a related field.
• Knowledge and skills developed through 2–5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Nice to Have

• PhD or ABD in art history or a related field strongly preferred.
• Extensive curatorial experience.

Team & Environment

You will work closely with the curatorial team, museum staff, faculty, students, and outside scholars. The role supports the Dana Feitler Director and senior leadership.

Benefits & Compensation

• Salary range: $70,000–$80,000
• The University of Chicago offers eligible employees a wide range of benefits, including health, retirement, and paid time off.

Work Mode

This is an onsite position located in Chicago, IL.

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law.