Curatorial Specialist

Summary

Job Category:
Arts Administration and Operations
Job Title:
Curatorial Specialist
Job Category Definition:
This category encompasses administrative positions involved with the planning and/or implementation of artistic vision and strategic goals for a specific area(s) or venue(s). Arts administrators direct, create, and/or support the presentation of visual and/or performing arts. This category also encompasses operations positions involved with the presentation, management, and/or interpretation of permanent collections and/or exhibitions of objects in museums, galleries, or other venues; and positions involved with design fabrication or the presentation and/or production of the performing arts.
Job Title Definition:
The Curatorial Specialist functions as an expert in an area of specialization and develops and maintains relationships with academic units and professional organizations; responsibilities may include curating of collections and special exhibitions, including research, interpretation, and dissemination; programming related to collections and exhibitions; and teaching in area of specialization; develops alumni and constituent relationships in support of fund raising efforts. Duties are performed at various levels within the defined title. 
Working Conditions:
Specific physical requirements and effort are outlined in Job Responsibilities Worksheet (list of essential job duties and responsibilities specific to a particular job at the unit level) in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).
Other Requirements:
 

Levels

Level 1  

There is currently no Level 1.

Level 2  

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
ARTS0102 H Non-Exempt

Level 2 positions typically demonstrate intermediate knowledge of the concepts, practices and procedures of a particular field of specialization; perform intermediate tasks in defined skill areas/applications by continuously building on current job knowledge; maintain effective relationships with peers, vendors, and others in a diverse environment; support team decisions and follow through with team responsibilities; interpret information, ideas and instructions and communicate clearly and accurately both verbally and in writing including materials intended for distribution; determine causes of unusual occurrences and apply standard principles and practices to determine and implement solutions; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; typically work under general supervision, while performing assignments that are varied and that may be somewhat difficult in character, but usually involve limited responsibility.

Typical Education & Experience

2+ years of related experience

Bachelor’s Degree or higher; Master’s Degree preferred

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Typical Work Duties
  • Assist with research/production of exhibition catalogues, brochures, label copy, and other didactic materials related to exhibitions and permanent collection
  • Assist with installation of permanent collection in area of expertise
  • Assist with research on objects in permanent collection
  • Assist with preparation of grants for ongoing and special projects
  • Assist with communication with artists, museums, galleries, cultural institutions, and exhibition touring organizations to secure exhibitions and/or for collection development
  • Present gallery talks and lead tours of exhibitions and permanent collection as needed

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 3  

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
ARTS0103 I Exempt

Level 3 positions typically demonstrate proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas/applications to integrate fundamental elements from other specialties into work assignments; apply knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field of specialization to complete difficult assignments; promote a culture that is conducive to effective relationships among diverse team members; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; may lead a project team involved in completion of difficult assignments, requiring proficient knowledge of field of specialization; interpret and communicate information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in writing including materials intended for distribution; incorporate new facts and ideas into group processes and apply creative thinking to develop new solutions; typically work with minimal supervision on difficult assignments, conferring with manager on unusual matters.

Typical Education & Experience

2+ years related experience

Ph.D. preferred

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Typical Work Duties
  • Organize loan and permanent collection exhibitions in area of expertise
  • Research and recommend works for acquisition
  • Assist with research/production of exhibition catalogues, brochures, label copy, and other didactic materials related to exhibitions and permanent collection
  • Assist with development of budgets for exhibitions and related publications
  • Assist with installation of permanent collection in area of expertise
  • Assist with research on objects in permanent collection
  • Assist with preparation of grants for ongoing and special projects
  • Participate in institutional development activities including cultivation of relationships with museum patrons, partner organizations, and the community
  • Communicate with artists, museums, galleries, cultural institutions, and exhibition touring organizations to secure exhibitions and/or for collection development
  • Present gallery talks and lead tours of exhibitions and permanent collection

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 4  

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
ARTS0104 J Exempt

Level 4 positions typically demonstrate advanced knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field of specialization and complete complex assignments; integrate complex elements from other specialties into work assignments; demonstrate a strong commitment to inclusionary practices which support diversity throughout the University; establish a shared vision and take responsibility for the achievement of team goals, and provide direction for appropriate implementation of plans; present ideas, concepts and instructions in a clear manner, and use persuasion and negotiation to build consensus and cooperation; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; develop new techniques, concepts, theories, programs or solutions and apply them to complex strategic operating issues; typically work independently on complex work assignments, review progress and evaluate results and update management as appropriate; may direct and delegate work to lower-level staff.

Typical Education & Experience

5+ years related experience

Ph.D. preferred

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Typical Work Duties
  • Organize loan and permanent collection exhibitions in area of expertise
  • Oversee research/production of exhibition catalogues, brochures, label copy, and other didactic materials related to exhibitions and permanent collection
  • Develop and monitor budgets for exhibitions and related publications
  • Oversee preparation of grants for ongoing and special projects
  • Serve as in-house curator for traveling exhibitions as needed
  • Oversee research on objects in permanent collection as well as installation
  • Research and recommend art work for acquisition
  • Participate in institutional development activities including cultivation of relationships with museum patrons, partner organizations, and the community
  • Initiate and/or coordinate contact with artists, museums, galleries, cultural institutions, and exhibition touring organizations to secure exhibitions and/or for collection development
  • Present gallery talks and lead tours of exhibitions and permanent collection
  • Participate in museum studies course in area of curatorial specialization and/or teach courses in area of expertise
  • Supervise graduate students, interns, and work study students

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 5  

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
ARTS0105 K Exempt

Level 5 positions typically extend mastery of job knowledge to the principles, theories and practices of related specialties; expand knowledge of best practices and incorporate into all work assignments and procedures; evaluate and enhance current practices and efforts to ensure optimal support of diversity; oversee leadership of teams and projects that involve extensive cooperation and coordination between multiple departments across the University or with external customers; prepare written and/or verbal presentations or proposals on highly complex issues and deliver to a broad variety of audiences; identify and implement innovative solutions to important, highly complex strategic and/or operational issues which may involve unusual circumstances and incomplete or conflicting data; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; work independently on highly complex or strategic assignments; may direct and supervise lower-level staff.

Typical Education & Experience

8+ years of related experience

Ph.D. preferred

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Typical Work Duties
  • Manage museum operations such as development, design, and preparation of exhibitions or collection management, storage, and maintenance of artwork, artifacts, and objects in storage or on display
  • Oversee exhibition concepts, design plans, and identify exhibition furniture and environmental conditions for display of artifacts, artwork, and objects in accordance with established museum standards
  • Prepare budgets for maintaining and upgrading design, exhibition, or collections storage materials, furniture, and supplies
  • Oversee maintenance of collections database and relevant information on location, condition, exhibition schedule, etc. of permanent collections and temporary loans
  • Oversee planning and specifications for scheduled exhibitions; organize and assist with logistics such as shipping, handling, and insurance of exhibition pieces in accordance with curatorial guidelines and standards
  • Oversee collections storage and care or exhibition design and construction materials inventory; order or purchase supplies according to established department procedure
  • Establish, edit, and write policies and procedures on handling, care, conservation, safety, preservation, storage, and use of museum permanent collections and temporary loans in storage or on display
  • Oversee most effective packing and shipping methods or permit and insurance requirements for collections, exhibitions, artwork, artifacts, or objects coming into or going out from museum or gallery
  • Research, write, and present lectures, workshops, papers, or courses on collections management or exhibition development and design
  • Perform grant writing for submission on behalf of the work unit
  • Maintain professional contacts, memberships, and internal and external networking opportunities
  • Supervise assistants, students, hourly wage employees, and volunteers in relevant area of assignment

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.