Assistant Curator

University of North Florida; Jacksonville (FL); On-site; USD 37,800 - 46,200; Full time

Job summary

University of North Florida's MOCA invites applications for an Assistant Curator to support exhibitions, collections interpretation, and scholarly research across MOCA and UNF campuses. The role emphasizes exhibition development, writing, and community engagement under the guidance of the Senior Curator.

Responsibilities include coordinating loans, preparing labels, scripts, and donor relations, supervising interns, and assisting with budgets and reports to advance MOCA’s mission and audience

Qualifications

• Master's and 2+ years of relevant experience or Bachelor's degree and 4+ years of relevant experience.
• Knowledge of contemporary art and experience in developing exhibitions.
• Object-based handling knowledge and best practices for care of artwork.
• Strong writing, editing, and research abilities.
• Proven ability to craft persuasive and informative content.
• Effective supervisory and leadership skills.
• Discretion with confidential information.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Team-oriented with frequent group meetings; willingness to work evenings/weekends; occasional travel.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Senior Curator to plan and implement featured exhibitions and permanent collection presentations.
• Assist with research, timelines, checklists, and logistics for exhibitions, including loans and coordination with Registrar and Preparator.
• Contribute to exhibition interpretation, layouts, and graphic identity.
• Draft and edit exhibition texts, labels, proposals, and web content; support proofreading and publication coordination.
• Lead donor and community relations at events and conduct tours for diverse audiences.
• Prepare agreements for artists, writers, and designers; monitor budgets; maintain object files and exhibition records.

Skills

Strong writing

Research

Leadership

Education

Master's degree + 2+ years

Bachelor's degree + 4+ years

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Department MOCA, Curatorial
Compensation $42,000.00 Annual

General Description

The Assistant Curator reports to the Senior Curator and collaborates with the Curatorial team to support the planning, development, and execution of exhibitions and programs under the Arts UNF umbrella at MOCA and the University of North Florida (UNF) campus. This position assists with the care and interpretation of MOCA and UNF permanent collections, conducts original scholarly research, and ensures adherence to the highest professional standards. The role emphasizes exhibition coordination, research, writing, and community engagement to advance MOCA’s mission and enhance audience experience.

Exhibition Development

• Collaborate with the Senior Curator to plan and implement featured exhibitions and permanent collection presentations.
• Assist with research, timelines, checklists, and logistics for exhibitions, including securing loans and coordinating with the Registrar and Preparator.
• Contribute to exhibition interpretation, layouts, and graphic identity.
• Propose and curate or co-curate exhibitions as assigned.

Research and Writing

• Draft and edit exhibition texts, including labels, didactics, proposals, and web content.
• Support the publishing process with proofreading, fact-checking, and publication coordination.

Community Engagement

• Participate in donor and community relations at events, including receptions, programs and fundraisers, serving as a positive museum representative.
• Lead exhibition-related public programs and tours for diverse audiences.
• Cultivate relationships with artists, curators, educators, and cultural institutions nationally and internationally.

Administrative Support

• Prepare agreements for artists, writers, and designers.
• Monitor exhibition budgets and assist with departmental planning.
• Maintain accurate object files and exhibition records.
• Provide materials for marketing and social media updates.
• Oversee interns and volunteers assigned to the department.
• Assist with preparing reports and presentations for Board and committee meetings.
• Support copyright permissions and image licensing coordination.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Oversees interns and volunteers within the Curatorial Department.

Required Qualifications

Master's and 2+ years of relevant experience or Bachelor's degree and 4+ years of relevant experience. Or an equivalent combination of education and experience pursuant to Fla. Stat. 112.219.

Departmental Requirements

• Knowledge of, and experience in, the field of contemporary art.
• Experience in developing exhibitions.
• Object-based experience and knowledge of best practices for object handling and care.
• Strong writing, editing, and research abilities.
• Proficient in crafting persuasive and informative content.
• Effective supervisory and leadership skills.
• Maintain discretion with confidential information.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Team environment with frequent group meeting participation.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends, occasional travel.

Statement(s) of Understanding

This position requires a background check. In conjunction with the University's policy, this position may also require a credit check. The holder of this position is designated as a “Responsible Employee” pursuant to their role under Title IX. Therefore, the incumbent must promptly report allegations of sexual misconduct, sexual violence, and child sexual abuse by or against any student, employee, contractor, or visitor to the University’s Title IX Administrator or any divisional Title IX Coordinator.

Equal Opportunity

The University of North Florida (UNF) is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all who interact in our community. In building this environment, we strive to attract students, faculty and staff from a variety of cultures, backgrounds and life experiences. The University of North Florida does not commit or permit discrimination or harassment on the basis of genetic information, race, color, religion, age, sex, disability, marital status, national origin, or veteran status in any educational, employment, social, recreational program or activity that it offers. In addition, UNF will not commit or permit retaliation against an individual who reports discrimination or harassment or an individual who cooperates in an investigation of an alleged violation of university regulation.

Carnegie

UNF is a Carnegie Community Engaged Institution. This designation celebrates the University’s collaboration with community partners from the local to the global level. It reflects UNF’s mission to contribute to the public good and prepare educated, engaged citizens.