Assistant Curator

Brooklyn Public Library; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

The Center for Brooklyn History (CBH) at Brooklyn Public Library seeks a full-time, grant-funded Assistant Curator for three years to help develop a permanent, multi-floor exhibition dedicated to Brooklyn’s history. Scheduled to open in 2028, the exhibition will explore Brooklyn’s evolving communities, its role in American history, and its cultural and economic contributions from past to present.

A dedicated children’s section will offer interactive experiences for young visitors and support

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field required; Master’s degree strongly preferred.
• 3–5 years of experience with history exhibition curation.
• Experience writing for public audiences with samples.
• Strong organizational and task management skills.
• Ability to work independently and with a team.
• Research engagement with Brooklyn history topics.
• Marketing/communications or project management experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conceptual and narrative mapping.
• Drafting exhibition text.
• Conducting and summarizing primary- and secondary-source research.
• Assisting and advising throughout the exhibition design process.
• Consulting experts and stakeholders.
• Object selection, curation, and storytelling.
• Participating in exhibition marketing and communication.
• Managing project timeline.
• Coordinating with partners to ensure deliverables are on time.
• Maintaining CBH communications and workflow.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Teamwork

Research experience

Public writing

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Master's degree strongly preferred

Job description

Overview

The Center for Brooklyn History (CBH) at Brooklyn Public Library seeks a full-time, grant-funded Assistant Curator for three years to help develop a permanent, multi-floor exhibition dedicated to Brooklyn’s history. Scheduled to open in 2028, the exhibition will explore Brooklyn’s evolving communities, its role in American history, and its cultural and economic contributions from past to present. A dedicated children’s section will offer interactive experiences for young visitors and support educational programs.

Responsibilities

• Conceptual and narrative mapping
• Drafting exhibition text
• Conducting and summarizing primary- and secondary-source research
• Assisting and advising throughout the exhibition design process
• Consulting experts and key stakeholders
• Object selection, curation, and storytelling
• Participating in exhibition marketing and communication
• Maintaining the exhibition object checklist
• Managing project timeline
• Coordinating and communicating with internal and external partners to ensure key deliverables are completed on time
• Working within the exhibitions team to maintain and optimize communications and workflow within CBH departments
• Helping to manage interns/part-time consultants working on the exhibition
• Other management tasks as they arise

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field required (history, public history, collections management, museum studies); Master’s degree strongly preferred
• 3–5 years of experience with history exhibition curation
• Demonstrated experience writing for public audiences (with samples)
• Strong organizational and task management skills
• Ability to work effectively both independently and with a team
• Demonstrated research engagement with topics, events, and themes in Brooklyn history
• Experience in marketing and communications and/or professional project management experience preferred
• Record of published/peer-reviewed research preferred

Compensation and Employment Details

This is a temporary (2026–2029), full-time, benefits-eligible, non-union position. Salary range: $70,000–$80,000. This is a hybrid position with a minimum of 3 days on-site, with availability for additional events on some nights and weekends. The application should include a cover letter and resume.

About the Employer

Brooklyn Public Library is an equal opportunity employer. The organization is a large library system and a democratic public institution serving Brooklyn and beyond.