Assistant Curator

Ball State University; United States; On-site; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off: vacation, sick days, 10

Relocation assistance

Tuition benefits

Job summary

Ball State University’s Museum of Art seeks an Assistant Curator to lead exhibitions, expand a world art collection of about 11,000 pieces, and enhance teaching through object-based learning. The role collaborates with the Director, engages faculty, and may supervise interns and a course in a related field.

The ideal candidate holds an advanced art-history degree, has curatorial experience, and demonstrates strong English writing and public speaking skills. A Ph.D. is preferred.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in art history or related field stressing visual culture and/or cultural heritage.
• One year of curatorial or equivalent experience.
• Broad knowledge of art history and ability to function both as a specialist and a generalist.
• Demonstrated expertise in African art, Pre-Columbian art, Islamic art, or South Asian art.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively on multiple projects within a deadline-driven environment.
• Exceptional English-language writing and public speaking skills.
• Familiarity with digital technology for purposes of documenting collections in addition to promoting new modes of scholarship.

Responsibilities

• Curate and coordinate rotating exhibitions and installations, including research, logistics, budget, publicity, publications, and related programming.
• Develop and steward a diverse collection of about 11,000 objects spanning from antiquity to the present in support of the University’s diverse community and educational mission.
• Engage faculty across divisions and departments to integrate exhibitions and collections into their curricula.
• Support the Registrar and Collection Manager in collections management projects.
• Support and collaborate with the Curator of Education with programs and academic education efforts.
• Communicate with the Accessions Committee concerning exhibition schedules, proposed acquisitions, deaccessions, and other initiatives.
• Assess potential donations to the collection and assist the Registrar and Collection Manager process gift acknowledgment paperwork.
• Supervise student internships and with the possibility of teaching one course in related field of specialty.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Public speaking

English writing

Collaboration

Education

Advanced degree in art history

Ph.D. preferred

Job description

Position Title: Assistant Curator

Compensation: $60,000 - $65,000

Department: Museum of Art

About this opportunity

The David Owsley Museum of Art, an academic support unit of the College of Fine Arts at Ball State University, seeks a Assistant Curator for the world art collection of over 11,000 items. The position is a professional staff appointment. The ideal candidate will possess a general knowledge of the history of art and proven research in one of the following areas: African, Pre-Columbian, Islamic, or South Asian art. Candidates for searches must have current authorization to be employed in the U.S. without employer sponsorship.

What you'll do and what you'll bring

Position Function: Under the supervision of and in collaboration with the museum’s Director, the Assistant Curator will develop intellectually significant exhibitions and installations, continue to build and enhance the global art collection, support innovative object-based teaching and learning, mentor student interns, and promote access to and meaningful connections between the museum’s resources and its campus and public audiences with an emphasis on their area of specialization. The position may supervise one or more student interns, employees, or graduate assistants.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Curate and coordinate rotating exhibitions and installations, including research, logistics, budget, publicity, publications, and related programming.
• Develop and steward a diverse collection of about 11,000 objects spanning from antiquity to the present in support of the University’s diverse community and educational mission.
• Engage faculty across divisions and departments to integrate exhibitions and collections into their curricula.
• Support the Registrar and Collection Manager in collections management projects.
• Support and collaborate with the Curator of Education with programs and academic education efforts.
• Communicate with the Accessions Committee concerning exhibition schedules, proposed acquisitions, deaccessions, and other initiatives.
• Assess potential donations to the collection and assist the Registrar and Collection Manager process gift acknowledgment paperwork.
• Supervise student internships and with the possibility of teaching one course in related field of specialty.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Advanced degree in art history or related field stressing visual culture and/or cultural heritage.
• One year of curatorial or equivalent experience.
• Broad knowledge of art history and ability to function both as a specialist and a generalist.
• Demonstrated expertise in one of the following subject areas: African art, Pre-Columbian art, Islamic art, or South Asian art.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively on multiple projects within a deadline-driven environment.
• Exceptional English-language writing and public speaking skills.
• Familiarity with digital technology for purposes of documenting collections in addition to promoting new modes of scholarship.

Preferred Qualifications

Ph.D. or equivalent experience preferred. Track record of scholarly activities including publications and exhibitions that advance knowledge. Experience organizing loan exhibitions. Supervisory experience.

Application Requirements

1. Cover letter
2. Resume/CV (Do not use the Autofill resume feature.)

Applications must be received before 12:01 AM on January 29, 2027.

Candidates must be prepared to submit writing samples.

What we offer

At Ball State University, we understand the importance of balancing professional responsibilities with personal well-being. That's why we offer paid 24 vacation days, 12 sick days and 10 holidays a year. Plus, our paid parental leave (6 weeks) is there for life's most significant moments. We offer affordable health and dental insurance, robust long-term disability and life insurance plans, as well a range of retirement benefits to provide financial security to you and your family. These benefits ensure that you can focus on your work and personal growth without worrying about the unexpected. When you work for us, you are family. And to show our support of your family, we will cover 90 percent of your child's (or children's) undergraduate college tuition at Ball State. We do the same for you. In fact, we'll cover 100 percent of the tuition costs for you to earn your undergraduate degree and 80 percent of your graduate tuition. This offer is good from the very first day you start. It's just one way we do our part to uplift you.

Relocation Program: MakeMyMove

Current benefits for eligible participants may include:

• Up to $5,000 cash for relocation
• Co-working space courtesy of The Innovation Connector
• Access to the Ball State University Library
• One-semester Rec Fit pass at Ball State University
• Discounted Ball State Athletics tickets

  Relocation programs on MakeMyMove have specific eligibility requirements, and benefits may vary by program. Applicants should review the current MakeMyMove page to confirm eligibility, available benefits, and program status.

  Ball State’s support for relocation resources and community partnerships aligns with Destination 2040: Our Flight Path, the University’s strategic plan. The plan calls our University to work with community partners to promote talent attraction and retention, foster economic growth in East Central Indiana, and strengthen the economic and social vitality of the communities we serve.

  Explore the program and check your eligibility through MakeMyMove. Goodness requires action to grow. We're dedicated to doing our part to keep goodness growing in Muncie, at our university, and as far beyond as possible. That's where you come in. When you join our team, you become part of goodness in action. Our main priority: uplifting students so they can discover their full potential. This is how we fly. There are about 3,000 full-time faculty and staff in the Ball State University work family. Each brings unique gifts to help us be the kind of institution we want to be. In return, we do our best to take care of them through comprehensive medical and dental plans, a Health Savings Account (which we contribute to), and a whole range of wellness, retirement, and other benefits like covering the cost of tuition at Ball State for you and your family. We can offer you more. Where you live matters just as much as where you work. We get it. That's why we've invested since the very beginning in making our hometown work. On campus, find state-of-the-art facilities and one-of-a-kind arts and cultural events. In Muncie, you'll find a warm and welcoming community with affordable housing and a vibrant downtown arts, food, and music scene. What could be better? You here - for starters.

  Ball State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, disability, genetic information, ethnicity, national origin or ancestry, age, protected veteran status, or any legally protected status. Ball State provides accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who can perform the essential functions of the position. Contact Melissa Rubrecht, Director of Employee Relations, at 765-285-1823 for assistance.

  People and Culture Services Administration Building (AD), Room G008 2000 University Avenue Muncie, IN 47306 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]