Associate Curator of Art

National-Museum-of-Wildlife-Art; Jackson (WY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 74,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing stipend

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Life insurance

403(b) retirement plan

PTO 20 days

Paid holidays 11

Job summary

The National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson, WY seeks a senior curator to advance the permanent collection through scholarly research and strategic acquisitions. You will lead the curatorial program, develop exhibitions, and collaborate with educators to interpret wildlife art for diverse audiences.

Qualified candidates hold an advanced degree in Art History (PhD preferred) and 3–5 years in a curatorial role, with strong writing and public-speaking skills.

Qualifications

• Exceptional communication, writing, and public speaking skills.
• Thorough knowledge of museum best practices and trends.
• Familiarity with collections management software, especially TMS.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and publish original scholarly research on the collection and prospective acquisitions.
• Evaluate and recommend strategic acquisitions in consultation with leadership.
• Carry out research to estimate dates and provenance of artworks.
• Collaborate with educators on interpretation of the collection for public audiences.
• Support relations with collectors, donors, and art dealers.
• Assist in development and execution of special exhibitions.
• Independently curate and manage selected exhibits.
• Contribute to exhibition materials such as interpretive texts and catalogues.
• Aid in docent and staff training related to exhibits and the permanent collection.
• Present lectures, gallery talks, and educational programming.
• Work with staff on outreach and publicity.

Skills

Exceptional communication

Public speaking

Interpersonal skills

Education

Advanced degree in Art History or related field

PhD strongly preferred

Tools

TMS

Job description

Position Duties and Responsibilities:

Collections:

• Conduct and publish original scholarly research on the collection and prospective acquisitions.
• Evaluate and recommend strategic acquisitions that strengthen and diversify the collection, including gifts and purchases, in consultation with the Chief Curator of Art and the Executive Director.
• Carry out additional research on the collection to estimate dates and establish provenance of artworks.
• Collaborate with museum educators and Chief Curator of Art on the interpretation of the collection to the public, docents, and volunteers.
• Support Museum efforts to cultivate strong relationships with collectors, donors, and art dealers.

Exhibitions:

• Assist in the development and execution of special exhibitions.
• Independently curate and manage selected exhibits on a regular basis.
• Contribute to the writing and creation of exhibition materials such as interpretive texts, catalogues, and interactives.
• Aid in docent and staff training related to special exhibits and the permanent collection.
• Present lectures, gallery talks, and educational programming for both general and specialized audiences.
• Work collaboratively with other museum staff on educational programs, outreach, and publicity.

Additional Duties:

• Manage the annual Bull-Bransom Award for excellence in children’s illustration.
• Manage the curatorial intern program, including overseeing the selection process, supervision, outline of projects, and workflow organization.
• Respond to inquiries made to the curatorial department about artists and works of art in the collection.
• Participate in fundraising and cultivation efforts as needed.
• Contribute content to institutional publications in print and digital platforms.

Commitment to the Mission, Vision, and Values of the National Museum of Wildlife Art (NMWA):

Mission: Impart knowledge and generate wonder through art and education.

Vision: Inspire connections with wildlife and nature.

Values: Integrity, Excellence, Collaboration, Transparency, Accountability, Financial Responsibility

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in Art History or a related field with a specialization directly related to the Museum’s permanent collection (PhD strongly preferred).
• 3 - 5 years demonstrated experience in a curatorial role, with a clear record of developing engaging exhibitions and producing scholarly publications.
• Exceptional communication, writing, and public speaking skills.
• Thorough knowledge of current best practices for museums as well as emerging trends in the field.
• Familiarity with collections management software, especially TMS.

Benefits:

• Full-time, salaried-exempt position starting at $67,000
• Comprehensive NMWA benefits including:
  • Housing and Transportation Stipend
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
  • Life Insurance
  • 403(b) Retirement Plan Contribution
  • 20 days Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • 11 Paid Holidays

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, sit, reach, and kneel throughout the workday
• Ability to work at a computer for up to 8 hours daily
• Ability to lift up to 15 lbs
• Ability to communicate via phone for extended periods
• Valid driver's license and ability to operate a car

About the Museum:

The National Museum of Wildlife Art, founded in 1987, is a Jackson Hole museum holding more than 5,000 artworks representing wild animals from around the world. Featuring work by prominent artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol, Carl Rungius, Rembrandt Bugatti, Rosa Bonheur, Théodore Géricault, Eugène Delacroix, John James Audubon, and Rembrandt van Rijn, the Museum’s unsurpassed permanent collection chronicles much of the history of wildlife in art from 2500 B.C.E. to the present.

Built into a hillside overlooking the National Elk Refuge, the Museum received the designation “National Museum of Wildlife Art of the United States” by order of Congress in 2008. Boasting a museum shop, interactive children’s gallery, Palate restaurant, and outdoor Sculpture Trail, the Museum is only two-and-a-half miles north of Jackson Town Square, and two miles from the gateway of Grand Teton National Park.

In 1994, the National Museum of Wildlife Art received the Wyoming Humanities Award for exemplary efforts in fostering the humanities in Wyoming. In 2008 the Museum received designation as the “National Museum of Wildlife Art of the United States” by order of Congress, and in 2012 the new three-quarter-mile Sculpture Trail designed by award-winning landscape architect, Walter Hood, was completed. More than 65,000 people visit every year, and over 3,000 children take part in our school tour program each year.

The National Museum of Wildlife Art is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. We believe that diversity drives innovation and success, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds to apply.