Collection Curator and Archivist

The Ohio State University; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 48,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The Hale Black Cultural Center at The Ohio State University seeks a visionary Collection Curator and Archivist to lead the stewardship, development, and activation of its African American art collection. You will strengthen connections to the HBCC’s mission by improving access, expanding community engagement, and elevating the works through partnerships and scholarly activity.

As the primary collection advocate, you will build donor and artist relationships, coordinate collection-centered

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 4+ years of experience required.
• Experience with art handling, preservation and archival methods.
• Ability to communicate the cultural significance of a collection to diverse audiences.
• Experience with databases, metadata, or digital archiving systems.
• Ability to manage interns, student staff, or volunteers.
• Strong writing skills for catalogue entries, interpretive material, or grant proposals.
• Experience with cultural or arts-based programming and/or community organizing.
• Knowledge of African American art history or cultural heritage work.

Responsibilities

• Lead stewardship, development, and activation of the HBCC African American art collection.
• Improve digital and physical accessibility and expand community engagement.
• Elevate visibility through programming, partnerships, and scholarship.
• Serve as primary collection advocate and represent the archive’s significance.
• Build archival infrastructure and nurture donor and artist relationships.
• Coordinate collection-centered events and collaborate with university and community partners.

Skills

Art handling

Preservation

Archival methods

Audience communication

Databases

Metadata

Digital archiving

Intern management

Writing for catalogues

Grant proposals (fundraising)

Education

Bachelor's degree and 4+ years of experience

Tools

Digital archiving systems

Job description

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Job Title:Collection Curator and ArchivistDepartment:Undergraduate Education | Frank W. Hale, Jr. Black Cultural Center

The Hale Black Cultural Center seeks a strategically minded professional to lead the stewardship, development, and activation of its African American art collection. In alignment with the Office of Academic Affairs’ directive, this role will strengthen the connection between HBCC’s mission and the collection by improving digital and physical accessibility, expanding community engagement, and elevating the visibility of the works through programming, partnerships, and scholarship.

The position serves as the primary collection advocate—supporting archival infrastructure, building donor and artist relationships, coordinating collection-centered events, and representing the cultural and historical significance of the archive within the university and broader community.

Required education

• Bachelor's degree and 4+ years of experience

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of art handling, preservation, archival or museum collection methods.
• Ability to communicate the cultural significance of a collection to diverse audiences.
• Experience with databases, metadata, or digital archiving systems.
• Ability to manage interns, student staff, or volunteers.
• Strong writing skills, especially for catalogue entries, interpretive material, or grant proposals.
• Experience with cultural or arts-based programming and/or community organizing.
• Knowledge of African American art history or cultural heritage work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Grant writing and/or fundraising experience.
• Experience with oral histories, community-based archives, or culturally rooted collections.
• Experience working with artists, donors, families, or estates.
• Experience designing collection-based programs or exhibitions.
• Familiarity with university arts infrastructure or cultural center operations.

The Hale Black Cultural Center seeks a visionary, detail-oriented collection steward who can protect and grow the HBCC art archive while ensuring its cultural, academic, and community significance is fully realized. This role will build archival infrastructure, nurture donor and artist relationships, develop collection-centered programming, and serve as a primary public representative of the collection’s relevance within the university and beyond.

This is a full-time, limited-term appointment of two years, with the possibility of a one-year extension (maximum three years total) based on exceptional performance and departmental needs.

Additional Information:

The target hiring range for this job profile is $47,700 - $66,000 The actual salary paid to an individual will vary based on multiple factors, including but not limited to, education, years of experience, internal equity, etc.

Location:Hale Hall (0085)Position Type:Term (Fixed Term)Scheduled Hours:40Shift:First Shift

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

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