Collection Curator and Archivist

The Ohio State University; North Carolina; On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Hale Black Cultural Center at The Ohio State University seeks a visionary Collection Curator and Archivist to lead stewardship and development of its African American art collection. You will enhance digital and physical access, build donor and artist relationships, and raise the profile of the works through programming, partnerships, and scholarship.

This full-time, fixed-term role involves coordinating collection-centered events, and representing the archive’s significance within the

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 4+ years of experience.
• 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 for catalogue entries, interpretive material, or grant proposals.

Responsibilities

• Lead stewardship, development, and activation of the African American art collection.
• Strengthen connections between HBCC mission and collection; improve accessibility.
• Expand community engagement and elevate visibility through programming and partnerships.
• Serve as primary collection advocate; support archival infrastructure and donor/artist relationships.
• Coordinate collection-centered events and represent the collection publicly.

Skills

Art handling

Archival methods

Audience communication

Intern management

Catalogue writing

Community programming

African American art

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Database systems

Metadata systems

Digital archives

Job description

Job Title:

Collection Curator and Archivist

Department:

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.

Location:

Hale Hall (0085)

Position Type:

Term (Fixed Term)

Scheduled Hours:

40

Shift:

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.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.