Curator & Archivist for African American Art Collection

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

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