Curator of Fine Art & Research Scholar

University of Missouri, St. Louis; Clayton (MO); On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The St. Louis Mercantile Library at the University of Missouri – St. Louis (UMSL) seeks an experienced Curator of Fine Art and Research Professor to build, preserve, exhibit, and interpret the library’s historic art collection. This full-time, benefit-eligible role carries a salary range of $55,000–$65,000.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the curator will supervise staff, engage donors, and develop exhibitions, scholarly writing, and public programs while advancing collections and research.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in art history or BA in Art History with a related master's or library science.
• Minimum 5 years’ curatorial experience in a library, museum or university gallery with increasing responsibility.
• Exemplary writing, public speaking, strong oral communication, organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to build and sustain productive interpersonal relationships with staff, faculty, students, administrators, board members and the public.
• Analytical, project, and time management skills with ability to meet deadlines and budgets.
• Proficiency with PC software and museum collection software; MS Office including Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams/SharePoint, PowerPoint.
• Eligible to work in the United States and pass university screenings.

Responsibilities

• Advise on additions to the Fine Art collection per the Collections Development Plan.
• Oversee care of the Fine Art Collections.
• Research, develop and oversee installation of exhibitions, including artwork selection and accompanying text.
• Engage in collections-based scholarship for catalogs and journals, lectures, symposia, and conferences.
• Develop affiliations with curatorial colleagues and attend events on behalf of the Mercantile Library.
• Cultivate relationships with donors, collectors, scholars, artists, and dealers to acquire works.
• Provide exhibition support to the director and other curators.
• Assist staff and public with collection questions and respond to research requests.
• Supervise the Assistant Curator and Graduate Research Assistants.
• Oversee docent training and student volunteer programs.
• Advise Assistant Curator for Fine Art Collections in coordinating University Exhibits.
• Oversee digitization and Rights/Reproductions requests with the Assistant Curator.
• Prepare and present off-site outreach lectures to promote the Library.
• Communicate effectively within the university community and maintain a positive workplace.
• Adhere to University rules and regulations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Writing skills

Public speaking

Oral communication

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Education

Master’s Degree in art history

BA in Art History and Master’s in related field or library science

Tools

Microsoft Office

Outlook

SharePoint

PowerPoint

Job description

The St. Louis Mercantile Library at the University of Missouri – St. Louis (UMSL) seeks an experienced Curator of Fine Art and Research Professor to build, preserve, exhibit, and interpret the library’s historic art collection. This full-time, benefit-eligible role carries a salary range of $55,000–$65,000.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the curator will supervise staff, engage donors, and develop exhibitions, scholarly writing, and public programs while advancing collections and research.