Curatorial Assistant

Ohio State University; Columbus, Northern (OH, KY); Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Holidays

Retirement plan

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The Ohio State University invites applications for the Curatorial Assistant position within the Wexner Center for the Arts. This full-time, limited-term appointment supports the curatorial team through research, exhibition planning, project management, and administrative tasks.

The role offers opportunities to contribute to ambitious contemporary art projects and public programs, with a two-year term and potential extension based on performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Art History, Curatorial Studies, Museum Studies, or related field.
• 0-2 years of relevant experience.
• Knowledge of modern and contemporary art.
• Strong research, writing, editing, and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and collaborative project-management tools.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Research, exhibition, and administrative support to the curatorial team.
• Assist in development and realization of contemporary art exhibitions and public programs.

Skills

Research skills

Writing skills

Editing

Communication skills

Project management

Independent & collaborative work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Art History/Curatorial Studies/Museum Studies

Master's degree in Art History/Curatorial Studies/Museum Studies

Tools

Microsoft Office

Collaborative project-management tools

Job description

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Current Employees and Students: If you are currently employed or enrolled as a student at The Ohio State University, please log in to Workday to use the internal application process.

Welcome to The Ohio State University's career site. We invite you to apply to positions of interest.

Job Title: Curatorial Assistant

Department: Wexner Center for Arts | Administration

The Wexner Center for the Arts at The Ohio State University is an internationally recognized multidisciplinary contemporary arts center dedicated to supporting artistic innovation, experimentation, and public engagement. Through exhibitions, performances, artist residencies, film, education, and public programs, the Wexner Center serves as a laboratory for the exploration of contemporary culture and ideas. The Center is committed to fostering meaningful connections between artists, students, scholars, and the broader community.

Position Summary

The Curatorial Assistant is an important member of the Visual Arts department, providing research, exhibition, project management, and administrative support to the curatorial team. This position offers an exceptional opportunity for an emerging museum professional to gain broad experience in the development and realization of ambitious contemporary art exhibitions, publications, commissions, and public programs. The ideal candidate will be highly organized, intellectually curious, detail-oriented, and passionate about contemporary art. They will possess excellent research, writing, communication, and project management skills, along with the ability to manage multiple long-term and short-term projects simultaneously. 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. The position includes a six-month probationary period. Monday-Friday, with occasional evening and weekend hours required for exhibition openings, public programs, installations, and special events.

Qualifications

• Exactly a Bachelor's degree in Art History, Curatorial Studies, Museum Studies, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• 0-2 years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of modern and contemporary art.
• Strong research, writing, editing, and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and collaborative project-management tools.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Art History, Curatorial Studies, or Museum Studies.
• Prior museum, gallery, non-profit arts organization, or academic curatorial experience.
• Experience supporting contemporary art exhibitions, publications, or artist commissions.
• Familiarity with collections management or exhibition databases.
• Experience working with artists, galleries, lenders, and arts professionals.
• Knowledge of current issues and discourse in contemporary art and curatorial practice.
• Experience writing for both scholarly and public audiences.

Physical Requirements

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to move throughout galleries, offices, storage areas, and event spaces.
• Occasional lifting, carrying, or moving of materials up to 25 pounds.
• Occasional evening and weekend work required.

Compensation and Benefits

The Curatorial Assistant is a full-time benefits-eligible position through The Ohio State University. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. Eligible employees receive access to university benefits, including health insurance, retirement programs, paid time off, professional development opportunities, and other university-supported resources.

The target hourly range for this job profile is $21.55-$27.50.

• Medical, dental and vision coverage, with Ohio State paying a significant portion of the cost.
• Paid time off, including sick and vacation time and 11 holidays.
• State retirement plan or an alternative retirement plan, both with generous employer contributions.

Additional Information

Position is a member of the American Federation of State, County, & Municipal Employees Local 322, Ohio Council 8, AFL-CIO.

Location: Wexner Center for the Arts (0386)

Position Type: Regular

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.

Ohio State benefits give you options to take care of what matters most to you - and opportunities to make adjustments as your life and needs change, including:

• Medical, dental and vision coverage, with Ohio State paying a significant portion of the cost.
• Paid time off, including sick and vacation time and 11 holidays.
• State retirement plan or an alternative retirement plan, both with generous employer contributions.

As Buckeyes, we accomplish more together. No matter your role, you’ll be part of creating what people need now: pathways to education, research and health care. Working at Ohio State means you’re part of a team with a strong sense of community and an unwavering commitment to excellence - and, of course, incomparable Buckeye spirit. We bring out the best in people, help each other succeed and learn together. By joining Ohio State, you become part of a top-20 public university with one of America’s leading academic health centers. We’re a team of dedicated colleagues with access to boundless resources that support you.

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