Curatorial Associate, Permanent Collections

National Museum of Wildlife Art; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Smart Museum of Art invites a Curatorial Associate, Permanent Collections, to join a rigorous, collaborative team in Chicago. The role focuses on developing a new collection plan, and managing a major handbook publication, while reorganizing collections across on-site and off-site storage in partnership with the Feitler Center and Registration.

The one-year, benefits-eligible position emphasizes original research, precise documentation, and cross-department collaboration to advance academic

Qualifications

• Requires strong research and writing skills for scholarly and public audiences.
• Proven project management abilities across multiple tasks and teams.
• Experience supporting collection documentation, publications, or exhibition preparation is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing the Museum’s new collection plan, benchmarking peer policies and drafting sections for review.
• Prepare summaries, materials, and records to support curatorial consultations.
• Lead and track milestones for the production of the collection handbook across editorial and design workflows.
• Conduct original research on collection objects and maintain accuracy in the collections management system.
• Draft object entries and accompanying texts; coordinate image rights and delivery with partners.

Skills

Research skills

Writing skills

Project management

Collaboration

Education

Master’s degree in art history

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Job description

About the Department

As the fine arts museum of the University of Chicago, the Smart Museum of Art is a site for rigorous inquiry and exchange that encourages the examination of complex issues through the lens of art objects and artistic practice. Through strong scholarly and community collaborations and a welcoming approach to its exhibitions, collections, publications, research and teaching, and public programs, the Smart Museum plays a dynamic role in expanding artistic canons, rethinking received histories, introducing new perspectives, and engaging diverse communities—locally, nationally, and internationally.

The Museum’s collection spans over 17,000 objects and serves as a primary resource for teaching, scholarship, and public engagement on campus and beyond. The Curatorial team works in close partnership with senior leadership, the Feitler Center for Academic Inquiry, and Registration to steward, interpret, and develop the collection in alignment with the Museum’s academic mission.

Job Summary

The Curatorial Associate, Permanent Collections is a one-year position, with the possibility of renewal, that supports the full range of the Curator’s collection-focused responsibilities, with particular emphasis on three active institutional priorities: the development of the Museum’s new collection plan; the research and project management of a collection handbook publication; and the physical reorganization of the collection across on-site and off-site storage in partnership with the Feitler Center for Academic Inquiry and Registration. This position performs original research on collection objects, maintains and enhances collection records, and serves as a key inter‑departmental liaison for collection‑related projects. The ideal candidate is a detail‑oriented emerging scholar with strong research and writing skills, proven project management abilities, and the flexibility to work across a range of tasks in a dynamic, small‑team environment.

This is a full‑time, benefits‑eligible one‑year position, with the possibility of renewal.

Responsibilities

• Assists the Curator in supporting the development of the Museum’s new collection plan, including benchmarking peer institution policies, conducting object‑ and collection‑level research to identify strengths and gaps, and drafting sections for curatorial and senior leadership review.
• Prepares written summaries, meeting materials, and decision records to support curatorial and stakeholder consultations throughout the planning process.
• Serves as primary project manager for the production of the Smart’s collection handbook, tracking milestones, deadlines, and deliverables across curatorial, editorial, and design workflows.
• Conducts original research on collection objects for handbook entries, including provenance, exhibition history, material technique, conservation history, artist biography, and bibliography; maintains accuracy of this documentation in the Museum’s collections management system.
• Drafts and edits object entries, introductory texts, and supporting handbook materials for curatorial review; helps coordinate image rights, reproduction permissions, and image delivery in partnership with the appropriate Museum staff and external partners.
• Liaises with external editors, designers, and the press as directed by the supervising Curator.
• In close partnership with the Feitler Center for Academic Inquiry and Registration, supports the Curatorial department in planning the reorganization of the collection between the Museum’s on‑site and off‑site storage facilities.
• Assists in evaluating objects for long‑term loan, de‑accession consideration, or re‑installation as part of the collection reorganization process.
• Helps respond to internal and external research inquiries about the collection from faculty, students, scholars, and the public, consistent with Museum policies.
• Maintains and updates object files, bibliographic records, and curatorial correspondence files in both digital and paper formats.
• Assists with drafting loan correspondence, exhibition checklists, and collection‑related grant applications as directed.
• Participates in training and mentoring of curatorial interns and student employees under the guidance of the supervising Curator.
• Attends and contributes to curatorial team meetings, departmental meetings, and cross‑departmental working groups as relevant.
• With guidance from others, helps commission new work and develops exhibitions to advance the University’s visual arts efforts.
• Coordinates support for museum programs through fundraising efforts.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Master’s degree in art history, museum studies, or a related field.

Experience:

A minimum of two years of experience in a museum curatorial department or comparable research institution, with direct experience supporting collection documentation, publications, or exhibition preparation.
Background supporting the production of a scholarly catalogue, handbook, or collection publication.
Background working with collections management databases; familiarity with TMS preferred.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace.

Preferred Competencies

Knowledge of image rights and reproduction permissions workflows.
Reading knowledge of one or more languages relevant to the collection.
Demonstrated original research and writing skills to produce clear, accurate, and engaging texts for scholarly and public audiences.
Strong project management skills; demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, track deliverables, and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, comfortable handling confidential and sensitive information.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a collaborative working style; serve as a reliable liaison across departments.