Curators

Course Advisor, Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Course Advisor is seeking a Curator to administer collections of artwork and historical items, ensuring proper maintenance and exhibition. Responsibilities include developing and maintaining cataloging systems, negotiating collection loans, and providing information to the public. The ideal candidate should have strong skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication. Familiarity with various software like Microsoft Office and Adobe is essential for successful performance.

Responsibilities

• Administer collections of artwork, collectibles, or scientific specimens.
• Provide information from holdings to curators and the public.
• Inspect premises for repairs and pest control issues.
• Develop and maintain cataloging and record-keeping systems.
• Negotiate and authorize purchase or loan of collections.
• Plan and organize acquisition and exhibition of collections.

Skills

Speaking

Reading Comprehension

Active Listening

Writing

Critical Thinking

Complex Problem Solving

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Office

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Outlook

Web browser software

Microsoft Access

Autodesk AutoCAD

Adobe Photoshop

FileMaker Pro

Adobe InDesign

Scheduling software

Graphics software

Corel WordPerfect

Microsoft Visual Studio

Desktop publishing software

Adobe Freehand

Microsoft Paint

PastPerfect

Questor Systems ARGUS

Job description

Curator

What Does it Take to Be a Curator?

Administer collections, such as artwork, collectibles, historic items, or scientific specimens of museums or other institutions. May conduct instructional, research, or public service activities of institution.

A Day in the Life of a Curator

• Provide information from the institution’s holdings to other curators and to the public.
• Inspect premises to assess the need for repairs and to ensure that climate and pest control issues are addressed.
• Develop and maintain an institution’s registration, cataloging, and basic record‑keeping systems, using computer databases.
• Negotiate and authorize purchase, sale, exchange, or loan of collections.
• Plan and organize the acquisition, storage, and exhibition of collections and related materials, including the selection of exhibition themes and designs, and develop or install exhibit materials.
• Study, examine, and test acquisitions to authenticate their origin, composition, history, and to assess their current value.

Qualities of a Curator

• Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work‑related documents.
• Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Tools & Technologies Used by Curators

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Microsoft Outlook
• Web browser software
• Microsoft Access
• Autodesk AutoCAD
• Adobe Photoshop
• FileMaker Pro
• Adobe InDesign
• Scheduling software
• Graphics software
• Corel WordPerfect
• Microsoft Visual Studio
• Desktop publishing software
• Adobe Freehand
• Microsoft Paint
• PastPerfect
• Questor Systems ARGUS