Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum Curator

University of Georgia

Kentucky

On-site

USD 44,000 - 54,000

Full time

3 days ago

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Job summary

The University of Georgia in Athens, GA seeks a Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum Curator to lead programming and oversee acquisitions, cataloguing, loans, and preservation of the museum collection. You will manage the art collection database and supervise student security workers.

The role requires strong communication, organizational, and project management skills, with experience in museum operations, signage, exhibitions, and donor relations; occasional weekends/evenings for events.

Qualifications

Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
Experience with public speaking and communicating ideas clearly.
Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills, with good judgment.
Self-directed with initiative.
Excellent organizational, event and project management skills.
Proven ability to set goals and meet deadlines; implement programs and see the big picture.
Ability to organize and prioritize short- and long-term projects.
Strong computer skills and fluency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

Oversee storage and preservation of permanent collection and loaned objects, including locating objects and tracking their locations.
Manage the collections database and train staff on its use.
Oversee conservation needs for permanent collection and loaned items.
Coordinate classes and visitor programs; inventory with Associate Director.
Update museum signage and collection labels.
Manage in-house exhibitions and related contracts, loans, insurance, and condition reports.
Document exhibition records for archives and improve policies.
Develop and manage programming for the museum (lectures, camps, field trips, film series, certificates).
Mentor Learning by Leading program participants and supervise docents.

Skills

Oral and written communication

Public speaking

Customer service

Self-directed

Org & project management

Goal setting & deadlines

Organizing short/long term projects

Microsoft Office

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum Curator

Posting Details

Posting Number S15781P

Working Title Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum Curator

Department PSO-State Botanic Garden of GA

About the University of Georgia

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department

College/Unit/Department website https://botgarden.uga.edu/porcelain-and-decorative-arts-museum/

Posting Type External Retirement Plan TRS

Employment Type Employee Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible Full/Part time Full Time Work Schedule Additional Schedule Information 40 hours a week, Monday-Friday. Occasional weekends and evenings for special events.

Advertised Salary $49,000

Posting Date 09/18/2026 Open until filled Yes Closing Date Proposed Starting Date 10/26/2026 Special Instructions to Applicants Location of Vacancy Athens Area

EEO Policy Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Position Information Classification

Title Museum Preparator II

FLSA Non-Exempt

FTE 1.00

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent and 2 years of related experience

Position Summary

This position, reporting to the Associate Director of the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, will serve as the curator and lead programming coordinator for the Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. The position will oversee the management of acquisitions, accessions, de-accessions, cataloguing, loans, packing, shipping, customs, inventory management, risk management, photography, storage, conservation, and preservation of all works of art located in the museum. While the main medium of artwork located in the museum is porcelain, there are many others to include works on paper and vellum, metal, and other mediums. The position will also be in charge of the organization and maintenance of related legal documents, forms, archival records, and the art collection database. This position will oversee and assist with keeping the collections and facilities visitor-ready. This position will also be in charge (along with the Associate Director) of supervising student security workers hired to help operate the Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

Possess exceptional oral and written communication skills.
Experience with public speaking and familiarity with strategies for communicating ideas and information.
Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills, including the ability to exercise good judgment in a variety of situations and act with grace under pressure.
Self-directed with the ability to take initiative and anticipate actions needed.
Excellent organizational, event and project management skills.
Proven ability to set goals and meet deadlines; implement programs as well as to see the big picture.
Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize short-term and long-term projects.
Strong computer skills and fluency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Physical Demands

Lift containers of supplies weighing between 50-75 pounds.
Sitting or squatting on the floor or standing for longer periods of time.
Moving tables and chairs is a regular activity of this position.

Job Responsibilities

Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes

Is this a Position of Trust? Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? Yes

Does this position require a P-Card? No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? Yes

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) No

Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Oversees and manages the storage and preservation of the permanent collection and loaned objects, including integrating new acquisitions into storage, unpacking and handling of objects of various sizes and weights, assigning locations to objects, rehousing objects in archival materials, and tracking all object locations in the art collection database.
Manages the collections database, continually assessing and refining data as well as training new museum employees on the use of the system.
Manages conservation needs for both permanent collection and loaned items.
Oversees and delegates the facilitation of classes and other visitors using the classroom to view specially-requested objects from the museum’s collection. Responsible with the Associate Director for inventory of the museum.
Oversees design, research, editing, and updating of all museum interpretive signage, including collection labels.
Oversees and delegates registrar duties for all in-house temporary exhibitions, including negotiation of contracts or loan agreements, maintaining the museum’s facility report, packing, crating, and shipping of objects or exhibitions, facilitating couriers when necessary, managing fine arts insurance coverage for exhibitions, and conducting incoming and outgoing condition reports.
Oversees all associated documentation (both hard copy and digital) of exhibition records for archive purposes.
Develops, reviews, and updates museum policies and procedures related to the management of the permanent art collection and the management of temporary exhibitions and loans of works of art.
Stays abreast of current industry accreditation standards and museum best practices.
Assists in developing and managing programming involving the Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum, including but not limited to lectures, summer camps, field trips, film series, and development of certificate programs.
Serves as a staff mentor for Learning by Leading programs that involve the Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum.
Gives tours or lectures discussing museum preservation to UGA classes, student interns, museum docents, VIP visitors, or the general public.
Oversees docent program and helps develop and train docents on tour procedures.