Organizer Information
The opportunity is hosted by the Fitchburg Art Museum (FAM), a regional art museum based in Massachusetts, United States. FAM is a public-facing cultural institution dedicated to collecting, preserving, and exhibiting historical and contemporary art while fostering accessibility, education, and community engagement. The museum operates with a strong curatorial and educational mission, emphasizing inclusive programming and interdisciplinary collaboration across departments.
FAM is known for its commitment to both local and international artistic dialogues, regularly presenting exhibitions that bridge historical collections with contemporary practices. As a mid-sized institution, the museum maintains a collaborative internal structure where curatorial, education, collections, marketing, development, and public programming teams work closely together. The institution also partners with academic entities such as Fitchburg State University, reinforcing its educational mission through teaching and hands-on professional training.
A central component of FAM’s institutional identity is its strategic focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), ensuring that its collections, exhibitions, and public programming reflect a broad range of voices and cultural perspectives.
Title & Description
Terry and Eva Herndon Assistant Curator Job – Fitchburg Art Museum
This opportunity is an early-career curatorial position designed to provide immersive, hands-on professional training within a regional museum setting. The Assistant Curator will work closely under the supervision of the Deputy Director/Curator and will actively participate in all aspects of curatorial practice, including exhibition development, collections stewardship, research, and public programming.
The role combines practical museum operations with intellectual curatorial work. The Assistant Curator will lead at least one exhibition project, including the museum’s annual Regional Exhibition of Art and Craft, while also contributing to long-term exhibition planning and institutional research. The position places strong emphasis on writing, collaboration, and cross-departmental coordination, making it both a production-focused and research-driven role.
A distinctive aspect of this opportunity is its integration with academic teaching: the Assistant Curator will co-teach a catalog production course at Fitchburg State University, providing students with direct exposure to exhibition-making processes.
Overall, the role is designed to launch an emerging curator into a professional museum career while contributing meaningfully to FAM’s curatorial programming and community engagement efforts.
Role Overview
- Job Title: Terry and Eva Herndon Assistant Curator
- Department: Curatorial
- Reports to: Deputy Director / Curator
- Employment Type: Full-time, Contract (2 years, with possible 1-year extension)
- Start Date: August 3, 2026
- Working Hours: 40 hours per week (Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM)
- Work Mode: On-site (mandatory)
- Salary: $40,000 per year
- Benefits: Paid time off, full health coverage, option for additional family coverage
Position & Tasks
- Supporting daily operations of the Curatorial Department
- Assisting with exhibition development, logistics, timelines, loan agreements, and documentation
- Conducting research on artists, objects, and potential acquisitions
- Writing and co-writing exhibition texts, wall labels, press materials, and grant-related content
- Managing and updating collection database records in collaboration with the Collections Manager
- Supporting object handling, storage, and preservation practices
- Overseeing the organization and execution of the Regional Exhibition of Art and Craft
- Contributing to public programming, lectures, workshops, tours, and interpretive initiatives
- Assisting with curatorial reports, proposals, and presentations for internal committees
- Co-teaching exhibition catalog production at Fitchburg State University (fall and spring semesters)
- Conducting studio visits and maintaining relationships with artists
- Supporting community outreach and partnership development initiatives
The role also requires physical involvement in museum operations, including handling objects, moving materials, and working in storage or installation environments.
Categories
- Curatorial Practice
- Visual Arts
- Museum Studies
- Art History
- Contemporary Art
- Exhibition Design & Management
- Cultural Heritage
- Arts Education
Eligibility
- MA degree in Art History, Museum Studies, or a related humanities discipline preferred
- Candidates without an MA may be considered if they have equivalent professional experience
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in museums, galleries, or community arts programming
- Strong knowledge of historical and/or contemporary art practices
- Experience working with living artists is advantageous
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work collaboratively and independently
- Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in curatorial practice
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite
- Valid driver’s license and access to a car (required for site and artist visits)
- Physical ability to handle museum installation tasks (lifting up to 30 lbs, climbing ladders, etc.)
- Spanish language skills are considered a plus
Program Benefits
- Annual salary of $40,000
- Full-time employment with structured professional curatorial training
- Paid time off and comprehensive health insurance coverage
- Exposure to full-spectrum museum operations (curatorial, collections, education, and development)
- Opportunity to lead and curate major exhibitions, including the Regional Exhibition of Art and Craft
- Academic teaching experience at Fitchburg State University
- Mentorship under senior curatorial leadership
- Professional development in collections management and exhibition production
- Networking opportunities with artists, institutions, and cultural stakeholders
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Letter of interest (cover letter)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Writing sample (curatorial or academic writing preferred)
- Names and contact information of three professional references
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 1 May 2026
- Position Start Date: 3 August 2026
- Contract Duration: 2 years (with possible 1-year extension)
- Working Schedule: Full-time, on-site (Monday–Friday)
Location
Fitchburg, Massachusetts, United States
Additional Details
This role is explicitly designed as an early-career professional development opportunity, with an emphasis on hands-on learning and mentorship within a museum environment. The Assistant Curator will be expected to operate as a key contributor within a small but highly collaborative institutional structure, balancing administrative, research, and public-facing responsibilities.
A strong commitment to equity and inclusion is central to the institution’s expectations. The role involves significant cross-departmental collaboration, making adaptability and communication skills essential. Evening and weekend work may occasionally be required for exhibition openings, events, or institutional programming.