Organizer Information
Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) is one of the largest and most respected public research universities in the United States. Founded in 1855, the university has grown into a multi-campus institution renowned for excellence in education, research, public engagement, and innovation. Penn State serves hundreds of thousands of students across its campuses while supporting internationally recognized research initiatives spanning science, engineering, humanities, arts, and technology.
The university maintains an extensive network of museums, galleries, and cultural facilities that promote interdisciplinary collaboration between artists, researchers, scientists, and the wider public. Through its visual arts programming, Penn State presents exhibitions that integrate artistic practice with academic research, encouraging dialogue between creative disciplines and scientific inquiry. As an equal opportunity employer, the university emphasizes diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility while offering comprehensive professional development and employee benefits. The institution is also committed to maintaining high standards of public safety, accessibility, and workplace excellence, making it a leading destination for professionals seeking careers in higher education and museum or gallery management.
Title & Description
Curator/Senior Gallery Manager – Penn State University
Penn State University is seeking an experienced Curator / Senior Gallery Manager to oversee the planning, development, production, and installation of exhibitions at its University Park campus. This full-time position combines curatorial expertise with project management, exhibition production, and gallery operations, offering an opportunity to work within one of the United States' leading research universities.
The successful candidate will lead the design and presentation of permanent collection displays and temporary exhibitions while collaborating closely with scientists, researchers, facilities coordinators, designers, and external partners. Beyond exhibition development, the role includes supervising installation projects, managing budgets and logistics, ensuring compliance with accessibility and safety standards, researching innovative exhibition technologies and materials, and maintaining gallery facilities.
This position is particularly suited to experienced museum and gallery professionals who combine curatorial knowledge with technical exhibition management skills and who enjoy working within an interdisciplinary academic environment.
The Role Overview
- Position: Curator / Senior Gallery Manager
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Institution: Pennsylvania State University
- Campus: University Park
- Salary: USD $54,060 – $78,444 per year
- Contract Type: Permanent staff position
- Department: University Galleries / Exhibition Services
- Reporting Structure: Not specified
- Working Arrangement: On-site (remote or hybrid work not guaranteed)
- Posted: Six days before publication on the university careers portal
- Visa Sponsorship: Not available
Position & Tasks
- Develop, organize, and present permanent and temporary exhibitions.
- Direct exhibition design, fabrication, and installation.
- Manage exhibition planning from concept through completion.
- Evaluate exhibition spaces and site conditions.
- Produce construction documents and exhibition plans.
- Develop exhibition systems, workflows, and technical procedures.
- Prepare project budgets and cost estimates.
- Purchase exhibition materials and equipment.
- Coordinate installation schedules with internal departments and external contractors.
- Manage travelling exhibitions and logistics.
- Collaborate with scientists, researchers, and university departments on interdisciplinary projects.
- Oversee gallery maintenance and ensure exhibition spaces remain operational.
- Ensure projects comply with building regulations, ADA accessibility standards, fire safety requirements, and institutional policies.
- Research innovative exhibition technologies, materials, and fabrication methods.
- Provide technical guidance regarding artwork display and preservation.
- Supervise staff recruitment, training, development, and performance where required.
Categories
- Curatorial Practice
- Gallery Management
- Museum Studies
- Exhibition Design
- Exhibition Production
- Visual Arts
- Installation
- Arts Administration
- Public Art
- Project Management
Eligibility
- Hold a Bachelor's degree.
- Have at least six years of relevant professional experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Demonstrate experience in exhibition development, gallery management, museum operations, or related fields.
- Possess strong project planning and organizational skills.
- Be capable of managing exhibition fabrication and installation projects.
- Have experience coordinating with multiple stakeholders and contractors.
- Hold a valid driver's license and successfully complete a motor vehicle records check.
- Successfully pass required employment background checks.
- Be legally authorized to work in the United States.
- Note that Penn State does not sponsor employment visas for this position.
Penn State welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of race, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
Program Benefits
- Annual salary between $54,060 and $78,444
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid vacation leave
- Paid sick leave
- Paid public holidays
- 75% tuition discount for employees
- Tuition discount for eligible spouses and children
- Professional development opportunities
- Employment within one of the leading research universities in the United States
- Opportunity to collaborate with artists, scientists, researchers, and interdisciplinary teams
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
External applicants should complete the online application through the Penn State Careers portal.
Applicants should be prepared to provide:
- Online employment application
- Employment history
- Educational background
- Relevant professional experience
- Any additional documentation requested during the application process
(Current Penn State employees and students must apply through the internal Workday system.)
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: Ongoing (applications remain open until filled or removed)
- Employment Start Date: Not specified
Location
Pennsylvania, United States
Additional Details
- The role requires occasional operation of a motor vehicle for university business.
- A successful motor vehicle records check is required in addition to standard employment background checks.
- Exhibition projects frequently involve collaboration with facilities staff, scientists, researchers, and external contractors.
- Candidates should be familiar with ADA accessibility requirements and exhibition safety regulations.
- Experience with exhibition fabrication, construction documentation, and technical production methods is highly desirable.
- The position combines curatorial leadership with operational management, making it suitable for professionals experienced in both exhibition development and gallery administration.
- Penn State strongly promotes equity, inclusion, accessibility, and community engagement throughout its academic and cultural programs.