Organizer Information
The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, comprising 21 museums, multiple research centers, and the National Zoo. Established by an act of the U.S. Congress, it operates as a federally funded institution dedicated to the preservation, study, and dissemination of knowledge across disciplines, including art, history, science, and culture.
This specific opportunity is hosted by the National Museum of African Art (NMAFA), which is part of the Smithsonian’s Office of the Under Secretary for Museums and Culture. The NMAFA is the only national museum in the United States dedicated exclusively to the collection, exhibition, conservation, and study of the traditional and contemporary arts of Africa.
The museum plays a critical role in shaping global understanding of African visual culture through exhibitions, research initiatives, publications, and public programming. It maintains an international network of scholars, curators, artists, collectors, and cultural institutions.
Title & Description
Museum Curator Smithsonian – African Art Collections & Exhibitions
This position is a senior curatorial role focused on advancing the collections development strategy and expanding the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art’s holdings and scholarly output.
The curator is responsible for shaping the museum’s long-term vision for African art collections, developing exhibitions from concept to execution, and contributing to research and public engagement initiatives.
The role emphasizes both scholarly expertise and institutional leadership, with responsibilities spanning acquisitions, exhibition development, curatorial collaboration, and museum practice reform. The curator will work closely with artists, galleries, collectors, and academic networks to ensure the growth and relevance of the museum’s collection.
A key aspect of the role is also the critical re-evaluation of museological practices, including interpretation, knowledge production, and acquisition frameworks.
The Role Overview
- Employment Type: Full-time federal civil service position
- Job Series / Grade: GS-12 (minimum qualification level required for specialized experience)
- Contract Type: Permanent federal appointment (competitive service)
- Salary: Determined by GS pay scale and locality adjustment (see USAJobs listing for exact range)
- Reporting To: Curatorial leadership within National Museum of African Art
- Hiring Authority: Smithsonian Institution – National Museum of African Art
- Security Requirements: Background investigation required
- Work Structure: On-site (Washington, D.C. based institution)
Position & Tasks
- Develop and implement collections development strategies for African art
- Manage and expand museum collections in collaboration with acquisitions committees
- Build and maintain relationships with artists, galleries, collectors, and curators
- Lead and coordinate exhibition development from concept to installation
- Contribute to scholarly publications and public programming initiatives
- Supervise curatorial staff, interns, fellows, and contractors
- Reassess and improve museum practices in curation, acquisition, and interpretation
- Manage curatorial projects, including research, exhibition planning, and institutional collaboration
- Oversee aspects of acquisitions planning and collection growth strategy
- Ensure alignment of curatorial work with institutional mission and academic standards
Categories
- Museum Curation
- Art History
- African Art Studies
- Cultural Heritage Management
- Exhibition Design
- Visual Arts
- Museum Studies
- Curatorial Research
- Institutional Art Collections
Eligibility
- U.S. citizenship or U.S. national status required
- Must meet GS-12 level specialized experience requirements
- Strong background in museum curation or an art-related academic field
- Experience in African art or culturally related collections is strongly required
- Demonstrated professional experience in exhibitions and acquisitions
- Eligibility includes both paid and unpaid (volunteer) relevant experience
- Must meet qualification standards by the closing date
- Foreign applicants are generally not eligible unless they meet U.S. citizenship requirements
Program Benefits
- Federal government salary based on GS pay scale with locality adjustments
- Full federal benefits package (health insurance, retirement plan, paid leave)
- Long-term job stability within the Smithsonian Institution
- Opportunity to work with one of the world’s most significant African art collections
- Access to global curatorial and academic networks
- Leadership role in shaping institutional collections strategy
- Professional development within a major museum system
- Potential eligibility for recruitment incentives (case-dependent, not guaranteed)
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Federal-style resume (maximum 2 pages required)
- Detailed employment history with duties, dates, and hours worked
- Portfolio or documentation of curatorial or exhibition work (if applicable)
- Unofficial transcripts (if education is used to qualify)
- Veteran preference documentation (if applicable)
- SF-15 form (for 10-point veteran preference, if applicable)
- Proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign education (if applicable)
- Complete USJobs online questionnaire
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 5 May 2026
Location
Washington, D.C., United States
Additional Details
- Position is not part of a bargaining unit
- Multiple selections may be made from this announcement
- Applications may be shared across Smithsonian hiring managers for similar roles
- Strict resume evaluation rules apply; overstatement of qualifications may result in disqualification
- Candidates must demonstrate alignment between their resume and questionnaire responses
- Veteran preference rules apply under U.S. federal hiring law
- Resume must not exceed 2 pages and must avoid copy-pasting announcement language