Short Description
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) is seeking an experienced Museum Curator (Art) for a temporary trust fund position (not exceeding one year) on a part-time basis (30 hours per week). The position supports NMAI’s mission to advance understanding of Native American cultures through innovative research, exhibitions, and public service. The role involves curatorial projects in research, exhibit development, collections management, and community engagement within NMAI’s Museum Research and Scholarship department.
Position Type: Trust Fund (temporary, up to 1 year, part-time at 30 hours/week)
Duty Location: Washington, DC (on-site at NMAI on the National Mall)
Reporting To: Assistant Director, History and Culture
Application Process:
Submit a resume that details both paid and non-paid relevant work experience (including start/end dates and average weekly hours).
Applications will be reviewed based on qualification and experience requirements; qualified candidates will then be referred to the hiring manager.
Additional Conditions:
Successful candidates must pass a pre-employment background check and complete a probationary period.
The position does not cover relocation expenses.
Applicants requiring accommodations should contact NMAI-HR-STAFF@SI.EDU.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Conduct in-depth research on the NMAI permanent collection, developing a comprehensive database and contextual understanding of Native American art.
Organize and synthesize information for inclusion in publications, exhibition materials, and museum brochures.
Collaborate with curators and senior staff to develop exhibition topics and oversee the preparation and staging of exhibitions and catalogs.
Serve as liaison to guest curators, lenders, and external institutions for coordinated exhibition preparation, staging, and touring.
Evaluate loan requests, assess conservation needs, catalog collections, and present gallery talks or lectures.
Eligibility
Open to All Qualified Applicants: Must be eligible to work in the U.S.
Experience & Education: Applicants must have substantial experience in Native American art history, curatorial practice, research, and exhibition preparation (typically demonstrated via an MA degree or equivalent experience).
Commitment to Museum Ethics: Must adhere to the museum’s code of ethics, policies, and procedures.
Program Benefits or Awards
Competitive hourly wage and a comprehensive benefits package specific to trust fund positions, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, leave benefits, retirement plans, and other perks such as discounts on Smithsonian memberships and museum services.
Opportunity to work in a prestigious cultural institution and contribute to the promotion and preservation of Native American art and culture.
Entry Fee:
none
Location:
Washington, DC (on-site at NMAI on the National Mall)
Deadline:
March 15, 2025 (subject to reaching 100 applications sooner)
Website link:
Apply link
https://trustcareers.si.edu/en/postings/79ced9f0-7296-4367-9f41-fc3be2ca31f2/applications/new
Members Only Area!
Login Subscribe Back To Home