Organizer Information
The opportunity is hosted by the University of Minnesota, one of the largest public research universities in the United States, known for its strong interdisciplinary approach across academia, culture, and public engagement. The position is situated within the Weisman Art Museum, the university’s campus museum founded in 1934. The museum operates as a free, public institution dedicated to advancing inclusive arts experiences and fostering dialogue between contemporary artistic practice, academic research, and community engagement. Its curatorial programming is closely integrated with the university’s educational mission, emphasizing accessibility, critical inquiry, and cultural diversity.
Title & Description
Senior Curator Job at Weisman Art Museum
This opportunity seeks a senior-level curatorial leader responsible for directing the museum’s exhibitions program and contributing to the strategic development of its permanent collection. The Senior Curator will play a central role in shaping the institution’s curatorial vision in collaboration with the Museum Director, translating conceptual priorities into exhibitions, research initiatives, and public-facing programs.
The role combines curatorial authorship with institutional leadership: the candidate is expected to design ambitious exhibition frameworks, oversee long-term programming strategy, and ensure alignment between curatorial work, public engagement, learning initiatives, and institutional development goals. The position emphasizes cross-departmental collaboration, mentorship, and organizational management, positioning the curator not only as a content expert but also as a key operational leader within the museum structure.
The Role Overview
- Position Type: Full-Time, Academic Professional & Administrative (P&A Staff)
- Contract Type: Regular Appointment
- Salary Range: USD $90,000 – $100,000 (depending on experience and qualifications)
- Reporting To: Museum Director
- Supervisory Scope:
- Ihlenfeld Curator
- O’Brien Curatorial Fellow
- Curatorial assistants, interns, and volunteers (project-based)
- Work Mode: In-person (majority on campus; limited remote flexibility)
- Visa Sponsorship: Not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship
The role is structured as a senior leadership position combining curatorial direction, project management, and institutional strategy development.
Position & Tasks
The Senior Curator’s responsibilities are distributed across three main domains:
1. Exhibitions (55%)
- Conceive and implement temporary and permanent exhibitions
- Develop exhibition strategies aligned with institutional mission and values
- Manage exhibition schedules, budgets, and production workflows
- Write scholarly and public-facing texts (catalogues, wall labels, guides)
- Collaborate with public engagement and learning teams on programming
- Build relationships with artists, collectors, galleries, and institutions
- Oversee loan agreements, exhibition logistics, and traveling exhibitions
- Participate in media, press, and public communications
2. Collections (25%)
- Oversee acquisition and deaccession research and justification
- Conduct provenance and object-based research
- Support collection care, preservation, and insurance valuation processes
- Collaborate with registrars on collection management and loans
- Facilitate scholarly and educational use of the collection
- Contribute to collection-based publications and interpretation
3. Mentorship & Institutional Leadership (10–15%)
- Mentor interns, fellows, and emerging museum professionals
- Supervise curatorial staff and fellows
- Participate in institutional committees and strategic planning
- Contribute to fundraising, grant writing, and donor relations
- Represent the museum in academic and public contexts
Categories
- Curatorial Practice
- Visual Art
- Museum Studies
- Contemporary Art
- Art History
- Exhibition Design
- Cultural Programming
- Arts Administration
Eligibility
- BA/BS with 10+ years of relevant experience, OR
- Master’s degree with 8+ years of experience, OR
- Terminal degree (e.g., PhD) with 6+ years of experience
- Proven experience in exhibition conceptualisation and delivery
- Experience supervising teams and managing complex projects
- Strong writing, research, budgeting, and communication skills
- Experience working in a museum or cultural institutions
- Ability to collaborate across diverse stakeholders and communities
- Preferred: PhD in art history or related field; multilingual abilities
Open to experienced international professionals, though the role explicitly excludes visa sponsorship.
Program Benefits
- Competitive annual salary ($90K–$100K range)
- Full benefits package including:
- Medical, dental, and pharmacy coverage
- Retirement plans with employer contributions
- Paid holidays and generous leave policies
- Professional development and tuition benefits
- Employee assistance and wellbeing programs
- Public transit subsidies (Twin Cities metro)
- Leadership role within a major university museum
- Access to academic research networks and institutional collections
- Opportunity to shape long-term curatorial strategy
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Online application form
- Cover letter outlining curatorial vision and experience
- Full CV/resume
- Additional supporting materials (optional but recommended)
- Portfolio of exhibitions or curatorial projects (if applicable)
- References may be requested during later stages
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: Open until filled (rolling review)
Location
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Additional Details
This position is designed for a senior curator capable of bridging academic research, public engagement, and institutional leadership. It requires a balance of conceptual curatorial thinking and operational execution. The role is deeply embedded in a university environment, meaning it is not only exhibition-focused but also tied to education, mentorship, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Candidates should be prepared for a high level of administrative responsibility, including budgeting, scheduling, and cross-department coordination. The museum places strong emphasis on inclusivity, collaboration, and engagement with diverse communities.