Curator

Smart Museum of Art, University of Chicago

Location: Chicago, IL, USA (Onsite)
Type: Full-time (37.5 hrs/week)
Salary: $80,000 – $90,000/year
Contract: Permanent, exempt

The Smart Museum of Art at the University of Chicago seeks a Curator to work closely with the Dana Feitler Director in shaping and implementing the artistic vision of the museum. The position involves curatorial leadership, exhibition development, publications, fundraising, donor cultivation, and active participation in the local, national, and international art community.

The Smart houses a collection of nearly 18,000 objects, spanning from antiquity to the present, and serves as a site of research, reflection, and community engagement.

Responsibilities

• Research, manage, and expand the permanent collection.
• Conceive, curate, and implement exhibitions and commissions, including traveling shows.
• Manage all aspects of exhibitions (schedules, budgets, conservation, design, didactics, labels, catalogues).
• Author scholarly publications and secure exhibition grants.
• Provide tours, public talks, and curricular engagement.
• Supervise interns, postdocs, and student employees.
• Represent the museum in academic and cultural forums.
• Liaise with the Smart Board of Governors’ Collections Committee and support fundraising efforts.

Requirements

• Education: Minimum BA in art history or related field; PhD strongly preferred.
• Experience: 5–7 years curatorial experience with a proven record of exhibitions, publications, and fundraising.
• Competencies:
  • Deep knowledge of museum best practices and trends in academic museums.
  • Strong leadership, collaboration, and mentoring skills.
  • Excellent research, writing, and public speaking abilities.
  • Commitment to community and institutional partnerships.