Associate Director, Curatorial Affairs

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Associate Director, Curatorial Affairs

Institution: The Block Museum, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
Location: Evanston, IL, United States
Salary Range: $110,260–$150,000 per year, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

The Block Museum is seeking an Associate Director of Curatorial Affairs to lead and advance its curatorial program across exhibitions, collections, and teaching initiatives. This senior role supervises both full-time and part-time staff, graduate fellows, and student interns, and contributes to museum leadership, strategic planning, and donor relations. The position emphasizes scholarship, interdisciplinary engagement, and the presentation of underrepresented histories through innovative curatorial practices.

Key Responsibilities

Exhibitions & Publications (35%): Conceptualize and oversee exhibitions and related publications, balancing original research-based shows with traveling exhibitions. Collaborate with curators, engagement staff, and external venues.
Collection & Curricular Teaching (30%): Shape collection strategy, manage acquisitions, supervise cataloguing and digital interpretation, and lead teaching initiatives in exhibitions, classrooms, and study centers.
Administration & Planning (25%): Oversee daily operations of the Curatorial Department, supervise staff, contribute to museum leadership, and coordinate donor engagement and grant writing.
Teaching, Scholarship, & Volunteerism (10%): Maintain active academic and professional profile, mentor students and junior colleagues, participate in professional organizations, and teach periodically at Northwestern.
Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum 10 years of museum experience with staff oversight.
Record of scholarly exhibitions (including traveling exhibitions) and publications.
Experience making acquisitions (gifts and purchases).
Proven experience mentoring students and junior colleagues.
Strong network within the museum field and experience with donor relations.

Preferred Qualifications

PhD in art history or a relevant field.
Experience in academic museums at research universities.
Teaching experience in higher education.