Curator of Collections and Exhibitions

Curator of Collections and Exhibitions at Muskegon Museum of Art

Salary: $80,000 – $100,000 per year
Contract: Full-time
Location: Muskegon, MI, USA (relocation required)
Application deadline: Not specified

About the Role

The Muskegon Museum of Art (MMA), fully accredited since 1988, is seeking a Curator of Collections and Exhibitions to lead the development, care, and strategic presentation of its growing collection and exhibition programme. Reporting to the Executive Director, this role combines curatorial leadership with collections management, exhibition planning, and institutional representation.

The MMA is a well-established cultural institution with a national profile, holding a collection of nearly 6,000 objects, with a focus on 19th and 20th-century American painting, sculpture, glass, women artists, and works on paper. The museum presents 10–15 temporary exhibitions annually and recently expanded with the opening of the Bennett Schmidt Pavilion in 2025.

Key Responsibilities

Collections & Strategy

• Oversee the management, care, preservation, and development of the permanent collection
• Lead acquisition strategies aligned with the museum’s Strategic Collections Plan
• Ensure compliance with museum standards and legal frameworks

Exhibitions

• Develop and implement a comprehensive exhibition programme (temporary and permanent)
• Oversee exhibition concepts, object selection, and installations
• Act as primary liaison for traveling exhibitions

Research & Interpretation

• Lead collections research, interpretation, and publications
• Develop catalogues and scholarly outputs

Leadership & Collaboration

• Work closely with the Executive Director and Exhibitions Committee
• Supervise Collections Manager and Preparators
• Collaborate across departments, including Education and Programming

External Engagement

• Build relationships with artists, collectors, institutions, and the wider art world
• Represent the museum in public, scholarly, and fundraising contexts
• Contribute to marketing, publicity, and development initiatives

Public Programming

• Deliver lectures, talks, and training for docents and volunteers

Essential Duties

• Oversee display, interpretation, and conservation of the collection
• Develop and deliver exhibition strategies aligned with institutional priorities
• Manage exhibition planning, logistics, and budgets
• Coordinate with internal teams and external partners
• Support fundraising and institutional development efforts

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ curatorial experience in a museum setting
• Proven track record in exhibition planning and delivery
• Experience in collections management
• Strong external engagement experience (marketing, fundraising, public programming)
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills
• Strong research background with relevant publications
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• Knowledge of museum standards and best practices
• Experience across multiple institutions preferred

Education

• MA in Art History, Curatorial Studies, or related field (required)
• Broad art historical knowledge; specialism relevant to the MMA collection preferred

 

About Muskegon

Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Muskegon offers a combination of cultural infrastructure and outdoor environment. The city is known for its beaches, parks, and growing downtown, alongside established institutions such as the Muskegon Museum of Art, West Michigan Symphony, and Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts. The area is undergoing significant development while maintaining a relatively low cost of living.