
Assistant Curator of Exhibitions and Programs
The Katonah Museum of Art, a non-collecting institution, located 45 miles from New York City in Westchester County seeks an Assistant Curator of Exhibitions and Programs (ACEP), a full-time position. Reporting to the Executive Director, the ACEP plays a vital role in advancing the KMA’s long-term exhibition mission to serve as a creative and intellectual hub for the region. In coordination with the Executive Director, Registrar, and occasional outside guest curator, the ACEP will organize, curate, research and mount exhibitions originating from the Executive Director, from other institutions and sources, as well as conceive and organize their own original exhibitions. They will also carry out special exhibitions and installations which further the Museum’s educational mission and serve its diverse audiences.
A significant part of the ACEP’s responsibilities centers on bridging the Museum’s curatorial and education activities and proactively contributing to audience engagement by translating knowledge into clear, accessible, and inspirational experiences. This includes authoring wall text and other interpretive materials as well as the design, promotion, and implementation of public programs to foster cultural and human connection. The successful candidate will have an advanced degree in art history, curatorial studies, or the equivalent, and two to five years or more of professional experience curating and designing visual art exhibitions for museums, galleries, or non-profit art spaces. Experience in organizing loan exhibitions is a plus.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Generating original research/content and supplying creative input on exhibitions
- Working with Registrar and leadership to finalize and monitor relevant exhibition and program budgets, bringing projects in on time and on budget
- Liaising with artists and external contacts such as outside curators, galleries, and other institutions
- Liaising with key Trustees and collectors, as well as members of the Exhibitions Committee
- Compiling checklists; designing installations; developing floorplans; researching and securing loans; coordinating tour schedules; and other related responsibilities
- Developing written exhibition materials for the KMA’s audiences, including catalogue essays, exhibition brochure text, labels, and didactic texts
- Collaborating with the Communications Manager to generate press releases, calendar copy
- Conceiving, publicizing, and executing public programs relevant to exhibitions and general Museum activity including select public speaking, presentations, and tours for KMA supporters, members, and the general public
- Working with the Development Department on grants and fundraising to support specific initiatives
- Collaborating with the Education Department on educational materials/concepts and co-leading docent trainings
- An M.A. or Ph.D. in art history or related field
- Two to five years or more of museum or equivalent curatorial experience
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- An enthusiastic attitude and ability to work collaboratively across departments with a small team
- Appreciation of all forms of artistic expression and innovation
Interested candidates should submit salary requirements with a cover letter, a CV, two writing samples, and two exhibition & associated public program proposals to jobs@katonahmuseum.org. Please include “Assistant Curator” in the subject line.