Curator

Curator – Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., USA

Application Deadline: March 31, 2025
Salary: $120,579 – $185,234 per year
Pay Scale & Grade: GS 13 – 14
Location: Washington, DC

The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is located in the Department of the Office of Curatorial Affairs, National Portrait Gallery (NPG), Smithsonian Institution. The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery (NPG) tells the story of America by portraying the people who shape the nation’s history, development, and culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct scholarly research in American art history, focusing on portraiture, integrating various subdisciplines.
• Contribute to shaping the national collection through strategic acquisitions, care, and enhancing public access.
• Design and curate exhibitions, including accompanying catalogues, using the permanent collection and temporary displays.
• Oversee the Curatorial Department’s activities and ensure effective management and coordination of responsibilities.

Requirements

• Career/Career-Conditional Status or Eligibility: Open to current Smithsonian Institution employees with federal career/career-conditional status.
• Qualifications:
  • Basic: Degree in museum work or a related subject, or a combination of education and experience.
  • Experience:
    • Grade 13: One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-12 in the federal service, including research, curation, and managing collections.
    • Grade 14: One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-13 in the federal service, including leadership and supervision of staff.