Assistant Curator - University Art Museum

University of Wyoming • Laramie, WY

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Curator of Academic Engagement at the University of Wyoming Art Museum facilitates the use of the museum's collections for academic and teaching purposes. This role involves initiating, planning, and leading university class visits, coordinating academic projects, and installing two exhibitions annually in the Pat Guthrie Special Exhibitions Teaching Gallery. The position may also involve supervising interns or teaching artists, performing associated research, leading art-making classes, and handling administrative tasks. The University of Wyoming values its employees and offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous retirement contributions, exceptional health and prescription coverage, paid time off, tuition waivers, and wellness programs.

Requirements

• MA in art history or related humanities field
• 1 year experience in a museum or university setting
• 1 year experience working with and interpreting art or historical objects
• Valid driver's license with a motor vehicle record (MVR) compliant with the Driving for University Business SAP.

Nice To Haves

• PhD in Art History or related humanities field, ABD accepted
• 2-3 years in museums, academic, or instructional settings including working with faculty, graduate, and undergraduate students
• 1 year teaching at the college level including acting as a teaching assistant, museum teacher or interpreter, or instructor of record
• 1 year of museum or gallery experience working with and interpreting art or historical objects
• Strong visual literacy and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
• Highly developed organizational capabilities and ability to work autonomously and collectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent writing and research skills.
• Demonstrated deep commitment to interdisciplinary teaching and collaboration with a cross-disciplinary approach to original works of art.

Responsibilities

• Teaching: Research upcoming courses and contact faculty about bringing relevant classes to the museum. Meet with them to discuss visit goals. Create lesson plans. Research and prepare for classes as necessary and design written/digital supplemental materials and activities, which may include artmaking. Use inquiry model and object-based teaching and learning as a foundation to facilitate university class visits to the museum. After being thoroughly trained in art handling, assist the Collections Manager with pulling/putting away objects from storage for class visits. Collaborate with the Collection Manager to schedule classes that plan to use artwork that is not on view. Create and lead workshops for university faculty and graduate students on inquiry-based, object-based research and teaching techniques. With guidance from the Collections Manager, supervise individuals visiting storage or the print study room for research and assignments, such as faculty, visiting scholars, and graduate and undergraduate students. Teach courses according to specialty and advise students in Museum Studies minor as needed.
• Curation: Curate a spring and fall semester Teaching Gallery exhibition in partnership with up to 4 faculty. Work closely with faculty and students using the Teaching Gallery for classes or projects. Coordinate other faculty and class art installations as needed. Participate in curation of exhibitions related to the museum’s permanent collection and exhibition evaluation.
• Research and Creative Activities: Become well-informed and seek out information on initiatives across the university and interdisciplinary collaborations within academic departments and institutes including, but not limited to, the Science Initiative, Engineering, Health Sciences, Energy Resources, and Honors. Initiate conversations and pursue collaborations that foster the use of the museum as a laboratory for learning.
• Service: Manage the use and schedule of the Art Museum's Resource Room and Print Study Room. Participate in designing and organizing programs related to exhibitions that will appeal to and engage the University community and program assessment. Serve as the primary UWAM Faculty Senate representative.
• Professional Development: Attend and present innovative programs and museum resources at campus workshops and at relevant conferences.

Benefits

• Generous Retirement Contributions: The State contributes 15.19% of your gross salary, and you contribute 3.93%, totaling 19.12% toward your retirement plan.
• Exceptional Health & Prescription Coverage: Enjoy access to medical, dental, and vision insurance with competitive employer contributions, that include 4 deductible options to suit your needs.
• Paid Time Off: Benefit from ample vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, and paid winter closure.
• Tuition Waiver: Employees and eligible dependents can take advantage of tuition waivers, supporting continuous education and professional growth.
• Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs: Stay healthy with wellness initiatives, counseling services, and mental health resources.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level