Assistant Curator

Ball State University•Muncie, IN

2d•$60,000 - $65,000

About The Position

The David Owsley Museum of Art, an academic support unit of Ball State University’s College of Fine Arts, seeks an Assistant Curator for its world art collection of more than 11,000 items. This professional staff appointment focuses on developing intellectually significant exhibitions and installations, enhancing the global art collection, supporting object-based teaching and learning, mentoring student interns, and connecting museum resources with campus and public audiences, with emphasis on the curator’s area of specialization. The Assistant Curator works under the supervision of and in collaboration with the museum’s Director and may supervise student interns, employees, or graduate assistants. The role may also include teaching one course in the related specialty field. The successful candidate will have broad art history knowledge and demonstrated expertise in African, Pre-Columbian, Islamic, or South Asian art. Candidates must have current authorization to work in the United States without employer sponsorship. Applications require a cover letter and resume/CV; candidates must be prepared to submit writing samples. Applications must be received before 12:01 AM on January 29, 2027.

Requirements

Advanced degree in art history or a related field emphasizing visual culture and/or cultural heritage.
One year of curatorial or equivalent experience.
Broad knowledge of art history and ability to function as both a specialist and a generalist.
Demonstrated expertise in African art, Pre-Columbian art, Islamic art, or South Asian art.
Exceptional interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively on multiple projects in a deadline-driven environment.
Exceptional English-language writing and public speaking skills.
Familiarity with digital technology for documenting collections and promoting new modes of scholarship.
Current authorization to be employed in the United States without employer sponsorship.
Cover letter and resume/CV required; candidates must be prepared to submit writing samples.

Nice To Haves

Ph.D. or equivalent experience.
Track record of scholarly activities, including publications and exhibitions that advance knowledge.
Experience organizing loan exhibitions.
Supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

Curate and coordinate rotating exhibitions and installations, including research, logistics, budgeting, publicity, publications, and related programming.
Develop and steward a diverse collection of about 11,000 objects spanning antiquity to the present in support of the university community and educational mission.
Engage faculty across divisions and departments to integrate exhibitions and collections into curricula.
Support the Registrar and Collection Manager on collections management projects.
Support and collaborate with the Curator of Education on programs and academic education efforts.
Communicate with the Accessions Committee about exhibition schedules, proposed acquisitions, deaccessions, and other initiatives.
Assess potential collection donations and assist the Registrar and Collection Manager with gift acknowledgment paperwork.
Supervise student internships and potentially teach one course in the related specialty field.
Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

24 paid vacation days per year.
12 paid sick days per year.
10 paid holidays per year.
Six weeks of paid parental leave.
Affordable health and dental insurance.
Long-term disability and life insurance plans.
Retirement benefits.
90% coverage of undergraduate tuition at Ball State University for the employee’s child or children.
100% coverage of the employee’s undergraduate tuition at Ball State University.
80% coverage of the employee’s graduate tuition at Ball State University.
Eligible participants in the MakeMyMove program may receive up to $5,000 cash for relocation, co-working space, access to the Ball State University Library, a one-semester Rec Fit pass, discounted Ball State Athletics tickets, help connecting to local resources, opportunity for board participation, and a six-month YMCA membership. Eligibility and availability vary.