Associate Curator

City and County of Denver•Denver, CO

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Denver Public Library (DPL) is seeking two term-limited Associate Curators to join its Museum Services team. These roles will focus on developing exhibits and public-facing experiences that explore collections, center community voices, foster curiosity, and advance equity. The Associate Curators will work at the intersection of museums, library services, community engagement, and exhibition practice to create experiences that invite visitors into conversation with history, art, and culture. Under the direction of the Curator, they will be essential in expanding and establishing the team's services. Responsibilities include conducting research, developing curatorial projects, and collaborating across DPL to organize, design, and install exhibits at various library locations. The work directly supports the mission to provide free public access to the rich cultural heritage of Colorado and the American West, ensuring diverse communities see themselves reflected in collections and exhibits. The Associate Curators will collaboratively administer all aspects of exhibits and temporary installations from conception through completion, ensuring program themes and content meet DPL's standards for high-quality visitor experiences.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Museum Studies, Art History, Arts Administration, Public History, American Studies, Ethnic Studies, or closely related field
Three years of professional or technical level experience planning the administrative aspects of exhibit programs or working on exhibits in a museum, historic institution, library, cultural center, or related organization
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to move between periods of independent work and collaborative work
Ability to occasionally work flexible hours including some evenings and weekends
Knowledge of accessibility best practices and universal design principles
Proficiency with collaborative project management tools and software
Knowledge of Western American history, Colorado history, African American history, or related regional history
Experience with art and artifact handling, condition reporting, and collection management systems
Valid work authorization that does not require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

Master's or Bachelor's degree in Museum Studies, Art History, Arts Administration, Public History, American Studies, Ethnic Studies, or closely related field
Background in exhibit maintenance and installation techniques
Proven experience in the development of both permanent and temporary exhibits for a gallery, museum, library, or related institution
Experience project managing exhibits from design phase through implementation and closing
Project management experience including monitoring budgets, developing contracts, tracking timelines, problem-solving, and coordinating the work of staff, contractors, and volunteers
Experience in participatory or community-engaged exhibit practice and/or working with diverse communities and centering marginalized voices in exhibits or public programming
Experience conducting collection assessments through an equity lens

Responsibilities

Conduct curatorial research for a variety of history, art, and cultural exhibits
Develop exhibit concepts that ask open-ended questions and invite visitors into collaborative knowledge-building
Write visitor-centered in-gallery text and interpretive resources that are well-researched, factual, welcoming, accessible, and foster curiosity
Work with the Museum Services team to create welcoming and informative graphics for display
Manage exhibition projects from design phase through implementation, maintenance, and closing
Lead and collaborate with DPL branch staff in installations and de-installations
Handle art and artifact installation following professional museum standards
Conduct site visits and assessments for exhibition spaces across DPL locations
Troubleshoot technical issues and adapt to changing conditions during installation
Build and maintain relationships with local and regional partners including museums, artists, universities, galleries, cultural organizations, historical societies, and community groups
Partner with donors, nonprofit organizations, businesses, private collectors, government agencies, colleges, and artists to accomplish curatorial vision
Work with communities to ensure their stories are told by their members
Lead public exhibit tours and collaboratively facilitate public programs that engage visitors with exhibit themes
Research and identify potential new acquisition opportunities that address collection diversity and equity, with documentation of recommendations
Oversee art and artifact handling with attention to preservation and professional standards
Complete condition reports for collection objects used for exhibits
Ensure proper storage and display conditions to preserve collections for future generations
Maintain accurate records including storage and display locations to ease public access

Benefits

Four (4) Medical Plans
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Pension Plan for Life (employee contributes 8.45%, employer contributes 17.95%)
457 (b) Retirement Plan
PTO (over 3 weeks in your first year)
Quarterly wellness hours
12 paid holidays
CARE Bank
Family Leave Benefits
Employee Assistance Program (6 counseling sessions per year, legal assistance, financial counseling, discounted recreation center passes)
Employee Volunteer Program
Professional Learning and Development Opportunities
Courses and Career Development Resources
Education Refund Program
EcoPass (unlimited free RTD bus/train rides)