About Our Organization

Founded in 1968, the Studio Museum in Harlem is the nexus for artists of African descent locally, nationally, and internationally and for work that has been inspired and influenced by Black culture. It is a site for the dynamic exchange of ideas about art and society.

Job Summary

The Associate Curator will assume primary responsibility for the execution and continued articulation of the department’s strategic vision for the Museum’s permanent collection.

The candidate must be equipped to think broadly and innovatively about the institution’s artist-centered mission, while independently managing a range of administrative and stewardship responsibilities. Reporting to the Chief Program Officer, and in partnership with the Chief Curator, this candidate will be focused on the long-term planning and oversight of the Museum’s growing permanent collection, which currently contains about 9,000 objects from the nineteenth through twenty-first centuries. This focus will require a deep knowledge of the work of artists of African descent, with a particular emphasis on work between 1900 and -1960, as well as an understanding of current artistic practice. 

Serving a leadership role within the curatorial department, the candidate must be comfortable working in a collaborative, experimental, and culturally diverse setting. Strong candidates will possess the openness, flexibility, and diplomacy required for meaningful collaboration with contemporary artists, estates, and peer institutions. Exceptional speaking, writing, and research abilities are required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

• Conduct original research and organize visionary exhibitions; produce didactic texts and exhibition-related publications

• Manage loans, acquisitions, and donation offers.

•  Work closely with the museum registrar on the maintenance and care of the permanent collection.

• Develop and lead a variety of projects related to the Museum’s permanent collection, including conservation initiatives, rights and reproduction, and object research.

• Create presentations and reports for various stakeholders, including trustees, committees, staff, and public. 

• Manage departmental budget, supporting the development of grant and proposal budgets. 

• Co-supervise curatorial assistants, assistant curators, and curatorial fellows.

•  Cultivate and maintain relationships with a diverse constituency of artists, patrons, trustees, members of the press, professional associations, and local organizations.

• Collaborate effectively across departments, communicating updates and representing the department at interdepartmental meetings. 

• Engage multiple audiences and stakeholders, both internal and external, across a variety of platforms

•  Other duties as assigned.

Skills and Qualifications  

• In depth historical expertise in art by artists of African descent, with demonstrated command of the period from 1900 to 1960.

• Demonstrated ability to situate historical works in dialogue with contemporary practices. 

• Ability to read the collection along present day artistic, critical, and curatorial lines and to make credible, rigorous connections. 

• Fluency with current global practices, including emerging artistic practice. Active engagement with the cultural community.

• Experience with the stewardship of a permanent collection, including acquisitions and committee processes, provenance research, loans and administrative management, collection database systems, and working in partnership with registrars. 

• Ability to speak and write persuasively on the role of culturally specific institutions and collections in the museum field. 

Education and Experience 

• Master’s degree in Art History with emphasis on modern and contemporary art by artists of African descent; Black history and culture; PhD preferred.

• At least 5 years of curatorial practice in a museum setting.

Physical Demands 

N/A

Work Environment 

• This position is an exempt position and may require working in excess of forty (40) hours during a work week.
• Fast-paced environment with varying levels of guests and employees present.
• Building Accessibility – office locations are wheelchair accessible, with elevators in the building. Other accessibility accommodations can be further discussed.

Compensation

$90,000 - $100,000 annually

A competitive benefits package is provided, including medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance, a retirement account, and substantial vacation time.

Application Instructions

• Cover letter that summarizes the applicant’s most relevant work experience; educational background, and familiarity with art by artists of African descent; and the candidate’s sense of their own potential contribution to the Museum and its mission.

• Curriculum vitae

• Three writing samples: Two samples should focus on artists of African descent or artworks by an artist of African descent active between 1900 and 1960. One sample should focus on an artist of African descent or artwork by an artist of African descent active from 1960 to the present.

• The names, titles, and contact information of three professional references able to speak to the candidate’s skills, experience, character, and commitment.

No phone calls, please.

All applications must be received by 5pm, Friday, July 31, 2026.

Please note that while careful consideration will be given to each submission, the Museum will only be able to contact those applicants whose knowledge, skills and work experience best fit the requirements of the position.

The Studio Museum in Harlem is an equal opportunity employer and considers all candidates for employment regardless of race, color, sex, age, gender identification, national origin, creed, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or political affiliation. We celebrate our inclusive work environment and encourage folks of all backgrounds and perspectives to apply. At the Studio Museum, we are committed to having an inclusive and transparent environment where every voice is heard and acknowledged. We embrace our differences, and know that our diverse team is a strength that drives our success.  

Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.