Description

EOE Statement
We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.  

Job Title: Paid Curatorial Intern

Location: Stark Museum of Art

Reports to: SMA Curator

Supervises: 0 Direct and 0 Indirect

Classification: Non-Exempt, Hourly, Full-Time, Temporary

Start Date: June 1, 2026

Job Summary: Assist with curatorial research, exhibition development, and museum events at the Stark Museum of Art, under the supervision of the SMA Curator.

Schedule: The employee usually works 40 hours/week, Monday-Friday (approximately 400 hours June – August) with some evening, weekend, and early morning hours as needed. Employee can opt into 9/80 Operating Schedule, with alternating Mondays off.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Prepares an exhibition package including object selection and label copy for future exhibition changes for paper and textile switches
Assists SMA Curator with research for future exhibitions for internally and externally developed exhibitions
Facilitates Slow Art Looking program for the public on select dates during internship
Assists SMA Curator with the development of new self-guided tour materials, including but not limited to paper guides and/or audio tour scripts
Actively participates in regular museum operational functions including but not limited to departmental meetings, exhibition installation, exhibition and collections preparation
Assists Curatorial Department in other programming duties as assigned
 

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Expectations:

Work functions are performed to create the highest quality museum and to ensure the highest level of preservation, care and maintenance of the collection.
Supports Foundation’s goals and values; display passion and optimism; mobilize others to fulfill the vision and inspiration to others; further the Museum’s mission.
Provide courteous, professional, timely and accurate service and support to all visitors, vendors, volunteers and co-workers.
Give and welcome feedback; contribute to building a positive team spirit, able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives.
Work within approved budget.
Follow policies and procedures; maintain appropriate records, complete administrative tasks correctly and on time.
Maintain proficiency in all computer related programs to perform job duties.
Follow safe work procedures; ensure all employees follow safe work procedures; report potentially unsafe conditions; see that all equipment is maintained and functioning properly.
 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Requirements

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree required
Advanced degree coursework in Art, Art History, American Studies, Museum Studies or related discipline with a knowledge of art of the American West preferred
Experience:

Knowledge of research principles; protocol, techniques, and standards within art and art history organizations and museums
Ability to create, compose and edit written materials; ability to adapt text or narrative to audience
Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and effectively and to communicate well with a wide range of people, including paid and unpaid staff
Passion for art and art history and preservation and its educational role in today’s world
Highly motivated self-starter with a hands-on work ethic, good judgment, and mature thinking
 

Interpersonal Requirements:

Must be able to interact professionally with diverse groups of individuals. Requires ability to display tact and discretion, consistent demonstration of good judgment, and an ability to listen and learn. Requires ability to interact professionally and appropriately with visitors and co-workers. Must be a team player able to work comfortably and effectively in cross-functional teams.

This position requires initiative, strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and a positive can-do attitude, and a sense of humor.

Communication Skills:

Requires strong public speaking skills, ability to communicate well with visitor of varied ages and confidence in presenting to groups.

Physical Requirements:
Most work is performed in a climate-controlled environment. Vision requirements needed are color vision and the ability to adjust focus. Ability to enter data into the computer and be able to retrieve information by computer. Wear gloves and be able to perform delicate functions when dealing with fragile objects. Have good clear communication skills both verbally and written and able to understand spoken communications.