Position Title:

Assistant Curator

Compensation:

$60,000 - $65,000

Department:

Museum of Art

About this opportunity:

The David Owsley Museum of Art, an academic support unit of the College of Fine Arts at Ball State University, seeks a Assistant Curator for the world art collection of over 11,000 items. The position is a professional staff appointment. The ideal candidate will possess a general knowledge of the history of art and proven research in one of the following areas: African, Pre-Columbian, Islamic, or South Asian art.

Candidates for searches must have current authorization to be employed in the U.S. without employer sponsorship.

What you'll do and what you'll bring:

Position Function:

Under the supervision of and in collaboration with the museum’s Director, the Assistant Curator will develop intellectually significant exhibitions and installations, continue to build and enhance the global art collection, support innovative object-based teaching and learning, mentor student interns, and promote access to and meaningful connections between the museum’s resources and its campus and public audiences with an emphasis on their area of specialization. The position may supervise one or more student interns, employees, or graduate assistants.

Duties and Responsibilities:

-Curate and coordinate rotating exhibitions and installations, including research, logistics, budget, publicity, publications, and related programming.

- Develop and steward a diverse collection of about 11,000 objects spanning from antiquity to the present in support of the University’s diverse community and educational mission.

- Engage faculty across divisions and departments to integrate exhibitions and collections into their curricula.

- Support the Registrar and Collection Manager in collections management projects.

- Support and collaborate with the Curator of Education with programs and academic education efforts.

- Communicate with the Accessions Committee concerning exhibition schedules, proposed acquisitions, deaccessions, and other initiatives.

- Assess potential donations to the collection and assist the Registrar and Collection Manager process gift acknowledgment paperwork.

- Supervise student internships and with the possibility of teaching one course in related field of specialty.

- Other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Advanced degree in art history or related field stressing visual culture and/or cultural heritage.
One year of curatorial or equivalent experience.
Broad knowledge of art history and ability to function both as a specialist and a generalist.

Demonstrated expertise in one of the following subject areas: African art, Pre-Columbian art, Islamic art, or South Asian art.

Exceptional interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively on multiple projects within a deadline-driven environment.
Exceptional English-language writing and public speaking skills.
Familiarity with digital technology for purposes of documenting collections in addition to promoting new modes of scholarship.

Preferred Qualifications

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

How to apply:

Please contact Director Robert La France at lafrance@bsu.edu for more information.

The following documents are required in this application:

1. Cover letter

2. Resume/CV (Do not use the Autofill resume feature.)

Applications must be received before 12:01 AM on January 29, 2027.

Candidates must be prepared to submit writing samples.

What we offer:

At Ball State University, we understand the importance of balancing professional responsibilities with personal well-being. That's why we offer paid 24 vacation days, 12 sick days and 10 holidays a year. Plus, our paid parental leave (6 weeks) is there for life's most significant moments. We offer affordable health and dental insurance, robust long-term disability and life insurance plans, as well a range of retirement benefits to provide financial security to you and your family. These benefits ensure that you can focus on your work and personal growth without worrying about the unexpected.

When you work for us, you are family. And to show our support of your family, we will cover 90 percent of your child's (or children's) undergraduate college tuition at Ball State. We do the same for you. In fact, we'll cover 100 percent of the tuition costs for you to earn your undergraduate degree and 80 percent of your graduate tuition. This offer is good from the very first day you start. It's just one way we do our part to uplift you.

Let's fly together toward a secure and prosperous tomorrow.

Curious about our excellent benefits package?

We have developed a calculator that shows you the value of our core benefits. Select the Total Compensation Calculator - Professional and download the spreadsheet. If you are applying for a 10-month position or one with Burris or Indiana Academy, please select the corresponding calculator.

Relocation Program: MakeMyMove

Looking for a place where your career, community, and quality of life can grow together? Muncie and Delaware County offer the advantages of a university community with the accessibility and affordability of a mid-sized city—short commutes, local arts and culture, parks and trails, educational opportunities, healthcare, athletics, and a strong sense of connection.

Through the City of Muncie’s MakeMyMove program, eligible new residents may access relocation incentives, university-related benefits, co-working options, and community-building opportunities designed to help them get settled and connected.

Current benefits for eligible participants may include:

Up to $5,000 cash for relocation
Co-working space courtesy of The Innovation Connector
Access to the Ball State University Library
One-semester Rec Fit pass at Ball State University
Discounted Ball State Athletics tickets
Help desk for connecting to local resources
Opportunity for board participation
Six-month YMCA membership

Relocation programs on MakeMyMove have specific eligibility requirements, and benefits may vary by program. Applicants should review the current MakeMyMove page to confirm eligibility, available benefits, and program status.

Ball State’s support for relocation resources and community partnerships aligns with Destination 2040: Our Flight Path , the University’s strategic plan. The plan calls our University to work with community partners to promote talent attraction and retention, foster economic growth in East Central Indiana, and strengthen the economic and social vitality of the communities we serve.

Explore the program and check your eligibility through MakeMyMove .

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