Job Description
Overview
Step into a rare curatorial opportunity to shape collection growth and research priorities within Auburn’s renowned university art museum!
The Associate Curator of American Art advances scholarship on art and artists, organizing innovative exhibitions, as well as contributing to scholarly publications and dynamic engagements, drawing on the remarkable university art collection amongst others. The curator contributes to building the collection at Auburn University as well as to academic engagement, working with colleagues in museum education to develop new interpretations of American art, for a multi-disciplinary audience of faculty, students, and visiting scholars.
About The Jule: Accredited by the American Association of Museums and a member of the Association of Academic Museums and Galleries, The Jule stewards a renowned art collection of more than 3000 objects on behalf of Auburn University. Advancing research, outreach and instruction through its collections and programs in active and welcoming learning environments, the museum engages through exhibitions and hosting artists and scholars from across the nation to provide positive impacts for students and faculty. Serving beyond the gallery walls, it also serves the state of Alabama through traveling art programming. The Jule will turn 25 in 2028! With that upcoming milestone, the museum is focused on raising funds to endow positions and programs, establish scholarships, acquire and conserve art, and provide adequate teaching space, all to further center its role within the intellectual life of Auburn University.
Responsibilities
- Conceive, research, and implement at least one major exhibition annually that advances scholarship on art of, influenced by, or connected to the American South, with a particular focus on developing scholarship related to works in the collection of Auburn University. Work closely with colleagues to ensure exhibitions meet institutional goals and provide an exceptional visitor experience.
- Plan and execute the Auburn Forum for Southern Art and Culture, a signature program at the museum, which annually convenes artists, scholars, and thought leaders for a public dialogue about art and culture in the American South. Ensure the Forum reflects the museum’s commitment to fostering critical conversations about the role of Southern art in the broader narrative of American art.
- Undertake in-depth research on art and artists, producing scholarship that contributes to the field of art history. Produce scholarly publications, exhibition catalogs, and interpretive materials. Identify new research opportunities and publish findings in peer-reviewed journals, exhibition catalogs, and other scholarly platforms. Present research at national and international conferences and represent the museum in academic and public forums.
- Work closely with private collections as well as other cultural institutions to strengthen partnerships that enhance access to and interpretation of American art connected to the American South. Develop joint projects, share resources, and create opportunities for collaborative exhibitions and research initiatives.
- Contribute to the development and care of the museum’s collection by connecting the development staff to potential donors, assessing conservation needs, recommending strategic acquisitions to the leadership team, and ensuring proper documentation of objects. Collaborate with the museum registrar to maintain the highest standards of collection management.
- Build and sustain relationships with artists, scholars, collectors, and peer institutions to support exhibitions, research, and programming. Actively participate in professional organizations and contribute to the advancement of curatorial practice.
- Integrate the museum’s resources into Auburn University’s teaching and research mission by collaborating with faculty, mentoring students, and developing programs that enhance learning across disciplines. Support the Academic Engagement Manager with class visits and appointments in the Study Room.
- Represent the museum at professional conferences, donor events, and public programs. Communicate the museum’s vision and initiatives to diverse audiences, strengthening its profile locally, nationally, and internationally.
Qualifications
- Master's degree
- 3 years of experience working with exhibitions and collections
Why Work at Auburn?
- Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
- Culture of Excellence: We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
- We’re Here for You: Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
- Sweet Home Alabama: The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
- A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.
- Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!
Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement
It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit their website to learn more.
