Associate Curator

Title: Associate Curator

Job Type:  Full-time (exempt)

Location:  On-site, Dubuque, Iowa

Salary:  Starting at $50,000 (commensurate with experience)

Reports to:  Director of Collections and Curatorial Affairs

Start date: Immediately

OVERVIEW

The Dubuque Museum of Art (DuMA) seeks an ambitious and forward-thinking Associate Curator to help shape the intellectual and experiential framework of its new museum campus opening in 2028.

This is a rare opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the vision, content, and interpretive direction of nine new galleries and multiple flexible spaces at a pivotal institutional moment. The Associate Curator will play a central role in developing exhibitions that use scale, spatial design, light, sound, material, and time to create immersive and resonant visitor experiences.

DuMA is seeking a candidate who brings both scholarly rigor and creative confidence — someone motivated by experimentation, thoughtful risk-taking, and the opportunity to leave a lasting institutional imprint. The Associate Curator will have meaningful authorship in shaping exhibition narratives, interpretive strategies, and collection priorities during this period of institutional growth.

Success in this role will be based on:

Exhibition Delivery and Project Management

• Lead 5–6 exhibitions or collection rotations annually.
• Develop and execute visitor-centered tours and programming tied to exhibitions and the collection.
• Deliver assigned projects on schedule and within approved budgets.
• Ensure all exhibition documentation is submitted and filed by established deadlines.
• Ensure smooth installation and deinstallation processes through proactive coordination.

Curatorial Research and Innovation

• Produce at least three substantial research outputs annually (e.g., exhibition proposals, acquisition recommendations, interpretive texts, or grant materials).
• Integrate at least one experimental exhibition element per year that tests format, scale, media, or sensory engagement in alignment with curatorial direction.

Strategic Contribution

• Play an active role in research, analysis, and drafting of the Museum’s collecting plan.
• Build productive working relationships with the Collection Committee and Board of Directors.
• Demonstrate consistent participation in institutional planning and readiness for the 2028 campus opening.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment by communicating clearly, aligning teams around shared goals, and contributing to the refinement of institutional planning and evaluation processes.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and support planning and execution of loan and collection exhibitions, including related fundraising and stewardship activities.
• Collaborate with education staff to develop and present exhibition-related tours and programs.
• Conduct original research and make recommendations for collection acquisitions and deaccessions.
• Coordinate exhibition schedules, logistics, and cross-departmental communication.
• Collaborate across departments to ensure programs meet institutional strategic goals.
• Maintain curatorial records, files, and documentation.
• Cultivate professional relationships and partners to broaden the Museum's reach and impact.
• Serve as a mentor to interns and volunteers.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in art history, museum studies, or related field (advanced degree preferred).
• Minimum three years of related curatorial or museum experience; candidates with additional experience who are seeking a role with significant creative and institutional impact are encouraged to apply.
• Strong research, writing, and organizational skills.
• Experience supporting exhibition development and production.
• Working knowledge of loan procedures, contracts, and exhibition logistics.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Collaborative working style and clear communication skills.
• Experience developing audience-centered exhibitions across varied formats and media.
• Familiarity with the contemporary Midwest art scene.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, desktop publishing, and collection management systems.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Salary is commensurate with experience, with a starting salary beginning at $50,000 annually, accompanied by a competitive benefits package including health insurance, paid vacation, employer-matched IRA, and generous flextime.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Submit a cover letter, CV/résumé, writing sample, and three professional references to hr@dbqart.org. References will be contacted only with prior consent. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. No phone calls, please.

All offers of employment are conditioned upon a background check and 90-day probationary employment period.

About the Dubuque Museum of Art

DuMA is Iowa’s first cultural institution and is undertaking the most ambitious capital expansion in its 152-year history. The 2028 campus, designed by Schulhof Rashidi Architects, will connect Washington Park, gardens, STEAM education, performance and screening spaces, childcare, and museum galleries into a dynamic cultural hub. The Associate Curator will help define how this new campus feels, functions, and resonates with audiences from day one. 

Our vision is that our community will be a thriving cultural hub where people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives together achieve a deep understanding of the past, an empathetic view of the present, and an inspired outlook for the future. Our mission is to create engaging art experiences that excite, inspire, and connect our community.

DuMA is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to equal treatment of all employees without regard to race, national origin, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or other basis protected by law.