What are the responsibilities and job description for the Higgins Assistant/Associate Curator of Arms and Armor position at Worcester Art Museum?
Description
The Worcester Art Museum seeks an accomplished and engaged curator to lead the care, research, and interpretation of its distinguished arms and armor collection. This full-time position is open at the Assistant or Associate Curator level, depending upon experience. A successful candidate will advance the presentation and understanding of the collection through exhibitions, research, and public programs.
The curator will direct the planning and maintenance of long-term and rotating displays, including digital content in the Museum’s open storage gallery. Responsibilities include cataloguing, organizing storage, coordinating photography, and collaborating with conservation. The role also involves conducting and publishing original research, supporting visiting scholars, and contributing to the broader field. You will recommend acquisitions, advise on loans and deaccessions, and maintain productive relationships with collectors and professional peers.
Public engagement is an essential part of the position. The curator will deliver talks, lead tours, and share expertise with visitors in the study area during open hours. You will work with colleagues across departments and partner institutions to develop interdisciplinary programs and educational initiatives. The position also includes identifying funding opportunities and contributing to grant proposals. Supervision of interns, fellows, and volunteers may be part of the role.
Candidates should hold at least a master’s degree in art history, history, or a related field, with demonstrated expertise in arms and armor. A Ph.D. and proficiency in German or French are preferred. For the associate level, at least five years of museum experience is expected; less experience will be considered for the assistant level.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. At this time, the Worcester Art Museum is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.
Position Title: Higgins Assistant/Associate Curator of Arms and Armor
Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Department: Curatorial
Division: Curatorial
Reports to: Director of Curatorial Affairs
Supervisory Responsibilities: None
Salary Range: $50k - $70k Annual Salary
Requirements
Key Requirements:
Museum Experience
At least five years of experience in a comparable curatorial or museum role is expected, including handling and cataloguing works of art. Familiarity with The Museum System (TMS) collections database is preferred.
Research and Communication Skills
Strong research abilities and excellent written and oral communication skills are essential, including the capacity to publish scholarly work and deliver public lectures and tours.
Collection Stewardship and Exhibition Development
The curator must be capable of managing the arms and armor collection, organizing storage, overseeing photography, and collaborating on conservation. They will also develop exhibitions and rotating displays, including digital content.
Public Engagement and Collaboration
The role requires active public engagement through programming, interdisciplinary collaboration with educational and cultural institutions, and interaction with visitors in the open storage gallery.
About WAM
The Worcester Art Museum connects people, communities, and cultures through the experience of art. Our wide-ranging exhibitions tell global stories—from art made thousands of years ago to works being created today. The Museum’s collection of nearly 40,000 objects, assembled since its opening in 1898, provides a foundation to connect visitors of all ages with art, artists, and the ideas they spark. With strong ties to both our local community and the international art world, the Worcester Art Museum is an essential cultural venue for Central Massachusetts and beyond.
Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion at WAM: At WAM we are committed to building a diverse environment, one where staff feel a sense of belonging, and are valued for their contributions and the perspectives they bring. Please visit our Mission, Vision, and Values page to learn more.
The Museum is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity.
Salary : $50,000 - $70,000