Assistant/Associate Curator of Asian and Islamic Art

Description

The Worcester Art Museum seeks a dynamic, collaborative, and intellectually curious Assistant/Associate Curator of Asian and Islamic Art to contribute to the care, research, interpretation, and development of its established and growing collection.

This role offers a candidate with broad scholarly background and curatorial experience the opportunity to shape the presentation of Asian and Islamic Art at WAM in the permanent collection galleries and through temporary exhibitions. Collection strengths include Edo-period Japanese prints; early Chinese Buddhist sculpture; Chinese jades and hardstones; early Hindu and Buddhist sculpture from India; and works on paper from South Asia, Iran, and Central Asia. The Museum particularly seeks candidates who can deepen the visibility, interpretation, and scholarly understanding of Islamic art while stewarding the broader Asian art collection.

The curator’s work comprises original research on the Museum’s collection, exhibition and installation development, and acquisitions, which will involve collaboration across all museum departments and with outside contractors. Public engagement is an essential part of this position and the successful candidate will deliver talks, lead tours, and work with colleagues 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. As a central contributor to the Museum’s content development, this role requires strong cross-departmental communication and deep subject-matter expertise in support of shared institutional goals.

The successful candidate will bring enthusiasm for object-based research, public engagement, and developing ambitious ideas within the Museum’s available resources. The role requires creativity, flexibility, collegiality, sound judgment, and the ability to build momentum over time through exhibitions, acquisitions, community partnerships, scholarly networks, and new ways for visitors to connect with the collection.

At this time, the Worcester Art Museum is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.

Position Title: Assistant/Associate Curator of Asian and Islamic Art

Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Department: Curatorial

Division: Curatorial

Reports to: Director of Curatorial Affairs

Supervisory Responsibilities: Dependent upon hired level

Salary Range: This position has an anticipated hiring range of $53,000–$65,922, based on experience and qualifications. 

Requirements

Key Requirements:

• Demonstrated expertise in the arts of Asia and/or the Islamic world, with reading proficiency in at least one language relevant to the candidate’s area of specialization preferred.
• Museum, gallery, curatorial, or closely related experience, including exhibition development, gallery installations or rotations, and object-based research.
• Strong research, writing, public speaking, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments and connect with scholars, collectors, donors, community partners, and public audiences.
• Creativity, resourcefulness, and sound judgment in developing meaningful projects and collection priorities within available resources.
• At the Assistant Curator level, 2-4 years full-time curatorial experience with a PhD in a related field; 4-7 years full-time curatorial experience with an MA.
• At the Associate Curator level, 3-5 years of full-time curatorial experience with a PhD in a related field; 5-8 years of full-time curatorial experience with an MA.

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.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility 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.