Associate Curator

Job Overview

OVERVIEW

The Dubuque Museum of Art (DuMA) seeks an ambitious and forward-thinking Associate Curator. This is a rare opportunity to contribute to the interpretive direction of nine new galleries and multiple flexible spaces as the Museum looks to open a new campus in 2028. The Associate Curator will play a central role in interpreting DuMA’s collection of regionally-focused art and developing exhibitions that 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 imprint. The Associate Curator will have meaningful authorship in shaping exhibition narratives, interpretive strategies, and collection priorities. The successful candidate will demonstrate deep understanding of community needs and actively engage in building relationships that result in relevant and inclusive exhibitions and programs.

Success in this role will be based on:

Exhibition Delivery and Project Management

• Lead 5–6 exhibitions or collection rotations, from conception through evaluation, annually that contribute to engagement goals.
• Deliver proposed projects on schedule and within budget.
• Provide talks, tours, and programming tied to exhibitions and the collection.
• Ensure all exhibition documentation is submitted and filed in a timely manner.
• Ensure smooth installation and deinstallation processes through proactive coordination across departments.

Curatorial Research and Innovation

• Research and write for at least three significant deliverables 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 researching and drafting the Museum’s collecting plan.
• Demonstrate consistent participation in institutional planning and readiness for the 2028 campus opening.
• Actively work with the Collection Committee and the Board of Trustees to cultivate positive and productive relationships.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment by communicating clearly, aligning teams around shared goals, and contributing to the refinement of planning and evaluation processes.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and support planning, execution, and evaluation of loan and collection exhibitions, including related fundraising and stewardship activities.
• Collaborate across departments 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 accurate and complete digital and hard copy curatorial records, files, and documentation.
• Cultivate professional relationships and partnerships with local and regional artists, cultural organizations, collectors, and scholars.
• 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 relevant experience; candidates with additional experience who are seeking a role with significant creative and institutional impact are encouraged to apply.
• Strong research, writing, public speaking, 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 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.