Curator | Odessa, TX

CURATOR 

Job Summary: Responsible for ensuring the successful delivery of each exhibition, including scheduling, organizing, designing, managing, and installing the Museum’s art exhibitions in fulfillment of the Museum’s mission, adding the highest possible value to the organization and its visitors; Responsible for the Museum’s Permanent Collection of art; Considerable public contact; Responsible for enhancing the curatorial role of the institution through interpretation of original works of art with labels, catalogues, etc.; Administrative and supervisory responsibilities of curatorial department subordinates. 

Salary Range: $65-$75K+ commiserate with experience, plus benefits; full-time position 

RESPONSIBILITIES (duties include but are not limited to the following): 

• Initiates and sets goals for organizational exhibition program; researches, plans, develops and implements the Museum’s exhibition program. 

• Plans programs from start to finish, including procedures checklists, milestones, deadlines, evaluations, and regular reporting to the Executive Director. 

• Serves as project manager for all phases of exhibition production and installation, including de-installation of previous exhibition site preparation, and exhibition component installation. Manages the overall production schedule, budgets, and workload for current and upcoming project. Produces working prototypes/layouts of exhibitions and components for testing as a thought partner with senior managers as well as the program and planning team. Ensures that exhibition and experiences spaces are continually in optimal condition, safe and clean. 

• Stays current with art museum best practices, policies and procedures and makes sure exhibitions programs are within the scope of each. 

• Identifies, plans, researches, curates and develops art exhibitions including advance exhibition scheduling, and exhibition installation and execution. 

• Conceptualizes, designs and executes installation of Museum Permanent Collection displays and exhibitions aligned with the educational mission of the Museum. 

• Maintains all aspects of the changing exhibition schedule to ensure that downtime between exhibitions or during temporary closures is managed to avoid a negative impact on the guest experience. 

• Responsible for professional curatorial practices such as acquisitions, preservation, research, interpretation and presentation. 

• In collaboration with education staff, develop and maintain partnerships with educational institutions to offer curriculum based programs related to exhibitions. 

• Collaborate with education staff to train educators, docents, and volunteers to conduct tours and special classroom projects in relation to exhibitions.  

• Develops and oversees departmental budget including curatorial project grants and makes adjustments throughout the year as necessary. 

• Participates in institutional strategic planning to determine goals and objectives of curatorial programs for the Museum. 

• Collaborates with development staff and Executive Director to identify funding sources to support existing and new curatorial activities. 

• Participates with development staff and Executive Director to prepare grant proposals and follow-up reports related to funding for curatorial projects. 

• Manages grant-funded projects to ensure grant deliverables are met. 

• Oversees activities related to Permanent Collection development, including art acquisitions and organization of meetings for the Acquisitions and Collections Committee of the Board of Trustees, evaluation, registration, protection, preservation, research and special activities. 

• Attends special events, openings, board events, programs, receptions, and meetings. 

• In collaboration with the staff, writes and/or produces catalogues, brochures, label texts, and lectures and other interpretive materials and activities related to the Museum’s exhibitions and collection activities. 

• Assists in formulating and revising collections policies for Board approval. 

• Serves as spokesperson when requested by Executive Director. 

• Provides information for website, newsletter and e-newsletter publication related to exhibitions and collections. 

• Assists with general fundraising when needed. 

• Maintains and establishes strong contacts with artists, curators, collectors, artwork donors and consultants. 

• Develops community collaborations and partnerships to extend the organization’s reach and capacity. 

• Creates concepts, edits and ensures timely preparation of exhibition and education marketing materials including announcements, signage, banners and billboards. 

• Acts as a resource person for public and staff for art and curatorial inquiries. 

• Trains, supervises and evaluates curatorial department subordinates, volunteers and interns (if applicable). 

• Ensures upkeep of vault, crate storage, workshop and curatorial office spaces. 

• Conducts evaluation of exhibitions, curatorial programs and projects to demonstrate success. 

• Oversees Registrar and Facilities Manager/Preparator priorities and tasks related to the building, outside grounds, and security.  

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Education, Experience and Key Competencies 

• Master’s degree in art, art history, or related field. 

• 5-7 years of program management experience, including curatorial/education experience, strategic planning, and supervisory experience at an established art museum.  

• Knowledge of project management methodologies, processes and tools. Competency with desktop computer, presentation software, spreadsheet software.  

• Effective interpersonal, communication and presentation skills. Ability to perform each project task seamlessly, often switching between high-level strategy and helping with supporting tasks as needed to promote team success.  

• Attention to detail and a high level of efficiency, strategic thinking and common-sense problem solving. Ability to understand and manage high-profile, sensitive or controversial situations.  

• At least five (5) years of personnel management experience. Experienced professional and exceptional project manager who can plan and execute complex work on budget and on time.  

• Creative yet practical problem solver, highly organized, detail oriented, and has good judgement. Demonstrates a positive attitude. Is a strong communicator with good people skills who works well in a team setting and across lines of similarities and differences.  

• The position requires strong leadership skills to coach, mentor, and motivate others. The person excels at working in a fast-paced and dynamic organization, and must have flexible availability to work weekdays, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed. 

• Proficiency in reading, writing, and comprehension of the English language. Proficiency in Spanish is also preferred.  

To Apply: Please submit your cover letter, resume, and three references to manager@noelartmuseum.org. The job will close on February 20, 2026.