Curator Job Description

What is the job description of a Curator? What are the duties and responsibilities of a Curator? What does a Curator do?

Job description of a Curator

Curators work with museums and other organizations to collect, catalogue, and display art and artifacts. Their job is to build up collections, often in specialist areas. Curators develop ways in which objects, archives and artworks can be interpreted, through exhibitions, publications, events and audio-visual presentations.

Their work involves buying exhibits, organizing exhibitions, arranging restoration of artifacts, organizing loans, identification as well as recording of items and dealing with enquiries.

All these tasks require curators to work with other colleagues in conservation, education, design and marketing departments, for example. In addition, they may conduct research and may lecture on findings or ongoing activities.

This Curator job description example includes the list of most important Curator duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Curator profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Curator Duties and Responsibilities

Curator job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • Acquiring, researching, and recording information about acquisitions.
  • Designing displays and exhibits.
  • Ensuring that pieces not displayed are stored properly.
  • Hire, train, motivate and manage staff members.
  • Handling businesses tasks, such as budgets, marketing, and representing the business at public events.
  • Negotiating purchases and loans.
  • Raising funds and obtaining grants to expand collection, update facilities, or support research efforts.
  • Updating websites to explain new attractions.

Curator Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Curator job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in relevant field.
  • More education, experience, or a specialty in specific fields may be beneficial.
  • Eye for detail and strong design instincts.
  • Exceptional research and verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently or with other team members to achieve objectives.
  • Experience with museum databases and other applications.
  • Comprehensive understanding of collection and fundraising.
  • Strong negotiation, resource management, and people skills.

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Curator starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Curator job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of a Curator may also reference it in preparation for the interview.