Assistant Curator of the Collection

Department:  Collections

Reports to:  William and Lia Poorvu Curator of the Collection 

Type of Position: Full-time, Exempt, Maximum Five-Year Term 

Salary Range:   $75,000 - $85,000 depending on experience

This is an onsite, Boston-based position. Local candidates strongly preferred. No agencies, please.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Core Values

Isabella Stewart Gardner so deeply believed that art had the power to change lives that she built a beautiful, personal, and immersive Museum “for the education and enjoyment of the public forever.” Today the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (ISGM) is a living embodiment of her bold vision; it’s a dynamic place where ideas and creativity in all its forms inspire visitors. We strive to tell new stories and challenge assumptions through exhibitions, music, programs, and performances and by engaging the perspectives and collaboration of our communities.

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum seeks to connect past with present, develop and sustain mutually beneficial partnerships with local communities and artists, broaden our audiences, and generate opportunities for creativity. We are firmly committed to a welcoming work culture and visitor experience. Our five-year strategic plan outlines the Museum’s core values, goals, and initiatives that serve as a renewal of Isabella’s promise to serve the public and be a resource for the city.

Position Summary

The Assistant Curator of the Collection is responsible for developing exhibitions, researching, managing, and implementing curatorial aspects of exhibitions and their related publications, interpretation, and materials. They must propose and execute at least one major exhibition in the course of their five-year term. They are also responsible for conducting research on the permanent collection and identifying new narratives and stories related to objects within their area of expertise. 

This is a grant-funded position for a maximum of five years, dedicated to reevaluating the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum’s collection through the lens of religion and spirituality. The successful candidate may have expertise in any geographic or chronological area represented in the collection. Preference will be given to candidates with scholarly or curatorial experience in projects related to religion and spirituality. Their exhibition and collections-based projects will engage with this particular line of inquiry. The Gardner Museum values collaboration with internal and external stakeholders and the successful candidate will undertake these projects in consultation with outside experts, artists, and community thought leaders. 

 Responsibilities 

• Propose and execute at least one special exhibition focused on a religious or spiritual topic.
• Contribute to the conceptualization and planning of public programs and permanent collection projects with spiritual or religious themes.
• Participate in curatorial decisions in oversight of the collection and programs, including in consultation with conservation.
• Write texts for the presentation of the collection and exhibitions.
• Present lectures and public talks.
• Research on the collection in support of exhibitions, public programs, and publications.
• Other duties as assigned by the William and Lia Poorvu Curator of the Collection.

Required

• Minimum of three years of experience in a museum curatorial position.
• Ph.D. preferred, but equivalent experience acceptable; advanced knowledge in a relevant field of art history, as well as general art historical knowledge.
• Has originated at least one special exhibition or permanent collection installation, ideally with religious themes or avenues of inquiry. 
• Excellent project management and organizational skills
• An original and flexible thinker who can work across departments; has the ability to conceptualize with other creative individuals.
• Strong collaborative skills and ability to work across disciplines.
• Curiosity and interest in other areas of creativity at the Museum, including contemporary art, music, landscape, and education.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and team skills; strong public speaking and teaching ability, with an interest in improving in these areas
• Demonstrated commitment to creating welcoming, inclusive, and accessible experiences for diverse audiences.
• Ability to work with all levels of the Museum and the professional Museum community, including Board members, volunteers, and supporters.
• Highest level of integrity.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Museum is committed to affording equal opportunity to qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age (40 or older), disability, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions, ancestry, or status as a veteran. Consistent with our core values and our founder's legacy, the Museum is dedicated to building a work community that fosters collaboration, excellence, belonging, and a diversity of perspectives and experience.

Request an Accommodation

Applicants with disabilities who are unable to access ISGM's online application system fully may contact us at [email protected] for assistance with a reasonable accommodation.