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Let’s be honest—most job description templates you’ll find for a curator role are lifeless.
They follow the same script:
Bullet points. Buzzwords. Bland responsibilities.
They list things like “Manage collections” and “Coordinate exhibitions”… but they never explain what makes a curator great—or how to write a post that actually attracts one.
And if you’re trying to hire someone who’ll shape your collection, preserve your institution’s legacy, or craft meaningful exhibitions that tell powerful stories, then a generic job post isn’t going to cut it.
That’s why in this guide, we’re doing things differently.
We won’t just give you a copy-paste job description.
We’ll show you how to create one that connects—and gets the attention of passionate, qualified, and mission-driven curators.
We’ll also:
- Break down why most job posts fail (and how to avoid it)
- Show you two great examples of curator job descriptions
- Highlight exactly what makes those examples work
- Give you bonus tips that add trust, transparency, and warmth to your post
- And offer smart advice on using AI without sounding like a robot
Before we dive in, if you want a bigger-picture view of what makes any job post convert better, I recommend reading this full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/
All right—let’s get into what a curator actually does, and how to write a job description that helps you find the right one.
Smart Hiring Starts Here
WorkScreen simplifies the hiring process, helping you quickly identify top talent while eliminating low-quality applications. By saving you countless hours and reducing the risk of bad hires, it empowers you to build a team that delivers results
What Does a Curator Actually Do?
A curator isn’t just someone who manages a collection.
They’re the storyteller behind the scenes—the person who gives life to your exhibitions, connects the past to the present, and makes sure every piece in your collection has a purpose.
They research, acquire, organize, and interpret works—whether it’s art, historical artifacts, scientific specimens, or digital archives.
But just as important, they also write labels, plan exhibitions, oversee conservation, collaborate with educators, and often serve as the public face of your institution.
The best curators aren’t just organized—they’re creative thinkers with a deep love for their field, an eye for detail, and a talent for making collections meaningful to diverse audiences.
So, when you’re hiring a curator, you’re not just filling a role.
You’re hiring someone to shape the stories your audience will remember.
Two Great Curator Job Description Templates
We’ll provide two tailored job description options:
1.✅ Option 1: For employers looking to hire an experienced candidates with prior experience.
2.Option 2: For employers open to hiring entry-level candidates or those willing to train someone with potential.
✅ Curator Job Description For Experienced Hire
🎨 Job Title: Lead Curator – Modern Art and Exhibitions
📍Location: On-site – Chicago, IL
💼 Job Type: Full-time
💰Salary: $65,000–$80,000 (Based on experience)
🕒 Schedule: Monday–Friday, with occasional evenings/weekends for exhibition events
🎥 Meet Your Future Manager
We believe job posts should feel human. So here’s a quick intro video from our Director, sharing what this role is all about:
👉 (Insert Loom or YouTube link)
🏛️ Who We Are
We’re the Modern Arts Institute, a mission-driven museum focused on showcasing contemporary art from underrepresented communities. Over the last 20 years, we’ve grown into one of the Midwest’s most respected visual arts institutions—and now we’re looking for a Lead Curator to help shape our upcoming exhibitions and acquisitions.
💡 What You’ll Be Doing
As our Lead Curator, you’ll play a central role in the development, research, interpretation, and display of our permanent collection and rotating exhibitions.
You’ll collaborate with artists, educators, and guest curators to deliver programs that excite the public and deepen engagement with our mission.
Your core responsibilities include:
- Researching and recommending new acquisitions
- Planning, developing, and overseeing exhibitions from concept to launch
- Writing interpretive materials, labels, and catalogue content
- Supervising curatorial assistants and interns
- Managing project budgets
- Representing the museum at panels, talks, and public events
✅ What We’re Looking For
- 3+ years of curatorial experience (preferably in modern or contemporary art)
- Master’s degree in Art History, Museum Studies, or related field
- Excellent research and writing skills
- Proven track record of creating engaging exhibitions
- Strong collaboration and project management abilities
- Passion for storytelling and equity in the arts
💬 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
You won’t just be managing artifacts—you’ll be shaping culture.
This role offers the autonomy to design powerful exhibitions, the backing of a passionate team, and the opportunity to make a real impact in one of the country’s most vibrant art scenes.
🎁 Perks and Benefits
- Full health and dental coverage
- Paid time off + “Museum Recharge Days”
- $1,000 annual professional development stipend
- Annual travel stipend for exhibitions and research
- 401(k) with employer match
📥 How to Apply
We respect your time. That’s why we use WorkScreen—so you’re evaluated based on strengths, not buzzwords.
Click below to complete your short, structured evaluation:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
🌱 Curator Job Description For Entry-Level / Willing to Train Candidate
🎨 Job Title: Assistant Curator – Community & Collections
📍Location: Hybrid – Detroit, MI
💼 Job Type: Full-time
💰Salary: $42,000–$50,000
🕒 Schedule: Monday–Friday, occasional weekend events
🎥 Meet the Hiring Team
We want you to know who you’d be working with. Here’s a short video from our Program Manager explaining the role and our mission:
👉 (Insert Loom or YouTube link)
🏛️ Who We Are
At The People’s Archive, we’re passionate about telling Detroit’s story from the ground up—through oral histories, visual media, and local artifacts. We’re building a living record of culture, resistance, and creativity. Now, we’re hiring an Assistant Curator to help organize, interpret, and care for our expanding community-driven collection.
💡 What You’ll Be Doing
You’ll assist our curatorial and collections team in organizing archives, researching histories, and collaborating with local storytellers.
We’ll train you on our systems—we’re more interested in your curiosity, integrity, and drive than a perfect resume.
Key responsibilities include:
- Supporting the documentation and preservation of new acquisitions
- Assisting in exhibition planning and research
- Helping draft labels, reports, and exhibition texts
- Collaborating with community groups to co-curate displays
- Assisting in collection digitization and access initiatives
✅ What We’re Looking For
- Bachelor’s degree or relevant lived/community experience
- Strong writing, communication, and research skills
- Curiosity, flexibility, and eagerness to learn
- Comfort working in community-centered, collaborative environments
✨ These are “nice to have,” not must-haves. If you’re aligned with the mission, we want to hear from you.
💬 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
If you want to turn your passion for culture and storytelling into a meaningful career, this is your chance.
You’ll be trained, mentored, and trusted to help shape a collection that reflects real people and their stories.
🎁 Perks and Benefits
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Monthly public transport stipend
- Paid flex days and mental health days
- Tuition reimbursement and mentorship
- Access to industry training and certification programs
📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to make the hiring process fair, structured, and fast.
Instead of uploading a résumé and waiting weeks, you’ll complete a short evaluation designed to highlight your strengths.
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
Don’t let bad hires slow you down.
WorkScreen helps you identify the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
Why These Curator Job Posts Work (And What You Can Learn From Them)
Here’s a breakdown of what makes both versions of the job description effective — whether you’re hiring a seasoned curator or someone with potential who’s just getting started.
✅ 1. The Job Titles Are Clear, Descriptive, and Purpose-Driven
Instead of saying “Curator” or “Assistant,” each title spells out:
- What the role focuses on (e.g. “Modern Art and Exhibitions,” “Community & Collections”)
- Where the role is based (e.g. Chicago, Detroit)
- Level of experience required (Lead vs. Assistant)
These small additions increase relevance and attract applicants who feel aligned with the role and the mission.
✅ 2. Each Post Includes a Video Element
Video intros make the post feel personal.
They show that this isn’t just another cold hiring process—it’s human. Including a Loom or YouTube video from the hiring manager builds trust, creates emotional connection, and increases engagement (especially with younger, mission-driven applicants).
✅ 3. The “Who We Are” Section Tells a Story, Not Just Stats
Instead of dumping a corporate summary, these posts explain:
- The institution’s mission and values
- What kind of work the team does
- Why this role matters right now
This helps applicants picture the impact they’ll have—not just the tasks they’ll perform.
✅ 4. The Responsibilities Are Framed With Purpose
Each “What You’ll Be Doing” section:
- Uses plain language (no museum-speak)
- Connects daily tasks to the bigger mission
- Shows the real-world impact of the role
This avoids the trap of writing task lists that feel like chores. Instead, it creates a sense of meaning behind the work.
✅ 5. The “What We’re Looking For” Section Encourages the Right Candidates to Apply
Rather than being overly rigid, these job posts:
- Separate “must-haves” from “nice-to-haves”
- Use affirming, welcoming language (especially in the entry-level post)
- Speak directly to passion and potential—not just experience
That flexibility increases the diversity and quality of your talent pool.
✅ 6. The Posts Respect the Candidate’s Time
Each application process:
- Clearly explains how to apply
- Uses WorkScreen, which signals a fair and structured evaluation process
- Tells candidates what to expect next
This builds trust, eliminates guesswork, and sets a tone of professionalism.
✅ 7. “Why This Role Is a Great Fit” Gives Applicants a Reason to Care
These sections aren’t generic—they speak to:
- What makes the job rewarding
- Why the organization is a great place to grow
- How the candidate will be supported and valued
And it’s written in warm, confident language that connects emotionally.
✅ 8. Perks and Benefits Are Listed Separately and Transparently
Today’s applicants want to know:
- Will I be paid fairly?
- Will I be taken care of?
- Can I grow here?
By separating perks and benefits into their own section (rather than burying them), you’re being transparent
Bad Curator Job Description Example (And Why It Fails)
Job Title: Curator
Location: Washington, D.C.
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: Not disclosed
Job Summary:
The museum is looking for a Curator to oversee collections, plan exhibitions, and support the development of educational programming.
Responsibilities:
- Manage and catalog new acquisitions
- Oversee exhibition scheduling
- Assist with educational materials and programming
- Coordinate with other departments
Requirements:
- Master’s degree in Museum Studies, History, or related field
- 3–5 years of experience in a curatorial role
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects
How to Apply:
Please send your resume and cover letter to curatorjobs@museum.org. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
🚫 Why This Job Post Falls Flat
Let’s break down what went wrong—and how to avoid the same mistakes:
❌ 1. The Job Title Is Too Generic
“Curator” by itself doesn’t say much.
It doesn’t clarify the focus (art, science, digital media?), the seniority (lead, assistant?), or the organization’s mission. As a result, it lacks specificity and fails to attract aligned candidates.
❌ 2. The Introduction Is Cold and Vague
“Looking for a Curator to oversee collections” is functional, but uninspiring.
There’s no storytelling, no mention of the organization’s purpose, and no emotional hook to get the right person excited.
❌ 3. Responsibilities Are Bare Minimum
The list of tasks could apply to any curator role at any museum.
It lacks detail, purpose, or connection to broader goals—making it hard for applicants to envision themselves making an impact.
❌ 4. The Culture Is Completely Missing
There’s no insight into the work environment, values, or team dynamics.
In today’s market, culture fit is just as important as skill fit—and this post gives zero signals about what kind of person would thrive here.
❌ 5. Salary Transparency Is Omitted
By not listing a salary range, the post:
- Signals a lack of transparency
- Wastes time for both the applicant and employer
- Risks alienating qualified candidates who expect upfront information
❌ 6. The Hiring Process Feels Dismissive
Saying “only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” comes across as impersonal and outdated.
It gives no sense of timeline, expectations, or fairness—just more waiting in the dark for the applicant.
❌ 7. There’s No Personality in the CTA
“Send your resume and cover letter” is fine.
But it’s also cold, transactional, and gives no encouragement or insight into what the applicant should expect after applying.
💡 Final Thought
If your goal is to hire a curator who’s thoughtful, creative, and passionate—you need a job post that reflects those same qualities.
This one doesn’t.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Curator Job Description Stand Out
Writing a solid job post is a great start. But if you want your curator role to truly shine—and stand out from every other museum or institution hiring right now—consider adding the following touches:
🛡️ 1. Add a Security & Privacy Notice
Job scams are on the rise, and applicants are more cautious than ever. Including a short disclaimer builds instant trust.
Example:
“We take the security and privacy of all applicants seriously. We will never ask for payment, banking details, or personal financial information at any point in the hiring process.”
It’s a small sentence that makes a big difference in candidate confidence.
🧘 2. Mention Leave Days or Flex Time
While curators are often driven by passion, work-life balance still matters.
Even one sentence about time off can make your post feel more human.
Example:
“Enjoy up to 20 paid time-off days per year, plus monthly flex Fridays to recharge and reset.”
This is especially attractive in roles with weekend or evening events.
📚 3. Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities
Curators are lifelong learners. If you offer mentorship, conferences, or professional development, say it clearly.
Example:
“We invest in your growth. You’ll receive a $1,000 annual stipend for training, plus access to ongoing mentorship from senior curators.”
This shows that you’re not just filling a role—you’re building a career path.
🎥 4. Include a Loom or Video from the Hiring Manager
We mentioned this earlier, but it’s worth repeating. A short video:
- Adds personality and warmth
- Humanizes the process
- Dramatically increases engagement
Even a 1-minute clip from the Director sharing the team’s vision will set your job post apart.
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
💌 5. Spell Out Your Communication Style
Applicants are tired of ghosting. Reassure them that you respect their time.
Example:
“We respond to every applicant. If you apply, you’ll hear from us—whether it’s a yes or no.”
This simple promise shows integrity and professionalism.
🔁 6. Repost With Small Updates Every 10–14 Days
This tip is technical but crucial:
Job boards often rank older listings lower. Even if you’re still hiring, candidates may not see your post.
Update a line or two (or refresh the CTA), and repost.
It keeps your job visible and ensures fresh eyes see it.
Should You Use AI to Write a Curator Job Description?
Let’s face it—AI tools are everywhere.
ATS platforms, writing assistants, even job boards themselves now offer “one-click” job description generators.
And sure, they can help speed things up.
But if you blindly copy-paste what AI spits out, you’ll likely end up with the same problem we’ve been trying to avoid this whole time:
A generic, lifeless job post that attracts the wrong candidates.
❌ Why You Shouldn’t Rely on AI Alone
Using AI with zero context is risky. Here’s what tends to happen:
- You get templated language that sounds polished but says nothing
- It attracts low-effort candidates who are applying to any curator job, not yours specifically
- It creates a poor first impression of your institution and your brand
And most importantly?
It reflects none of your values, your voice, or your vision for the role.
That’s a problem—especially when you’re hiring someone to shape public-facing exhibitions, preserve cultural stories, or manage valuable collections.
✅ The Right Way to Use AI
AI is a great tool—if you give it the right input.
Think of it like a research assistant, not a creative director.
Instead of saying:
“Write me a job post for a curator,”
Try something like this:
Prompt Example:
“Help me write a curator job description for our organization, [Insert Organization Name]. We’re hiring a [Insert Job Title] to help with [Insert Key Responsibilities]. Our mission is [Brief Mission Statement], and we want to attract candidates who are [Describe Ideal Traits]. We offer the following perks [Insert Benefits], and here’s our application process [Describe it]. Please use a warm, conversational tone and avoid corporate buzzwords. Here are a few notes I’ve written to get you started: [paste your notes] ”
You can even paste in a few bullet points or your old job description as a reference. Or link to a post you liked and say:
“Write something similar to this, but tailored to our team.”
✍️ Then What?
Once AI gives you a draft:
- Edit it. Make sure it sounds like a human from your organization wrote it.
- Add personality. Insert details about your team, tone, and culture.
- Use this guide as a checklist. Have you included salary? A video? Perks? Real responsibilities? A respectful application process?
Let AI help shape and polish your writing—but never hand it the keys entirely.
SmaaHiring doesn’t have to be hard.rt Hiring Starts Here
If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.
Need a Quick Copy-Paste Curator Job Description?
We get it—sometimes you just need something fast.
Maybe you’ve already gone through this guide and understand what a strong job post looks like. But you still want a solid template to start from.
That’s what this is.
✏️ Important Reminder:
Don’t copy this word-for-word and expect magic.
This is a foundation, not a final draft.
Add a Loom video, inject your team culture, and edit the details to reflect your actual company.
In this section, you’ll find two ready-to-use job description templates for quick copy-paste use — but please remember, like we mentioned above, don’t just copy them word-for-word and expect results.
Think of these as starting points, not final drafts.
- Option 1: A more conversational, culture-first job description that highlights personality and team fit.
- Option 2: A more structured format, including a Job Brief, Responsibilities, and Requirements for a traditional approach.
✅ Option 1: Conversational Job Description Template (Culture-First Style)
🎨 Job Title: [Curator Title – e.g., “Curator of Public Programs”]
📍Location: [Location]
💼 Job Type: [Full-Time / Part-Time / Contract]
💰Salary: [Insert Range]
🎥 Meet the Hiring Manager
Before we jump into the details, here’s a short video from [Insert Name] to tell you more about what it’s like to work here:
👉 [Insert Loom or YouTube Link]
🏛️ Who We Are
At [Organization Name], we believe museums and archives should tell real, human stories.
Our mission is to [brief mission statement or purpose]. We’re looking for a curator who’s passionate about [specific focus area—e.g. “African Diaspora collections,” “Digital archiving,” etc.] to help us bring our collections to life.
💡 What You’ll Be Doing
You’ll help us organize, research, and interpret collections and exhibitions that connect with real people—not just academics. You’ll collaborate with artists, educators, and communities to make our institution more accessible, inclusive, and meaningful.
Some of your day-to-day work will include:
- Researching and acquiring new materials
- Designing and executing exhibitions
- Writing compelling exhibit labels and catalogue entries
- Leading talks or tours (when needed)
- Supporting outreach or educational initiatives
✅ What We’re Looking For
- [X]+ years of experience OR a strong demonstrated interest in curation
- A relevant degree (or equivalent experience)
- Excellent communication and research skills
- Strong organizational habits and follow-through
- A genuine passion for [Insert collection/theme focus]
✨ Nice to have but not required:
- Experience with community curation or digital collections
- Familiarity with [any specific software or archival systems]
💬 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
This isn’t just about managing objects—it’s about shaping stories that matter.
You’ll be part of a supportive team that believes in growth, collaboration, and creating something lasting.
🎁 Perks and Benefits
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off + wellness/flex days
- Professional development budget
- [Insert any additional perks relevant to your org]
📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to create a fair, skills-based hiring process.
Click below to start your short evaluation:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
🧱 Option 2: Structured “Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements” Format
Job Title: [Curator Title]
Department: [e.g. Exhibitions, Collections, Archives]
Location: [City, State or Remote]
Job Type: [Full-Time / Part-Time]
Salary Range: [Insert Range]
🎥 Meet the Hiring Manager
Before we jump into the details, here’s a short video from [Insert Name] to tell you more about what it’s like to work here:
👉 [Insert Loom or YouTube Link]
Job Overview
[Organization Name] is seeking a [Curator Title] to manage collections, develop exhibitions, and support the interpretive strategy of the institution. The ideal candidate will be a thoughtful storyteller with excellent research and organizational skills.
Responsibilities
- Oversee acquisition, cataloging, and documentation of collections
- Plan and execute both temporary and permanent exhibitions
- Write interpretive and scholarly materials for exhibits and programs
- Collaborate with education, communications, and conservation teams
- Represent the institution in professional networks and public programs
Requirements
- Degree in Art History, Museum Studies, Anthropology, or related field
- [X]+ years of curatorial experience in a museum or similar setting
- Strong project management and writing skills
- Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects
- Comfort with public speaking and community engagement
Benefits
- Comprehensive healthcare coverage
- Paid vacation and personal days
- Retirement contributions or match (if offered)
- Opportunities for professional development and training
Application Process
Please apply via the following link to complete your WorkScreen evaluation:
👉 [Insert Link]
We review every submission and will follow up with all applicants.
Ready to Hire the Right Curator? Let WorkScreen Handle the Hard Part
Writing a great job post is only the first step.
Now you need to make sure the person who applies is actually qualified—and not just someone who used ChatGPT to generate their application.
That’s where WorkScreen comes in.
WorkScreen is a smarter hiring platform that helps you spot the best candidates—without relying on resumes or guesswork. Here’s how it helps:
✅ Quickly Identify Your Top Candidates
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
🧪 Test Real-World Skills (Not Just Buzzwords)
With WorkScreen, you can administer one-click skill tests to assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.
🧹 Filter Out Low-Effort, AI-Generated Applications
WorkScreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
⏱️ Save Time. Reduce Risk. Hire with Confidence.
When you hire using WorkScreen, you’re not just saving hours of time—you’re protecting your team from costly hiring mistakes and building a more reliable, capable workforce from day one.
👉 Start today at WorkScreen.io
WorkScreen.io
Create your post, share your unique link, and let WorkScreen automatically handle screening, scoring, and sorting for you.
It’s hiring, reimagined—so you can focus on the people who are truly worth your time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring a Curator
A great curator needs more than subject-matter knowledge. Look for candidates who demonstrate:
- Strong research and writing abilities – to contextualize and interpret works for diverse audiences
- Storytelling and narrative thinking – to design exhibitions that engage emotionally, not just inform
- Collaboration skills – curators often work with educators, designers, artists, and community groups
- Project management – balancing timelines, budgets, and logistics is a core part of the role
- Audience awareness – great curators think about accessibility, inclusion, and impact—not just curation for curation’s sake
Bonus: emotional intelligence, cultural sensitivity, and adaptability go a long way—especially in institutions serving diverse communities.
As of 2025, the average salary for a curator in the U.S. ranges from $50,000 to $75,000 per year, depending on:
- The type of institution (museum, archive, gallery, university, etc.)
- Location (urban vs. rural areas)
- Level of experience (entry-level vs. lead/department head)
- Niche focus (e.g., digital collections or rare manuscripts may command higher pay)
Senior curators or department heads in major metropolitan institutions may earn over $100,000, while early-career roles in smaller orgs may start around $40,000–$45,000.
While there’s overlap, their focus is different:
- Curators focus on building collections and creating public-facing exhibitions or programs around them. Their work is interpretive and audience-focused.
- Archivists focus more on organizing, preserving, and maintaining access to historical records or documents. Their work is primarily behind-the-scenes and research-driven.
If your institution does both, be clear about which focus you’re hiring for.
