Native American Curatorial Long-Term Fellow Job at National Museum of Wildlife A

PEM is pleased to announce a curatorial fellowship for 2026-2028, generously funded by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. This 12-to-24-month fellowship, starting in early January 2026, offers comprehensive curatorial training and professional development. The fellow will advance scholarly research for PEM's exhibitions and collections, while supporting museum projects while joining PEM's Curatorial department, with duties similar to an assistant curator. This role will support the Stewart W. and Elizabeth F. Pratt Curator of Native American and Oceanic Art and Culture, assisting with exhibition research, planning, and implementation. The fellow will also aid in publications, interpretive materials, and collection-related initiatives. Responsibilities may further include acquisition proposals and other curatorial tasks as needed. The fellow will collaborate with various PEM departments, including Curatorial, Exhibition Planning, Registration, Collection Services, and Learning & Community Engagement.

We are looking for persons of Native American, Alaska Native, Knaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian), First Nations, Métis, and Inuit heritage and members of federally recognized tribes, consistent with the distinctions established under federal U.S. law. Individuals who reside on Native or tribal lands may also apply, and those whose work and/or study contributes to the artistic traditions, research, and preservation of Native American art, culture, and history, and who demonstrate consistent commitment through their life and their work to the purpose of the program, the cultural, and educational mission of the library and museum. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.

A completed Master’s degree in Art History, Visual Culture, Anthropology or Museum Studies is preferred. Minimum of 3 years of related experience, ideally in an art museum or cultural heritage setting, and experience related to preparing exhibitions and publications. In-progress doctoral candidates are also welcome to apply, provided they can balance fellowship and doctoral program responsibilities. Must be resourceful, able to work independently, and adjust easily to changing priorities. Excellent strategic thinking, written and oral communication, time and project management and multi-tasking skills required; creativity and initiative in identifying and fulfilling curatorial requirements essential; highly organized and detail oriented a must; strong interpersonal skills and a team-oriented work style critical. Strong research skills as well as familiarity with computerized word processing, spreadsheets, and databases required. The hiring range for this role will be $57,000 to $60,000 commensurate with experience.

We will begin reviewing applications immediately, so please apply as soon as possible. The closing date is subject to change at any time.

PEM strives to create a community of belonging that draws upon the widest pool of talent, embracing individuals of all backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives. We seek candidates who can contribute to helping us achieve our goals and encourage you to apply for our open positions identifying the contributions you can make.

PEM considers all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy related condition or any other characteristic protected by law.