National Museum of Wildlife Art is hiring: Assistant or Associate Curator of Nat

Overview

To develop, research, exhibit, and publish Mia’s collections of Native American art.

Responsibilities

1. Interpret the museum’s collections of Native American art through permanent collection gallery displays and didactic materials. Propose and oversee regular gallery rotations. Speak publicly about the museum’s collection and provide training for museum guides so that they can accurately and knowledgeably represent the collection.
2. Conduct research and mount special exhibitions, with accompanying publications that add to the field of knowledge about Native American art. Such exhibitions should be of the scale of Cargill and/or US Bank Galleries, but do not preclude larger-scale shows.
3. Oversee the care and preservation of the collection by ensuring proper and responsible handling and installation of objects and by recommending objects for conservation treatment. Participate in the museum’s efforts to secure funding for conservation initiatives.
4. Locate, research, and propose acquisition of Native American works of art that significantly augment the museum’s existing collections. Review the museum collections of Native American art for potential deaccessions. Maintain a current knowledge of the art market and professional relations with art dealers.
5. Develop and coordinate lectures and activities pertaining to Native American art for the museum’s Native American Art Affinity Group. Foster and maintain relationships with trustees, collectors, potential donors, and the general public, including community outreach.
6. Actively participate in broader museum initiatives through committees or specially formed teams.
7. Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required or assigned, including assisting the head of the department as assigned.

Qualifications

• M.A. in the field of Art History with specialization in Native American art & culture; Ph.D. desirable
• Proficiency in applicable languages
• Minimum of 3 years of employment in a collection-based curatorial department with direct experience in the area of Native American art, including proven record of organizing exhibitions and producing publications of high quality
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and coordinate complex projects to completion
• Excellent written and verbal communication and organizational skills
• Team skills and ability to work effectively and positively with staff, trustees, and all other internal and external contacts
• Ability to build positive and effective relationships with donors and the broader community
• Demonstrated ability to write interpretive material
• Significant demonstrated art historical research skills and experience
• Ability to travel 15-20%

Mia Culture

The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) is an audience-centered, equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone is welcome. Mia is Mission Driven, Generous, Agile, Emotionally Aware, and Positive, and endeavors to create a workplace culture where staff are responsible to one another, to our visitors, and to themselves to do the best work possible.

To Apply

To be considered for this position, please apply online at: https://jobs-artsmia.submittable.com/submit/338093/assistant-or-associate-curator-of-native-american-art-fall-2025

Culture and Diversity Commitment

Mia is committed to championing policies and practices that value diversity, foster equity, and empower an accessible and inclusive environment. Our strength lies in the diversity among the broad range of people who contribute their time and talents to Mia. We consider inclusion and accessibility a driver of institutional excellence and seek out diversity of participation, thought, and action. It is our aim, therefore, that our employees, trustees, interns, and volunteers reflect and embrace these core values.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION / EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER