Southern Methodist University
Curatorial Assistant (HR Title: Museum Curatorial Assistant)
Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, United States, 75215
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Curatorial Assistant (HR Title: Museum Curatorial Assistant)
role at
Southern Methodist University
About SMU Southern Methodist University (SMU) is a private, coeducational research university located in Dallas, Texas. With over 12,000 students from 50 states and more than 80 countries, SMU offers small classes, research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study, and innovative programs. The university is committed to academic freedom and open inquiry, and its partnership with Dallas provides unique learning, research, social and career opportunities.
Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
About the Department The Meadows Museum’s Curatorial Department oversees the research, interpretation, and presentation of the museum’s distinguished collection of Spanish art. It develops exhibitions, publications, and research initiatives that advance scholarship and connect diverse audiences with Spain’s artistic heritage.
About the Position This on-campus, in-person position supports the curator in routine and independent duties. Responsibilities include researching the permanent collections of Spanish and Texas art, coordinating exhibitions and publications, managing loans and acquisitions, maintaining provenance records, giving public talks, and interacting with patrons and galleries.
Essential Functions
Assist the curator with administrative duties, including research assistance, responding to queries, minute‑taking at museum meetings, filing, and more.
Conduct ongoing research of works in the permanent collection and possible acquisitions; support loan coordination and acquisition processes; complete acquisition memos and provenance worksheets; write articles for the museum magazine.
Assist with the organization and planning of exhibitions, collaborating with external and internal curators and scholars; curate small shows or re‑installations of the permanent collection as assigned.
Give gallery talks, presentations, docent lectures, and tours of the permanent collection and exhibitions; serve as a public, scholarly lecturer.
Assist with writing catalogue entries, didactic materials, and label copy for the permanent collection and exhibitions; edit and manage press releases.
Perform other duties as assigned, including national and international courier trips.
Occasionally work evenings or weekends for exhibitions and specials.
Occasional travel for courier trips or research.
Education and Experience A Bachelor’s degree is required. A Master’s degree is preferred. Degrees in Art History, Museum Studies, Humanities, or a closely related field are especially welcome. A minimum of two (2) years of experience is required, with experience in a curatorial department and research for a museum highly desirable.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills are essential. Strong problem‑solving, organization, planning, and time‑management abilities are required. A strong commitment to confidentiality is necessary. Strong research skills are essential. Knowledge of Spanish (reading, writing, speaking) is strongly preferred. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint) is required; Excel knowledge is a plus. Familiarity with collections databases is preferred.
Physical and Environmental Demands
Sit for long periods of time
Bend, stand, and reach above shoulders
Handle objects with dexterity
Carry or lift up to 25 lbs.
Deadline to Apply Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by November 28, 2025. This position is open until filled.
EEO Statement SMU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.
Benefits SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits, including health, dental, vision, wellness programs, tuition benefits, and retirement plans for qualified employees.
Primary Location : USA‑TX‑Dallas
Job : Arts/Theaters
Organization : Meadows School of the Arts
Schedule : Regular
Shift : Staff
Employee Status : Individual Contributor
Job Type : Full‑time
Job Level : Day Job
Travel : No
Job Posting : Nov 6, 2025, 12:24:22 PM
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Curatorial Assistant (HR Title: Museum Curatorial Assistant)
role at
Southern Methodist University
About SMU Southern Methodist University (SMU) is a private, coeducational research university located in Dallas, Texas. With over 12,000 students from 50 states and more than 80 countries, SMU offers small classes, research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study, and innovative programs. The university is committed to academic freedom and open inquiry, and its partnership with Dallas provides unique learning, research, social and career opportunities.
Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
About the Department The Meadows Museum’s Curatorial Department oversees the research, interpretation, and presentation of the museum’s distinguished collection of Spanish art. It develops exhibitions, publications, and research initiatives that advance scholarship and connect diverse audiences with Spain’s artistic heritage.
About the Position This on-campus, in-person position supports the curator in routine and independent duties. Responsibilities include researching the permanent collections of Spanish and Texas art, coordinating exhibitions and publications, managing loans and acquisitions, maintaining provenance records, giving public talks, and interacting with patrons and galleries.
Essential Functions
Assist the curator with administrative duties, including research assistance, responding to queries, minute‑taking at museum meetings, filing, and more.
Conduct ongoing research of works in the permanent collection and possible acquisitions; support loan coordination and acquisition processes; complete acquisition memos and provenance worksheets; write articles for the museum magazine.
Assist with the organization and planning of exhibitions, collaborating with external and internal curators and scholars; curate small shows or re‑installations of the permanent collection as assigned.
Give gallery talks, presentations, docent lectures, and tours of the permanent collection and exhibitions; serve as a public, scholarly lecturer.
Assist with writing catalogue entries, didactic materials, and label copy for the permanent collection and exhibitions; edit and manage press releases.
Perform other duties as assigned, including national and international courier trips.
Occasionally work evenings or weekends for exhibitions and specials.
Occasional travel for courier trips or research.
Education and Experience A Bachelor’s degree is required. A Master’s degree is preferred. Degrees in Art History, Museum Studies, Humanities, or a closely related field are especially welcome. A minimum of two (2) years of experience is required, with experience in a curatorial department and research for a museum highly desirable.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills are essential. Strong problem‑solving, organization, planning, and time‑management abilities are required. A strong commitment to confidentiality is necessary. Strong research skills are essential. Knowledge of Spanish (reading, writing, speaking) is strongly preferred. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint) is required; Excel knowledge is a plus. Familiarity with collections databases is preferred.
Physical and Environmental Demands
Sit for long periods of time
Bend, stand, and reach above shoulders
Handle objects with dexterity
Carry or lift up to 25 lbs.
Deadline to Apply Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by November 28, 2025. This position is open until filled.
EEO Statement SMU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.
Benefits SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits, including health, dental, vision, wellness programs, tuition benefits, and retirement plans for qualified employees.
Primary Location : USA‑TX‑Dallas
Job : Arts/Theaters
Organization : Meadows School of the Arts
Schedule : Regular
Shift : Staff
Employee Status : Individual Contributor
Job Type : Full‑time
Job Level : Day Job
Travel : No
Job Posting : Nov 6, 2025, 12:24:22 PM
#J-18808-Ljbffr