Curatorial Assistant (HR Title: Museum Curatorial Assistant) chez Southern Methodist University

Salary Range: 

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem – paired with entrepreneurial drive – creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU’s relationship with Dallas – the dynamic center of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions – offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

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 to Spain’s rich artistic heritage.

About the Position:

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

The Museum Curatorial Assistant will partner with the curator in routine duties of the curatorial department. These include both supporting and conducting independent research on the permanent collections of Spanish and Texas art, for exhibitions and publications, as well as performing administrative duties. They will be expected to support long-term relationships and collaborations with internationally recognized museums, investigate the provenance of the permanent collection, participate in conferences (to be determined in consultation with the curator), curate exhibitions, advise on acquisitions, administer the Moss/Chumley Award, interact with museum patrons, and cultivate relationships with galleries and dealers, among other duties.

Essential Functions:

• Assist the curator with administrative duties. This includes research assistantship and responding to curatorial queries, minute-taking at museum meetings, filing, etc.

• Conduct ongoing research of works in the permanent collection and possible acquisitions. Provide support in the coordination and administration of incoming and outgoing loans, as well as in the acquisition process. Complete acquisition memos/provenance worksheets for works pending acquisition into the museum's permanent collection. Write articles for the museum's magazine, At The Meadows.

• Assist with the organization and planning of exhibitions, including working closely with external and internal curators and scholars. Curating small exhibitions or re-installations of the permanent collection, as assigned by supervisors.

• Give gallery talks, presentations, docent lectures, and tours of the permanent collection and current exhibitions. Public, scholarly lectures and teaching in the galleries.

• Assist with writing catalogue entries, didactic materials, and label copy for both permanent collection and exhibitions. Assist with management, content- and copy-editing of these materials, and others, such as press releases.

• Other duties as assigned, including making national and international courier trips, as needed.

• Occasional evening/weekend hours will be required for exhibitions and special events. 

• Occasional travel will be required for courier trips or research. 

Education and Experience:

A Bachelor’s degree is required. A Master's degree is preferred. A degree in Art History, Museum Studies, Humanities, or closely related field is also preferred.

A minimum of two (2) years of experience is required. Experience in a curatorial department is a plus. Experience in conducting research for a museum is highly desirable

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.

Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills.  

Candidates must have a strong commitment to maintaining a high standard of confidentiality, as the person in this role will be called upon to handle confidential information with discretion.

Strong research skills are essential. 

Strong knowledge of Spanish, including writing, reading and speaking is strongly preferred.

Candidate proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint) is required. Knowledge of Excel is a plus. 

Candidate familiarity with collections databases is preferred. 

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time
• Bend, stand
• Reach above shoulders
• Handle objects (dexterity)
• Carry/lift 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. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.