Lisa & E. Gerald O'Brien Curatorial Assistant (Temporary)

About the Job

Nine-month appointment: September 2026-June 2027, temporary

Hours per week: 35

Location: onsite at the Weisman Art Museum

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Duties

The candidate will work a 35-hour week on a nine-month appointment starting in September 2026 at the Weisman Art Museum. The Senior Curator, who supervises the position, will determine the exact projects and duties. Previous responsibilities have included:

35% Curating an exhibition for a 1000 sq. ft. gallery space;

Conducting scholarly research on artists and artworks in the WAM collection.

Develop an exhibition checklist

Create an exhibition layout

Create object labels and an introductory label

15% Working on collection projects;

Assist with ongoing digitization projects

Navigate the collections database

10% Researching and compiling artwork justifications for pending accessions;

Assist the curatorial department with the collections committee meeting needs

10% Vetting incoming traveling exhibition proposals;

Research traveling exhibitions that align with WAM

Assist with correspondence for exhibition proposals

10% Writing interpretive labels for collection and/or temporary exhibitions;

Produce extended labels for fellow's exhibition

Assist with exhibition label review

20% Other duties as assigned

Attend departmental meetings and collaborate across museum departments, including public engagement, registration, communications, and development.

Oversee the Curatorial Department email

Goals

To provide intensive practical training for emerging professionals who are considering entering the museum field;

To provide opportunity for departmental and self-directed projects at the Weisman, particularly in the curatorial area;

To develop a deeper understanding of collection management, curation, and exhibition production. This position provides the opportunity to work alongside Weisman staff to enhance and interpret the collection.

Qualifications

Required:

• Candidates must have completed a B.A. or B.F.A. undergraduate degree in art history, cultural studies, American studies, or related field or have a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least four years.
• Excellent research and writing skills are required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently on research.

Preferred:

• Competitive candidates will have strong knowledge of art history, with an emphasis on the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, particularly the art of the Americas.
• Candidates who are strongly considering curatorial work as a profession
• Knowledge of museum practices, previous work, volunteer experience, or internships in art museums

About the Department

Since its origin in 1934, Weisman Art Museum has been a campus museum for the University of Minnesota. Today, our mission as a university art museum is to create and advance inclusive arts experiences to broaden understanding of ourselves, our communities, and our world. The Weisman is located at 333 East River Road, Minneapolis, on the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus. Gallery admission is always free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.wam.umn.edu.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $25.00; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 87.5% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the

time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures

that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while

maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and

equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates

will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nations most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.