Curatorial Assistant

The Phillips Collection

Curatorial Assistant supporting exhibitions, research, and administrative tasks for The Phillips Collection. Collaborating with the Chief Curator and arts professionals in a museum setting.

Posted 7/28/2026full-timeWashington • District of Columbia, Washington • 🇺🇸 United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $47,000 - $50,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in Art History with strong research, analytical, and communication skills. Capable of managing multiple projects, supporting exhibitions, and collaborating effectively within the arts community.

Highest-signal resume keywords

BA In Art HistoryMuseum ExperienceResearch And Analytical SkillsOral And Written Communication SkillsMS Word, Excel, And PowerPoint

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Art Historical ResearchExhibition PlanningProject SupportBibliography OrganizationDrafting And ProofreadingExhibition Checklist CreationReport PreparationInvoice ProcessingArtist And Object ResearchGallery Tour Coordination

Soft Skills

Attention To DetailProblem-SolvingInterpersonal CommunicationCollaborationAccountability

Industry Keywords

Contemporary ArtArts CommunityCuratorial InitiativesPublic ProgramsAcquisitions Program

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide essential administrative, research, and project support to the Chief Curator
Support exhibitions and installations, art historical research, publications, acquisitions, arts committee activities, and other special projects
Assist with the research, planning, organization, and implementation of exhibitions and installations
Conduct, scan, organize, and track research and bibliographies
Research, draft, edit, and proofread interpretive materials
Assist in creating and maintaining exhibition checklists, layouts, and graphics
Support preparation of reports, presentations, articles, lectures, and publications
Assist in planning and facilitating departmental and interdepartmental meetings
Take and circulate clear, accurate meeting notes
Support acquisitions program through tracking, artist and object research, and communicating with dealers, galleries, collectors, and artists
Answer inquiries, conduct gallery tours, and participate in public programs
Assist with communications with colleagues, donors, partners, and lenders
Coordinate meetings, travel, and appointments for the Chief Curator
Process invoices and payment requisitions
Coordinate logistical needs for external visitors
Establish and maintain professional contacts within the arts community
Work collaboratively on curatorial and museum-wide initiatives
Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

BA in Art History or a related field required
advanced degree with expertise in modern and contemporary art preferred
One to two years of prior museum experience
Superior research and analytical skills
Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
Keen attention to detail, accuracy, and problem-solving
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision as well as collaboratively across all levels of the institution
Ability to work effectively with staff, arts professionals, artists, and the public
Demonstrated ability to establish priorities, coordinate multiple complex projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines
Strong sense of accountability for achieving strategic priorities and goals
Working knowledge of MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Proficiency in French desirable

Benefits

Comp & perks

medical
dental
medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts
life insurance
LTD (long-term disability)
retirement
PTO (paid time off)
AAM membership
Capital Bikeshare
voluntary programs
more