Position Summary

Utah State University’s Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art (NEHMA) seeks a visionary Curator of Collections and Exhibitions specializing in Modern and Contemporary art with an emphasis on art and artists of the western United States. This position requires a commitment to the study, interpretation, scholarship, and publication of NEHMA’s collection along with object-based learning in an academic environment that is collaborative and integrates with disciplines across campus. The Curator will work under NEHMA’s Executive Director and Chief Curator, the Director of Collection Management and Exhibition Planning, Curator and Head of Academic Initiatives, and Curator of Collections in a team-based environment to curate ambitious exhibition projects, undertake significant research, evaluate potential acquisitions, be a leader in the museum field, and advance Utah State’s national reputation as a research institution committed to the study of art across all disciplines.

Responsibilities

50%

•   Work with the Executive Director and Chief Curator along with other staff to develop a vision for the curatorial

direction of the museum.

•   Develop curatorial projects that expand upon areas of focus represented in the collection.

•   Employ curatorial practices to garner interest from the broader community and throughout the western region.

•   Conduct research on the museum’s collection.

•   Develop labels and didactics as well as other written materials for various audiences.

25%

•   Engage donors of the museum on collection acquisitions and gifts as well as assist with special events for

donors that provide insight and support to exhibitions and collections.

•   Work with Curator of Collections and collection acquisition committee on collections planning.

•   Assist with exhibition-related grant-writing.

•   Participate in dialogues and be involved in museum, academic art museum, and curatorial organizations.

•   Foster and maintain good working relationships with patrons, academic community, collectors, University

administration, museum colleagues and artists.

25%

•   Work with the Curator and Head of Academic Initiatives to engage with the university campus to develop

innovative curatorial concepts that engage students and faculty as an integral part of their education.

•   Collaborate with the Director of Collection Management and Exhibition Planning for collection access and.

support; object research and records; loans; and exhibition installations.

•   Work with the Curator and Head of Academic Initiatives to support needs for USU classes as well as

Coordinator for K-12 and Community Programs audience needs.

•   Conduct trainings, presentations, and tours to enrich knowledge and exhibition experience for University and.

community constituents.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Master’s degree in art history

Work Experience: Minimum requirements 5+ years of curatorial work experience in an art museum.

Preferred Qualifications

Education: PhD in art history

Previous experience with acquisitions and collection planning.

Preferred Competencies

·    Knowledge of museum best practices and current and emerging trends in the academic museum field.

·    Engagement with the contemporary art field.

·    Budget management experience.

·    Exhibition planning experience.

·    Establish and maintain collaborative and effective relationships with the Museum’s internal team, internal

and external University collaborators, and diverse museum audiences.

·    Well-developed interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work positively and collegially with staff,

administration, students, and the public.

·    Well-developed written/oral communication skills with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively.

College/Department Highlights

The Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art at Utah State University is a site for rigorous inquiry and exchange that encourages the examination of complex issues through the lens of art objects and artistic practice. The Museum has long served as a model for academic art museums by combining creative and intellectual engagement and open dialogue that bridge lines of culture, language, and lived experience. It also supports the land grant mission of Utah State University in providing extensive learning opportunities and experience with the community and to K-12 schools across the state of Utah. Thousands of visitors annually experience NEHMA, with exhibitions and programs highlighting permanent collections, works by modern and contemporary artists, and objects on loan from institutional partners and private collectors.

NEHMA’s permanent collection dynamically supports academic and artistic study, inspires new ideas and creative interpretation, and provides a space for reflection and conversation for the Museum’s many audiences. Comprising over 5,500 objects, this growing body of artworks represents American Art, emphasizing art and artists in the western US. With the new Wanlass Center for Art Education & Research opening next year, Utah State University is keen to support the Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art’s dynamic role as a leading 21st-century academic art museum.

University Highlights

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls 28,900 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah’s counties.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by conference championships in multiple sports, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

To apply for this position, visit USU's HR posting: Curator of Collections and Exhibitions, Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art.