Curatorial Assistant, Photography

Curatorial Assistant, Photography
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art | Kansas City, MO

Bring your passion for art, research, and organization to one of the nation’s most celebrated museums. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art believes in the power of art to inspire connection, foster understanding, and enrich lives. We are seeking a highly organized, detail-driven Curatorial Assistant, Photography to support our Photography department and advance the museum’s mission to connect art and community.

What You’ll Do

In this role, you will:

• Keep the department running smoothly through administrative coordination—scheduling, note-taking, preparing reports, managing budgets, and maintaining records.

• Support curators by managing calendars, arranging travel, processing expenses, and preparing materials for presentations and meetings.

• Serve as a communication hub, representing the department professionally to colleagues, artists, donors, and the public.

• Assist with exhibitions, acquisitions, grants, and public programs—conducting research, compiling materials, and tracking deadlines.

• Collaborate with teams across the museum, including Public Programs, Creative Practice, and Collections.

• Help guide interns and fellows, contributing to a supportive departmental culture.

Who You Are

You will excel if you are:

• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple priorities

• A strong communicator, both in writing and in person

• A relationship-builder with strong interpersonal skills

• Tech-savvy and comfortable with Microsoft Office and remote collaboration tools

• Adaptable and responsive to shifting timelines

• Curious about the art world and museum practices

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Art History or related field preferred

• 2–5 years of administrative or related experience (museum/arts experience a plus)

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Ability to work occasional evenings, weekends, or special events

• Foreign language skills welcome but not required

Why the Nelson-Atkins?

We are a vibrant, free-admission museum with a world-class collection spanning 5,000 years. We are committed to scholarship, accessibility, diversity, and a sense of belonging for all. You’ll join a collaborative team that believes art can inspire, challenge, and transform.

Benefits

Health & Wellness

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Healthcare & Dependent Care FSAs

• Employee Assistance Program

• Onsite wellness center and fitness classes

• Paid parental or family leave

Work-Life Balance

• Generous PTO and ten holidays

• 35-hour work week (M–F)

Professional Growth

• Paid professional development

• Conference support

• Free museum admission and reciprocal access to partner museums

• Access to learning resources and training

Financial Security

• Employer retirement contributions

• Life and disability insurance

Culture & Mission

• Inspiring, art-filled workplace

• Access to exhibition previews, lectures, and community events

• A collaborative, inclusive environment that values creativity and balance

Non-Discrimination

The Nelson-Atkins is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants. We do not discriminate based on any protected characteristic. For accommodations, contact People & Culture at people&culture@nelson-atkins.org. Background checks are part of our hiring process.

If you'd like, I can make it even shorter, more conversational, or more formal, depending on the posting style you prefer.