Higgins Assistant​/Associate Curator of Arms and Armor

Higgins Assistant/Associate Curator of Arms and Armor

The Worcester Art Museum seeks an accomplished and engaged curator to lead the care, research, and interpretation of its distinguished arms and armor collection. This full‑time position is open at the Assistant or Associate Curator level, depending on experience. The successful candidate will advance the presentation and understanding of the collection through exhibitions, research, and public programming.

• Direct the planning and maintenance of long‑term and rotating displays, including digital content in the museum’s open storage gallery.
• Catalogue, organize storage, coordinate photography, and collaborate with conservation.
• Conduct and publish original research, support visiting scholars, and contribute to the broader field.
• Recommend acquisitions, advise on loans and deaccessions, and maintain relationships with collectors and professional peers.
• Deliver talks, lead tours, and share expertise with visitors during open hours.
• Collaborate with colleagues across departments and partner institutions to develop interdisciplinary programs and educational initiatives.
• Identify funding opportunities and contribute to grant proposals.
• Supervise interns, fellows, and volunteers (as applicable).

• Master’s degree in art history, history, or a related field, with demonstrated expertise in arms and armor. Ph.D. and proficiency in German or French preferred.
• Five years of museum experience for the associate level (less experience considered for the assistant level).
• At least five years of experience in a comparable curatorial or museum role, including handling and cataloguing works of art. Familiarity with The Museum System (TMS) collections database is preferred.
• Strong research abilities and excellent written and oral communication skills, including publication in scholarly venues and delivering public lectures and tours.
• Experience managing a collection, organizing storage, overseeing photography, and collaborating on conservation.
• Ability to develop exhibitions and rotating displays, including digital content.
• Active public engagement through programming, interdisciplinary collaboration, and interaction with visitors in the open storage gallery.

Position Title: Higgins Assistant/Associate Curator of Arms and Armor
Employment Type: Full‑Time, Exempt
Department: Curatorial
Division: Curatorial
Reports To: Director of Curatorial Affairs
Supervisory Responsibilities: None
Salary Range: $50k – $70k Annual Salary

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis. At this time, the Worcester Art Museum is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.
The Museum is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity.

The Worcester Art Museum connects people, communities, and cultures through the experience of art. Our collection of nearly 40,000 objects, assembled since 1898, provides a foundation to connect visitors of all ages with art, artists, and the ideas they spark. We are committed to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.