Show and Tell Curator Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In our visually driven era, the demand for curators in the realm of show and tell has never been greater.

As the appreciation for narrative and storytelling evolves, so does the need for imaginative minds who can select, arrange, and present compelling collections.

But what does a Show and Tell Curator actually do?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager crafting the profile of an ideal candidate,
• Or just fascinated by the art of curating show and tell events,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Show and Tell Curator job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve into it.

Show and Tell Curator Duties and Responsibilities

Show and Tell Curators are responsible for organizing, managing, and often presenting interactive events or exhibitions that educate and entertain audiences.

They may work in a range of settings, such as museums, galleries, schools, or community centers.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Planning and organizing events or exhibitions, ensuring they are engaging, educational, and appropriate for the intended audience
• Researching and selecting topics or items to showcase, often in collaboration with other professionals or experts
• Preparing and delivering presentations or demonstrations, often using storytelling techniques to engage the audience
• Coordinating with other staff members, volunteers, or contributors to ensure the smooth running of the event or exhibition
• Maintaining a safe and clean environment for the public
• Creating promotional materials and marketing events to attract audiences
• Collecting and analyzing feedback from participants to continually improve the quality of future events
• Ensuring all items or artifacts are properly cared for and stored when not in use
• Managing budgets and resources effectively

 

Show and Tell Curator Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a creative and organized Show and Tell Curator to oversee the selection and presentation of items in our exhibition.

This role involves research, selection and acquisition of interesting and unique items, and working closely with educators, speakers and visitors.

The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in education and storytelling, with excellent communication skills and a knack for creating engaging displays.

 

Responsibilities

• Identify, select and acquire items for display.
• Organize, categorize and catalog items in the collection.
• Arrange items in an engaging and informative manner.
• Develop and implement strategies to attract a diverse range of visitors.
• Work closely with educators to develop educational programs around the exhibits.
• Coordinate with speakers for presentations and demonstrations.
• Ensure the safety and preservation of items.
• Provide information and answer visitor questions in a courteous manner.

 

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a similar role or in the field of education.
• Excellent organizational and management skills.
• Strong research and presentation skills.
• Interest in storytelling and creating engaging experiences.
• Ability to work well with a team and interact positively with the public.
• Knowledge of safety and preservation procedures for various types of items.
• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Art History, Museum Studies or a related field.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Show and Tell Curator
• Work Environment: Museum or exhibition space. Some travel may be required for item acquisition or collaborative work with other institutions.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Museum Director or Head of Exhibitions.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $70,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Show and Tell Curator Do?

A Show and Tell Curator is typically employed by museums, galleries, or similar institutions, but can also work independently or as a freelance consultant.

Their primary role is to design and manage exhibitions that communicate a theme, a story or a concept, often in an educational context, to engage the audience and stimulate learning.

This role often involves conducting research, collecting objects, and creating interpretive materials.

The Show and Tell Curator works closely with other professionals such as museum educators, restorers, and archivists to ensure the integrity and safety of the artifacts being displayed.

They also may collaborate with designers and technicians to create the physical layout of the exhibition.

Another aspect of their job may involve giving talks, conducting workshops or organizing special events around the exhibition to enhance visitor experience.

The Show and Tell Curator is responsible for ensuring the exhibition meets the institution’s standards and goals while also delivering an engaging and informative experience for the visitors.

They continuously monitor the public’s response and feedback to the exhibition and may make adjustments or changes accordingly.

In some cases, they may also be involved in the acquisition of new objects for the institution’s collection, negotiating loans, or coordinating with other institutions for collaborative exhibits.

 

Show and Tell Curator Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Show and Tell Curator should have the skills and qualifications that align with the job description, including:

• Curatorial skills to select, organize and interpret various items or concepts for the purpose of an exhibition or event.
• Communication skills to effectively engage with a diverse audience and articulate the significance and context of the curated items.
• Interpersonal skills to collaborate with artists, collectors, or contributors and build a network of contacts for future events.
• A keen eye for detail and aesthetics to present items in a captivating and understandable manner.
• Project management skills to plan, coordinate and execute successful show and tell events, ensuring that all elements come together seamlessly.
• Research skills for understanding the background and significance of items being curated, as well as staying up-to-date with current trends and happenings in the relevant field.
• Problem-solving skills to handle unexpected issues and find efficient solutions during the curation and exhibition process.

 

Show and Tell Curator Experience Requirements

Show and Tell Curators, often found in museums, galleries, or educational institutions, are expected to have a substantial background in their chosen field.

For entry-level positions, a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as Art History, Museum Studies, Archaeology or Education is typically required.

Some relevant experience, possibly gained through internships or volunteering at museums or galleries, is also desirable.

Those with 2 to 3 years of experience would be expected to have gained professional experience in curatorial roles, perhaps in smaller galleries or museums, where they have been responsible for acquiring, cataloguing, researching and displaying various exhibits.

Candidates with over 5 years of experience will likely have a Master’s degree or PhD in a related field and extensive experience in managing exhibits and educational programs.

They may also have experience in grant writing, fundraising, and community outreach, and they are likely to have supervised other staff or interns.

Show and Tell Curators with more than 10 years of experience are likely to have a wealth of knowledge in their chosen field, and the ability to curate complex and engaging exhibits.

They may also be ready to take on leadership roles in larger museums or galleries, or to work as freelance curators.

 

Show and Tell Curator Education and Training Requirements

Show and Tell Curators, also known as Exhibition Curators, typically have a bachelor’s degree in art history, museum studies, or a related field.

Their education often includes a wide array of subjects like history, anthropology, archaeology, and fine arts.

This broad knowledge base is helpful in understanding and appreciating the various objects and artworks they will be curating.

Many Show and Tell Curators opt to pursue a master’s degree in museum studies, art history, or a related field to gain a deeper understanding of curatorial practices, exhibition design, and public programming.

They also need to be familiar with the latest technology used for displays and presentations, such as digital presentation software and interactive display technology.

On-the-job training is crucial for this role.

Internships or work experience in museums, art galleries, or similar institutions provide invaluable practical experience in the field.

There’s no specific license required for Show and Tell Curators, but professional certifications from organizations like the American Alliance of Museums can enhance their credibility and career prospects.

Continued learning is vital in this field to keep up-to-date with changing trends in art, culture, and display technologies.

Many curators pursue additional courses, workshops, and seminars related to their work for ongoing professional development.

 

Show and Tell Curator Salary Expectations

A Show and Tell Curator can expect to earn an average salary of $48,000 (USD) per year.

This figure can vary greatly depending on the industry, geographic location, and the individual’s experience and qualifications.

 

Show and Tell Curator Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Show and Tell Curator need?

Show and Tell Curators should possess strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact with a diverse range of people and to be able to explain the significance of various items clearly.

They should have excellent organizational skills to manage exhibits effectively, as well as a keen eye for detail to ensure that each piece is displayed to its best advantage.

Familiarity with different types of artifacts and a broad knowledge of history and culture can also be beneficial.

 

Do Show and Tell Curators need a degree?

While a degree is not always necessary, many Show and Tell Curators have a background in fields like history, archaeology, art history, or museum studies.

Some positions may require a master’s degree in a related field.

Practical experience, such as internships or volunteer work in museums or galleries, can also be very valuable.

 

What should you look for in a Show and Tell Curator resume?

Look for a solid background in the management and display of collections, as well as any specific areas of expertise that may be relevant to your particular exhibition.

Look also for evidence of good communication skills, such as presentations or public speaking engagements.

Experience in fundraising or grant writing can also be a plus, as many exhibits rely on external funding.

 

What qualities make a good Show and Tell Curator?

A good Show and Tell Curator is passionate about their work and able to convey that passion to others.

They should be creative, with a knack for presenting objects in ways that engage and enlighten the audience.

They should also be detail-oriented, able to handle delicate objects with care, and keep meticulous records.

Finally, they should be good team players, able to work well with other staff members, volunteers, and the public.

 

What are the daily duties of a Show and Tell Curator?

The daily duties of a Show and Tell Curator can vary widely depending on the size and nature of the exhibition.

Tasks might include researching and selecting items for display, arranging and maintaining exhibits, cataloging items, giving tours or presentations, and liaising with donors, lenders, and other stakeholders.

They may also be involved in fundraising efforts, staff training, and public outreach activities.

 

Conclusion

So, there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the real essence of being a Show and Tell Curator.

Surprise, surprise!

It’s not just about showcasing collections.

It’s about creating captivating experiences, one exhibit at a time.

With our ready-to-use Show and Tell Curator job description template and real-world examples, you’re already on the right track.

But why settle for just that?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your perfect tool for fine-tuning detailed job listings or perfecting your resume.

Remember:

Every exhibit is a part of a grander narrative.

Let’s create captivating stories. Together.

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