Native American Art Curator

Position Title: Native American Art Curator (Full-Time)  

Location: 202 SW O St., Bentonville, AR 72712  

About the Museum  

The Museum of Native American History provides a place where visitors can experience the diverse Indigenous cultures of the Americas through prehistoric and historic art. Our vision is to advance understanding of human experience within these cultures and provide a space of explorative imagination for all who visit.  

Our vision is to advance understanding of human experience within these cultures and provide a space of explorative imagination for all who visit. The galleries are set chronologically; the art and tools Indigenous peoples leave behind continue to speak their stories and history. To better understand their lifestyle, hardships, successes, and inspiration, MONAH invites visitors to open their minds to discover these diverse cultures' creations. After the self-guided tour ends and the museum store begins, visitors continue to see how Native Americans express their stories through the modern-day arts.  

To Apply 

Email info@monah.org directed to Jazlyn Sanderson-Mountz (Director). Please include your resume, cover letter, and a sample of your writing and research skills. The writing sample can be a recent research paper, blog post, or interpretative label based on museum collections (MONAH's or otherwise).  

Job Description  

The Native American Art Curator will lead the research, interpretation, and preservation of MONAH's extensive collection spanning 24,000 years. This role combines scholarly expertise with community engagement to ensure meaningful visitor experiences.  

MONAH is committed to diversity and encourages applicants from all backgrounds, including Indigenous communities.  

Qualifications  

Bachelor's Degree or higher preferred  

Preferred fields of study: Indigenous Studies, Anthropology, Museum Studies, History, or related disciplines  

Extensive knowledge of Native American art history, cultural history, current cultural practices, and language.  

Ability to assess priorities and work well under pressure; excellent time management, problem-solving, and analytical skills.  

Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to work independently and with teams.  

Ability to work with close attention to detail and to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.  

Ability to work professionally and tactfully with the board, donors, co-workers, volunteers, and the public.  

Ability to adhere to museum policies and to support management decisions in a positive, professional manner.  

Availability of work Tuesday – Saturday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. With the occasional hours outside of this schedule for work or community events.  

Experience using PastPerfect Software, Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, Photoshop, and Canva preferred.  

Experience in capturing and editing photos 

Responsibilities  

Work directly with the museum's chairman and director to acquire, rotate, and display collections.   

Create interpretive materials regarding the collections that resonate with MONAH's mission and vision.  

Research and answer visitors' questions about museum artifacts or visitors' personal collections.  

Oversee the care and preservation of the collection by ensuring proper and responsible handling and installation of objects and by recommending objects for conservation treatment.   

Occasionally, leading and coordinating lectures within the Northwest Arkansas Community as part of MONAH's outreach program.   

Occasionally, be asked to assist with the general operations of the museum, including opening, closing, greeting visitors, and assisting in the museum store.  

Train and supervise volunteers and interns within the collections department.  

Work Environment and Physical Requirements  

 This role combines desk and computer tasks with physical duties. Physical work may include bending, squatting, climbing ladders, and lifting heavy objects for collection care, as well as routine museum upkeep such as cleaning and basic repairs. 

Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.  

Work in areas where contact with hazardous chemicals (e.g., pesticide residues) may occur. 

Benefits  

MONAH offers insurance to full-time employees, including medical, vision, dental, and life insurance.