November 6, 2025
Associate Curator of Art & Education
Reports to:
Executive Director
Classification:
Full-time, Exempt, 501c3, Non-Profit, Friends of The Mennello Museum of American Art
Direct Report Personnel:
N/A - Contract instructors, visiting artists, interns, and volunteers
The Associate Curator of Art and Education is responsible for developing the Mennello Museum of American Art’s visitor-focused approach to curating exhibitions and educational programs, conducting research, and communicating the importance of the museum’s collection to the public. This role involves managing and interpreting collections through acquiring, documenting, and conserving artwork, as well as writing and explaining collections and exhibitions for both scholarly and general audiences. The Associate Curator of Art and Education also emphasizes creating and implementing educational programs and community partnerships that help all visitors engage with the collection and temporary exhibitions in meaningful and enjoyable ways.
The role also includes:
Exhibitions and interpretation:
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With the Executive Director, Conceiving, planning, and organizing exhibitions, from concept to installation
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Conceiving, implementing, and interpreting exhibitions from a broad range of American Art history from the late 19
th century to contemporary contexts.
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Curating original exhibitions from the museum’s collection of American Art, working with emerging and established artists, collections, and institutions. Choosing themes and specific artworks for exhibits, preparing checklists, prospectuses, and proposed budgets.
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Writing exhibition labels, catalog essays, and other supporting content for marketing and grants.
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Negotiating loans of artworks to and from other institutions.
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Support collection through research, exhibitions, and education.
Art Education:
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Creating a narrative and dialogue between artworks and the public.
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Developing and leading educational programs, tours, and workshops for the public.
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Engaging with the public and explaining complex ideas about art in an accessible way.
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Develop education programs for children, teens, members, and the public.
Job Duties:
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Curate educational content and experiences to improve visitor learning and engagement.
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Plan, produce, and document events such as Free Family Days, Indie FolkFest, and other educational activities.
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Build strategic partnerships with teachers and administrators at nearby K-12 schools and strengthen connections with faculty at local colleges through curriculum sharing, intern programs, or joint projects.
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Create exhibition narratives and tour outlines for the permanent collection, traveling exhibitions, and sculpture garden.
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Oversee and improve the museum docent program by providing advanced training and support.
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Partner with community groups to curate art programs that create opportunities to collaborate with diverse communities, emerging artists, and underrepresented populations.
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Develop original content and provide context for exhibition-related programs, family guides, newsletters, and marketing materials.
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Assist with exhibition design and installation.
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Develop and implement new programs targeted at specific audiences, such as an afterschool teen art program, lifelong learning initiatives, and programs for Veterans and military families.
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Create engaging educational content for social media and interactive platforms.
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Coordinate and support budgeting, grant writing, and maintain calendars with relevant staff.
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Assist the development team with grants, funding opportunities, and membership events.
Skills:
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Strong project management, interpersonal, and communication skills.
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Excellent writing, editorial, and public speaking skills.
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Grant writing and budget experience.
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Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
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Passion for education and making art accessible to diverse audiences.
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Extensive knowledge of art history, studio art, art appreciation, and public education practices.
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Understanding of current museum teaching strategies, learning theory, and best practices.
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Experience in museum or arts education, developing and planning programs.
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Ability to develop innovative and accessible art programs related to the collection, rotating exhibitions, and current events.
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Proven ability to work with diverse constituencies, including schools, social agencies, and institutions.
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Creative problem solver with the ability to multitask, work under pressure, and meet deadlines.
Education and experience required:
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Master's degree in art history, museum studies, or related discipline.
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Bachelor's degree in art history, fine art, museum education, museum studies, or a relevant field.
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Minimum five years of experience in museum curatorial, education, and public programming.
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Knowledge and familiarity with current art trends, museum practices, and academic research.
Working Conditions:
This is a full-time, in-office position that occasionally requires evening or weekend events. It requires professionalism, strong communication skills, and flexibility in a fast-paced museum setting. The workweek is Monday through Friday, with 8 hours per day, totaling 40 hours per week.
Compensation
The Associate Curator is a full-time, exempt position, with an annual salary range of $52,000 - $57,000, medical insurance reimbursement, nine paid holidays, PTO, and three floaters.
Application procedure
The Mennello Museum of American Art offers employees a chance to deepen their passion for art while using their unique skills to support the Museum's mission. The museum is dedicated to providing equal opportunities for all employees and applicants and to eliminating discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, political beliefs, family responsibilities, disability, marital status, or any other protected category.
Please submit a cover letter, your resume, writing sample(s), and names of three references.
Documentation should be saved as a single document and sent to linda.pereira@cityoforlando.net. Only qualified candidates will be interviewed. Please reference the Associate Curator position opening. No phone calls please.
Mission
The Mennello Museum of American Art enriches the public through exhibitions, education, programs, and publications that celebrate the broad richness of American Art.
Vision
The vision of the Mennello Museum of American Art is to be a distinguished and thriving institution that will build on its City of Orlando base of support through strong board and community relationships, resulting in an improved operating environment and a reputation for being a local and national treasure.
Values
Quality. We believe the City of Orlando deserves only the best; we aim to excel at everything we do.
Accessibility. We believe in creating a welcoming and friendly space and experience for all.
Curiosity. We never stop learning or thinking; we continually push boundaries and explore new ideas and strive to remain relevant and provide meaningful experiences.
Collaboration. We believe community partners are essential to mutual success; we work to build relationships and co-create with individuals and organizations.
Stewardship. The Museum will serve in perpetuity; to ensure this, we build and care for our collections, make smart use of our financial resources, and continually invest in our future.
Accountability. We exist to benefit the community with our commitment to the legacy of our founders; we demonstrate our success and value to the residents of Orlando and our visitors.
About
The Mennello Museum of American Art aims to preserve, display, and interpret its outstanding permanent collection of paintings by Earl Cunningham. It also seeks to enrich the public through temporary exhibitions, programs, educational initiatives, and publications that highlight other exceptional traditional and contemporary American art and artists across a wide range of disciplines, while ensuring accessibility for all.
