Curator at Zeitz Museum Of Contemporary Art Africa

Purpose of this role.

• The Curator reports to the Senior Curator and Head of Curatorial Affairs and is responsible for researching, conceptualising, developing and delivering exhibitions, publications, and related programmes. The role includes managing project teams, budgets and timelines, collaborating with artists and partner institutions, and leading the Zeitz MOCAA–UWC Fellowship portfolio. The Curator works collaboratively across departments, provides guidance to direct reports, and contributes to a culture of accountability, respect and teamwork.

Key Responsibilities of this role: 

Exhibition Curatorial Projects Planning

• Plan, research, develop and deliver exhibitions and curatorial projects in collaboration with the Senior Curator and relevant teams.
• Lead assigned exhibitions from conceptualisation through to deinstallation, ensuring projects are delivered within agreed timelines and budgets.
• Manage exhibition project teams and collaborate with artists, the Exhibitions team and Collections/Registrar team.
• Develop and maintain curatorial materials, exhibition texts, research and project documentation.
• Contribute to exhibition design, interpretation, future exhibition planning and public programming.
• Identify project risks and communicate potential delays or changes to the Senior Curator.
• Support fundraising initiatives and collaborate with the Fundraising team on grant applications.

Exhibitions and Programme Delivery

• Oversee the progress and delivery of assigned exhibitions and projects, ensuring teams have the necessary information and direction.
• Develop project plans, responsibilities and timelines in collaboration with the Senior Curator and relevant team leads.
• Coordinate the work of curatorial, exhibitions, collections and other project teams.
• Monitor deadlines, artist communications, exhibition texts, artwork information and project approvals.
• Ensure effective communication and collaboration across museum departments.
• Follow up on project decisions and actions, keeping the Senior Curator informed of progress, risks and key developments.
• Collaborate with Institutional Advancement, Education and other teams on exhibition interpretation, learning and public programmes.
• Support exhibition briefings and staff training, including front-of-house training for new exhibitions and collection displays.
• Conduct private tours of Zeitz MOCAA.

Research, Writing & Publishing

• Conduct in-depth research on artists, exhibitions, collections and subjects relevant to Zeitz MOCAA’s curatorial programme.
• Develop original curatorial research that informs exhibitions, publications and public programmes.
• Produce and contribute to high-quality publications, books, exhibition texts, essays, proposals and other curatorial materials.
• Research artists represented in or being considered for the museum’s collection and exhibition programme.
• Collaborate on research projects, museum publications and other scholarly outputs.
• Engage with archives and research resources to support curatorial work.
• Contribute to intellectual discussions on the museum’s exhibitions, collection and broader curatorial programme. 

Museum Fellowship Programme

• Lead and oversee the Zeitz MOCAA and University of the Western Cape (UWC) Fellowship Programme.
• Collaborate with the Senior Curator, as Co-Convenor, and UWC partners to coordinate programme delivery, monitor cohort progress and gather feedback.
• Supervise the Fellowship Coordinator, delegate responsibilities and oversee fellows’ schedules.
• Lead the recruitment and selection process in collaboration with the Fellowship Coordinator.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with university partners and funders.
• Represent and promote the Fellowship Programme through travel and the development of recruitment opportunities.
• Develop and maintain a fellowship alumni programme in collaboration with the Chief Curator and Senior Curator.
• Provide guidance, mentorship and ongoing support to fellows throughout their tenure.

Artist, Partners and Professional Relationships

• Build and maintain respectful, professional and productive relationships with artists and their representatives.
• Develop and maintain networks with curators, researchers, writers and cultural organisations locally, across Africa and internationally.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with artists regarding exhibition development, timelines, budgets and institutional processes.
• Liaise with lenders, galleries, museums, universities, funders and other external partners as required.
• Develop and support institutional collaborations in consultation with the Senior Curator.
• Represent Zeitz MOCAA at conferences, talks, studio visits, meetings and other relevant professional gatherings.
• Deliver public talks and presentations on exhibitions, research and projects within their curatorial portfolio.

Project Budgets and Administration 

• Support the administrative and financial functions of the Curatorial Department, including budget development, financial reporting and payment schedules, in collaboration with the Senior Curator, Exhibition Manager and relevant colleagues.
• Contribute to the department’s financial planning and ensure expenditure is aligned with approved budgets and institutional priorities.
• Monitor expenditure against approved project budgets and maintain accurate, up-to-date financial records.
• Manage and monitor budgets for specific exhibitions and exhibition catalogues, ensuring expenditure is tracked accurately and timeously.
• Ensure invoices, contracts, payment requests and other project documentation are submitted, processed and followed up on within required timelines.
• Identify and flag potential overspend, budget variances or significant changes to approved project costs before commitments are made.
• Provide accurate financial and project information to support grant applications, fundraising initiatives and institutional reporting.
• Contribute to the development and ongoing work of the African Art Resource Centre.
• Assist with departmental administrative functions, including drafting correspondence, preparing documentation and maintaining project records.
• Support the day-to-day administration of departmental activities, policies and procedures, ensuring departmental expenditure remains within approved budgets and is appropriately authorised by the Senior Curator.

 People Management and Leadership

• Provide day-to-day leadership and guidance to colleagues within the Curatorial team, ensuring clear direction, priorities and support.
• Manage team matters including time and attendance, leave administration, employee relations, performance management, training and professional development.
• Conduct regular check-ins, performance reviews and career conversations to provide clarity on expectations, identify development needs and support career progression.
• Coach and mentor Assistant Curators and Curatorial Assistants, supporting their professional growth, development and succession planning.
• Delegate responsibilities effectively, ensuring colleagues have the necessary information, resources and support to deliver their work.
• Set clear and achievable deadlines, monitor progress and provide constructive and timely feedback.
• Create opportunities for junior colleagues to contribute meaningfully and intellectually to exhibitions, research and curatorial projects.
• Foster an equitable, respectful and collaborative working environment that recognises and values the expertise and contributions of team members.
• Ensure roles, responsibilities and expectations within project teams are clearly communicated and understood.
• Address team and project challenges proactively and constructively, escalating matters to the Senior Curator where appropriate.
• Ensure relevant information is communicated effectively and that team members are included in discussions and decisions relating to their work.
• Take accountability for the quality, progress and timely delivery of projects and work under their supervision.
• Collaborate effectively across museum departments to support the successful planning and delivery of the museum’s programme.

Qualifications and Experience: 

• Master’s degree in Curatorial Practice, Art History, Curatorial Studies, Visual Culture, Museum Studies or a related field.
• 5–10 years’ relevant experience in curatorial, museum, arts or cultural-sector environments, with demonstrated experience developing and delivering exhibitions.
• Proven experience in curatorial research, writing and working directly with artists and their representatives.
• Experience managing complex exhibitions, cultural projects and programmes, including supervising and coordinating teams.
• Flexible working when operational requirements /schedules require it
• Willing to work after hours and possibly weekends if required
• Experience managing managers and supporting the performance and development of colleagues.
• Advantageous: PhD or additional postgraduate qualification in a relevant field.
• Advantageous: Experience working with museum exhibitions and collections, producing publications or substantial curatorial writing, and established professional networks across Africa and internationally.
• Flexible working when operational requirements /schedules require it
• Willing to work after hours and possibly weekends if required

Skills, Competencies & Knowledge: 

• Strong people leadership, team management, delegation, coaching and supervision skills.
• Strong exhibition, project and programme management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
• Excellent curatorial research, critical thinking, writing and editing skills, including analytical and proposal writing.
• Strong knowledge of modern and contemporary art, with particular understanding of artistic and cultural production from Africa and its diaspora.
• Strong understanding of art history and art handling.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver innovative exhibitions and programmes that engage diverse communities and contribute to artistic and cultural discourse.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, oral, public engagement and public speaking skills, with the ability to communicate ideas clearly and persuasively.
• Strong collaboration and cross-functional working skills, with the ability to work effectively across museum departments.
• Strong reporting, organisational and administrative skills, with attention to detail and effective time management.
• Demonstrated ability to identify institutional priorities, manage budgets and operations, and lead teams within a complex organisation.
• Ability to work calmly, constructively and collaboratively across multiple projects and competing deadlines.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, with the ability to lead respectfully and equitably.
• Proficiency in MS Office and computer-based databases.
• Advantageous: Knowledge of African, French, Portuguese, Spanish or Arabic languages

Deadline:11th October,2026