Senior Curatorial Assistant (at the rank of Senior Facilities Assistant) - Job Opportunity at Hong Kong University

Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: May 28, 2025
On-site
HKD 420,000 - 500,000 per year (USD 53,000 - 64,000), based on mid-level curatorial positions in Hong Kong's public cultural sector, university employment standards, and the specialized requirements for Chinese art expertise with multilingual capabilities

Benefits

Highly competitive salary package that positions the role competitively within Hong Kong's cultural sector market
Comprehensive annual leave entitlement providing superior work-life balance compared to private sector alternatives
Medical benefits coverage ensuring healthcare security and reducing personal healthcare costs
Contract-end gratuity providing financial incentive for successful completion of fixed-term contract
University retirement benefits scheme with employer contribution up to 10% of basic salary, offering superior long-term financial security compared to standard MPF contributions

Key Responsibilities

Lead strategic curatorial research initiatives that directly impact the museum's scholarly reputation and contribute to international art historical discourse through original research and publication
Drive collection enhancement and data verification processes that ensure the museum maintains world-class collection management standards and supports institutional accreditation
Execute comprehensive object condition assessment and maintenance protocols that protect invaluable cultural assets and ensure long-term preservation for future generations
Spearhead exhibition research and development that positions UMAG as a leading voice in Asian art scholarship and attracts international academic and public attention
Manage critical translation services for exhibition materials that enable cross-cultural dialogue and expand the museum's reach to diverse international audiences
Design and deliver high-impact educational programming including lectures and roundtable discussions that establish the museum as a center of learning and community engagement
Conduct expert-level guided tours that enhance visitor experience and demonstrate the museum's commitment to public education and cultural accessibility

Requirements

Education

A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Art History, preferably in the field of Chinese art

Experience

at least 3 years of full-time relevant experience in research and curating art objects, gained at museums, art organisations, or academic institutions

Required Skills

A Level 4 result or above in both Chinese Language and English Language in the Hong Kong Diploma or Secondary Education Examination (HKDSEE) or Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE), or equivalent Solid knowledge of Chinese Arts and Art History Familiarity with art historical terminology and methodologies Proficiency in computer software, including Zoom, Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint Good organisational and communication skills with excellent command of both written English and Chinese as well experience in translating between the two languages Fluency in English and Cantonese, and proficiency in Putonghua
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Hong Kong's cultural sector is experiencing significant growth as the city positions itself as Asia's premier art hub, with increased government investment in cultural institutions and growing international recognition of Asian art markets. This trend creates expanding opportunities for curatorial professionals with expertise in Chinese art and cross-cultural communication skills. Digital transformation in museum operations is accelerating, requiring curatorial staff to integrate traditional scholarship with modern collection management systems and virtual engagement platforms. Museums are increasingly seeking professionals who can bridge traditional curatorial expertise with technological proficiency. The emphasis on bilingual and trilingual capabilities reflects Hong Kong's strategic position as a gateway between East and West, with cultural institutions prioritizing staff who can facilitate international collaborations and serve diverse audiences in multiple languages.

Role Significance

Typically operates within a curatorial department of 3-6 professionals, working closely with senior curators, collection managers, and educational staff while potentially supervising junior research assistants or interns
This position represents a mid-level curatorial role with significant autonomy and specialized expertise requirements. Despite the administrative title rank, the responsibilities indicate substantial curatorial authority including independent research, exhibition development, and educational programming leadership.

Key Projects

Development of major thematic exhibitions focusing on Chinese art and cultural heritage Comprehensive collection cataloguing and research projects that contribute to scholarly publications International loan exhibitions requiring cross-institutional collaboration and diplomatic cultural exchange Educational outreach programs targeting academic institutions and public audiences

Success Factors

Deep scholarly expertise in Chinese art history combined with practical museum experience, enabling the professional to contribute meaningfully to both academic discourse and public engagement initiatives. Exceptional multilingual communication abilities that facilitate international collaborations, diverse audience engagement, and cross-cultural research partnerships essential for Hong Kong's global cultural positioning. Strong project management and organizational skills necessary for managing complex exhibition timelines, collection research projects, and educational programming while maintaining high academic and professional standards. Adaptability and initiative in a dynamic cultural environment where responsibilities may expand beyond traditional curatorial duties to include digital engagement, international partnerships, and community outreach.

Market Demand

Moderate to High - The specialized combination of Chinese art expertise, multilingual proficiency, and museum experience creates a niche but valuable skill set in Hong Kong's expanding cultural sector

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Chinese art historical expertise is fundamental as the position specifically requires deep knowledge in this specialized field, which is experiencing growing international recognition and market value, making this expertise increasingly valuable in global cultural institutions. Multilingual proficiency in English, Cantonese, and Putonghua is essential for operating effectively in Hong Kong's international cultural environment and facilitating the cross-cultural dialogue that defines the region's cultural sector. Research and writing abilities form the core of curatorial practice, enabling the professional to contribute to scholarly discourse, develop exhibition content, and maintain professional credibility within academic and museum communities.

Beneficial Skills

Digital collection management and database skills will become increasingly important as museums continue digital transformation initiatives and develop online engagement strategies. International exhibition planning and logistics experience would enhance career prospects in major cultural institutions seeking professionals capable of managing complex cross-border cultural projects. Grant writing and fundraising abilities would provide additional value in the competitive cultural sector where securing funding for special projects and research initiatives is increasingly important.

Unique Aspects

The combination of university academic environment with museum professional practice offers unique opportunities for scholarly research publication while gaining hands-on curatorial experience
Hong Kong's position as an international cultural hub provides exceptional access to major art markets, international exhibitions, and cross-cultural collaboration opportunities rarely available in other regional markets
The specific focus on Chinese art within an international context creates valuable expertise in a rapidly growing area of global art market and scholarly interest
The multilingual requirements and cross-cultural communication emphasis prepare professionals for leadership roles in international cultural institutions

Career Growth

3-5 years to senior curatorial positions with demonstrated success in research publication, exhibition development, and institutional contribution

Potential Next Roles

Assistant Curator or Associate Curator positions within major museums or cultural institutions Senior Research positions in academic institutions specializing in Asian art Cultural program management roles in international organizations or diplomatic cultural offices Independent curatorial consultant specializing in Chinese art and cross-cultural exhibitions

Company Overview

Hong Kong University

The University of Hong Kong represents one of Asia's most prestigious higher education institutions, with its University Museum and Art Gallery serving as a significant cultural repository and research center. The institution maintains extensive collections of Chinese art and artifacts while fostering international scholarly collaboration and public education.

UMAG holds a prominent position in Hong Kong's cultural landscape as both an academic research institution and public cultural venue, benefiting from the university's international reputation and substantial resources for collection development and scholarly activities.
The position offers unique exposure to Hong Kong's role as a major international art market and cultural exchange hub, providing access to regional networks of museums, collectors, and scholars across Asia and internationally.
Academic institutional environment emphasizing scholarly rigor, collaborative research, and public service mission, with expectations for continuous learning, professional development, and contribution to the broader cultural and academic community.
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