Type: Staff Position
Status: Full Time
Schedule: 35 hours per week Mon–Fri, 9 am–5 pm
Department: Contemporary Art
The Curatorial Assistant supports the Department of Contemporary Art’s team of curators in the development of exhibitions, research, collection advancement, and other special projects related to the Department’s varied activities and interests. Reporting directly to the Department Chair, the Curatorial Assistant will have the opportunity to generate original programs and exhibitions.
Essential Functions
- Provide general curatorial support for the four department curators
- Conduct research for collection-related activities, exhibitions, and publications
- Work with artists, collectors, colleagues, and the Registrars to facilitate loans
- Obtain permissions and copyright clearance for images and maintain accurate credit lines
- Assist with the maintenance of checklists, image files, lenders, and other details
- Help create, coordinate, and edit promotional and didactic materials such as wall texts, labels, press releases, and newsletter and website content
- Help to ensure accuracy of information on publications, in print and online
- Occasionally work with Learning and Community Engagement, Development, and Marketing and Communications staff to prepare and edit materials to promote, publicize, and interpret the collection, exhibitions and related public programs
- Assist with gathering and writing exhibition-related information pertinent to grant applications and other institutional needs
- Work with other curators and Learning and Community Engagement staff to plan and coordinate public programs related to exhibitions, as requested
- Assist with coordination of logistical needs for artists/curators visits including arranging honoraria, travel, lodging, meals, and any event-related logistics
- Assist with coordinating internships
- Assist Registrars with updating and maintaining exhibitions and loans database
Qualifications
- Advanced degree in art history, museum studies, or related field
- Highly developed writing and copy editing skills
- Strong communication skills and confidence in public speaking
- Attention to detail, high level of accuracy, and strong problem solving skills
- Ability to work effectively with staff, artists, arts professionals, and the public
- Skilled in establishing priorities, coordinating multiple complex projects simultaneously, and meeting deadlines
- Ability to work independently as well as closely within a team
- Strong sense of accountability for achieving stated objectives and demonstrable experience doing so
- Some experience in the field, either at other arts organizations or through independent practice
This is a two-year term position with an optional one-year extension.
For consideration, please submit your cover letter and résumé to: resumes@mfa.org. You may also submit your materials via postal mail to: Human Resources Department, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, 465 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115.
