Curatorial Assistant

Position Overview:

This position serves as the curatorial and administrative assistant to the Chief Curator. The Curatorial Assistant is an integral member of the curatorial team and will contribute to the curatorial vision. A strong interest in and experience with American art before 1960 is required with knowledge of contemporary art a plus. The successful candidate will have a passion for art and museums and collaboration and be very organized and detailed oriented.

Principle Responsibilities

• Assist Chief Curator with research and content development for the ongoing curatorial and exhibitions program, including large temporary exhibitions and focus shows, publications and all related content and activities.
• Assist the Chief Curator’s role as key member of the museum’s Strategy Team, contributing to collaborations across museum departments and fostering and facilitating internal and external communications and partnerships.
• Assist Chief Curator with object, exhibition, and publications research and varied curatorial functions, including conducting and compiling object and image research as directed, fact checking, writing art-object related copy and preparing presentations.
• Ensure Chief Curator’s office runs smoothly, including, but not limited to providing organization and tracking of projects and ongoing work; managing task pipeline; collaborating and coordinating across the museum and with external partners and supporters; scheduling meetings and travel; calendar management; responding to internal and external queries and maintaining files in collaboration with other curators and curatorial project manager.
• Prepare information and materials for internal and external constituencies.
• Represent the Chief Curator and serve as liaison for the office as needed.
• Assist with preparation, production, maintenance and monitoring of budgets and reporting activities.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education, Experience, and Skills:

• B.A. in Art History or related discipline required
• Strong interest in American art with contemporary art expertise a plus
• 3 years’ work experience in museums, galleries, or other relevant art settings
• Demonstrated skill in organization and rigorous attention to detail
• Manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Ability to work independently and as a team member
• Ability to take initiative and exercise a high level of discretion
• Excellent oral, written and computer skills
• Exemplary research skills
• Understanding and experience in budget maintenance
• Excellent customer relations skills (in person and on the telephone)
• Positive attitude and collaborative spirit
• Ability to maintain highest levels of confidentiality

Equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience will satisfy the minimum requirements.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid Driver’s License

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical demands:  In the work environment described below, position requires verbal and written conversation with others, sitting, standing, walking, bending, climbing, reaching, lifting/moving objects up to 10 pounds, and use of hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. Vision abilities required by the job include close vision.
• Work environment:  Work will be performed in an office environment, museum spaces, and in communities served. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. Position may require some independent overnight travel. Occasionally the work schedule may include evenings and weekends.