Curatorial Assistant

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Responsible for assisting Chief Curator with developing JANM’s new core exhibition. This includes coordination, attendance, and documentation of meetings. Oversee interactions, meetings, and communications with advisors. Maintenance of exhibition content, conduct research, and provide other support as needed. Position is temporary with funding through 6/30/2024.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Research for the Core Exhibition

Historical: contextualizing the JA experience within national, BIPOC and global context
Biographical: gather information on potential people/stories to include in exhibition

Communication and Coordination related to the Core Exhibition

With advisors
With JANM core team and external design team (RAA)
With variety of stakeholders ie: focus groups, JANM staff/departments, volunteers, and board

Writing for the Core Exhibition

Taking meeting notes
Assembling profiles of stories/people cross-checked with time periods, themes, intersectional demographics.

Staff members must be able to work with visitors of all ages to support the various events sponsored by the National Museum. Each staff member will be expected to work on a minimum of three museum-wide events per year:

National Museum’s Gala Dinner & Silent Auction—(off-site) typically held in the Spring (April-May)
National Museum’s Family Festival Day—Oshogatsu Festival (January)
National Museum’s Family Festival Day—Natsumatsuri Festival (August)

This list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary. Incumbent will perform related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions as outlined above.

EDUCATION
Bachelors’ degree preferred with a focus on cultural studies/American history; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

EXPERIENCE/KNOWLEDGE
At least 3 years of research experience. Willingness to learn and apply new skills. Ability to multi-task and prioritize. Ability to work well under pressure to meet deadlines. Excellent organizational skills and be detail oriented. Strong proofreading skills. Professional phone manner is essential. Ability to work in a fast paced team-environment, be a self-starter. Demonstrated commitment and flexibility in order to ensure a high level of quality service. Ability to adjust and provide appropriate action when unanticipated need arises. Knowledge of Japanese American history and culture.

COMMUNICATION
Has excellent communication and negotiation skills. Must be able to provide courteous and effective service to co-workers, volunteers, and the general public. Is able to read, write, and comprehend routine reports and correspondence, including safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedural manuals. Is able to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group format and large group format.

COMPUTER
Is Computer literate, Internet savvy, and experienced with MS Office, Google Calendar, and Gmail preferred. Accuracy and attention to detail are essential.

MATH
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

REASONING
Ability to act on own initiative, making consistently sound decisions. Must be able to comply with institutional policies and procedures. Perform successfully when juggling and re-prioritizing multiple assignments in a fast-paced, changing work environment. Is able to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Reliable follow-through on assigned projects in a complete, well conceived, and timely manner.

PHYSICAL
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee frequently is required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those the employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
Reports To: Chief Curator or VP of Exhibitions
Positions Supervised: None