Assistant Curator

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Under the direction of the Head of Contemporary Art, this position initiates, develops, and executes artist projects and exhibitions that link regional, national, and international contemporary art practices to the museum’s core mission. The Assistant Curator (II) of Contemporary Art contributes to the broader artistic vision of the Contemporary Art Department by creating new opportunities for diverse publics to engage with living artists through commissions, performances, smaller exhibitions, and occasional topical programming, making contemporary art accessible both inside and outside the museum. The Assistant Curator (II) of Contemporary Art establishes and maintains relationships with artists, critics, scholars, and representatives of other institutions to develop partnerships that build on past successes and continue to cultivate the museum’s credibility in presenting important contemporary Asian and Asian American art.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Executes contemporary art exhibitions, commissions, performances, and public events that grow museum audiences and increase institutional visibility; set within the museum’s mission and overall strategic plan.
Contributes to the organization of exhibition-affiliated public programming, working in collaboration with the Education Department staff to develop strategic partnerships and educational programs to widen the museum’s impact on mission-critical audiences.
Researches and writes about exhibitions, performances, and commissions, including drafting text for gallery didactics, brochures, catalogs, and other explanatory texts as required.
Makes recommendations for donated, or purchased acquisitions related to museum-initiated commissions and exhibitions.
Participates in docent training, including walkthroughs and slide-lectures in consultation with Education Department staff.
Works with the development team to identify fundraising opportunities and assists with crafting grant proposals and reporting on them for related projects.
Works closely with Museum Services, Digital, Creative Services, Marketing, Communications, Visitor Services, and Membership to plan promotional strategies to ensure that projects are prominent and accessible to targeted audiences via multiple channels including social media; and coordinates photo/video documentation of select, time-based projects.
Performs administrative functions in connection with daily departmental business as relates to project management.

OTHER FUNCTIONS

Supports and collaborates with other curatorial staff on projects as needed.
Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

M.A. in Art History, Museum Studies, Asian Studies or related fields or equivalent work experience
Five (5) years of related work experience in a museum or related educational/research organization or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training
Strong knowledge of Asian contemporary art, worldwide contemporary art, and art and performance in the San Francisco Bay Area. Knowledge of traditional Asian art is highly desirable. (Bilingual skills desirable)
Excellent oral and written communication skills; strong interpersonal skills
Demonstrated administrative, organizational, and scheduling skills; detail oriented
Computer proficiency; experience with Adobe Creative Suite a plus
Ability to conceive, develop, and implement innovative contemporary art programming; demonstrate high levels of creativity, resourcefulness, and flexibility
Ability to communicate effectively; display good judgment; problem solve; exercise tact and diplomacy at all times
Ability to actively promote contemporary art through the development of positive working
relationships both internal and external to the museum
Self-starter with proven ability to manage and independently prioritize multiple tasks while ensuring timely, high quality outcomes
Ability to work a regular weekend day and some evenings as required

WORKING CONDITIONS

Office environment plus public programming space. Requires physical mobility to circulate throughout the spaces, and to lift, move, and set up for programs.

COMPENSATION

$34.0577 – $40.9042 per hour with excellent benefits package*

Please note new hires start at the beginning of the salary range and this position is represented by SEIU 1021

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Please note that internal candidates will be considered during the 1st 7 days since the initial posting date.

ABOUT US

Located in the heart of San Francisco, the museum is home to one of the world’s finest collections of Asian art, boasting more than 18,000 awe-inspiring artworks ranging from ancient jades and ceramics to contemporary video installations. Dynamic special exhibitions, cultural celebrations and public programs for all ages provide rich art experiences that unlock the past and spark questions about the future.