Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA)
Reporting to the Chief Curator, the Curatorial Assistant performs tasks across a variety of functions in support of BAMPFA exhibitions and collections. The Curatorial Assistant supports all aspects of the exhibition process in the Art Curatorial Department at BAMPFA, bringing some experience in the museum field as well as knowledge of a broad range of art historical areas and the international art world. Tasks include exhibition preparation (research, preparing checklists and generating texts for didactics, wall labels, and publicity materials; maintaining schedules and files); and general administrative tasks including managing ongoing exhibition proposals, proposed gifts, inquiries and related correspondence, while upholding professional museum standards. This position requires administrative support including preparing agendas and minutes for select meetings, developing guests lists, making travel arrangements, processing reimbursements, creating itineraries, corresponding with artists, trustees, donors, lenders, and other museum partners. The Curatorial Assistant manages high volume of information to and from the curatorial department. Maintains contact information for artists, galleries, and colleagues.
Scope
The Curatorial Assistant assists the department’s Chief Curator in all areas of their responsibilities including administrative and curatorial work in the context of curatorial functions such as exhibitions, acquisitions, records and files, research, departmental committees, loans, and general curatorial inquiries. In support of the curatorial department, the Curatorial Assistant uses general Microsoft, Google office, CSpace collection software to research collection, digital assets, and project management software. This position coordinates with other Curatorial Assistants and fellows to problem solve, and develop procedures for use of relevant workflows and software applications. Works with department management and communications department to update/review/revise content for BAMPFA’s outward facing communications and websites. Ensures organization programming information is accurate and up to date both publicly and internally. Prepares communications including email correspondence, loan letters and agreements, wall labels, brochure and catalog texts, as needed, requiring excellent writing skills and significant knowledge of the exhibition, art history, and museum practices. Consolidates and shares information with the Development team in relation to donor cultivation and grant applications and reports. Works with Education and Development departments in support of complex exhibition associated programs, such as symposia, exhibition, openings, and intimate curator’s circle events. May give public tours as needed. Ensures departmental organization and efficiency.
Application Review Date
The First Review Date for this job is: 11/11/2022.
Responsibilities
EXHIBITION PLANNING ASSISTANCE:
- Assist as needed in all areas of exhibition development for collection, touring, and special exhibitions to include loan requests, checklists, layout, maquettes, travel, etc.
- Coordinate arrangements with artists, art institutions, collectors, and potential lenders for exhibitions.
- Keep track of additions and changes to the checklist throughout the exhibition development process.
- Draft invitation copy, wall labels, artist invitation packages, and exhibition fact sheets.
- Assist in the development of exhibition presentations, press and marketing materials, individual and corporate funding requests, and other documents.
- Assist with the accuracy and editing of exhibition press releases.
- Give exhibition tours to public and private audiences as needed.
RESEARCH ASSISTANCE:
- Assist with general research on artworks and artists and potential topics for exhibition, collection and programs.
- Apply a full range of skills to gather and synthesize scholarly, art historical, visual, and artist information.
CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITING:
- Adopt existing written materials for various internal and external needs, such as brief exhibition listings for publications, website listings, social media blurbs, exhibition highlights, and solicitation materials.
- Work on sensitive communications, particularly in relation to loan agreements, artwork insurance values, billing, and exhibition scheduling.
- Draft general and sensitive correspondence to artists, dealers, donors, and curators to be reviewed and sent by Chief Curator.
- Answer inquiries and reply to unsolicited artist e/mail.
CATALOG PRODUCTION:
- Edit and proofread all written catalog materials for content consistency, factual and grammatical errors.
- Assist with exhibition catalog publication, including all front and back matter, bibliographic and caption information.
- Locate or commission photographic materials, provides captions and credit lines, and secures reproduction permission.
- Work with an editor as necessary to deliver content and incorporate feedback.
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANCE:
- Determine need for payment and billing paperwork from various vendors and suppliers.
- Track payments to vendors and artists. Initiate expense reimbursements.
- Research vendors to procure necessary goods and services for exhibitions.
- Maintains and improves departmental organizational systems.
COORDINATION
- Coordinate with artists, dealers, collectors with regard to schedules, biographic and bibliography publication material, and travel in relation to exhibition planning and collection maintenance.
- Schedule complex domestic and international travel itineraries and composes itineraries for artists.
- Assist curatorial team on national and international travel planning including itineraries, bookings, and meeting coordination.
ARCHIVES
- Generates important institutional documentation in relation to the exhibition archive, as well as materials in the collection.
- Requests, duplicates, labels, mails, and archives installation images.
- Work with content management software to ensure records are accurate.
Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Demonstrates ability to use sound judgment in responding to issues and concerns.
- Knowledge of a broad range of art historical areas, familiarity with standard museum and curatorial practices.
- Expert in communication and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively.
- Highly developed writing skills including editing and document preparation.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Proficient in ability to use discretion and maintain all confidentiality.
- Ability to work effectively with staff, trustees, artists, scholars, arts professionals, and the public by demonstrating collaboration, sensitivity, and diplomacy.
- Demonstrates ability to analyze, research and synthesize large amounts of data with strong attention to detail.
- Proficient in ability to multi-task with demanding timeframes.
- Project management skills in establishing priorities, coordinating multiple complex projects simultaneously, and meeting deadlines.
- Demonstrates strong attention to detail, accuracy, and organization.
- Computer skills including MS Office, Google Drive, and project management systems.
- Ability to prioritize teamwork
- Ability to propose solutions to problems.
- Bachelor’s degree in Art History, Museum Studies, or related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree.
- Collection management software experience.
Salary & Benefits
This is a 100% full-time (40 hrs a week) non-exempt career position, which is paid bi-weekly and eligible for full UC Benefits. Hourly pay for this role is commensurate with experience within the range of $27.06 – $27.78.
