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  December 21, 2022 New York, USA
Curatorial Assistant, Jobs No deadline

Curatorial Assistant – Collections

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Guggenheim

SUMMARY OF POSITION
Working independently, under the guidance of the Senior Director of Collections, the Curatorial Assistant will take an active role in supporting the day-to-day directives of their supervisor.  The Curatorial Assistant will work in close association with the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum’s (SRGM) curatorial staff on collection initiatives, including administrative work in support of research, publications, acquisitions, deaccessions, public and digital programs, and other general curatorial functions.

SKILL AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

  • Relevant experience in a museum setting or similar environment preferred.
  • Background in Modern and Contemporary Art preferred, ideally with a focus on art of Africa and the African diaspora.
  • Experience with The Museum System (TMS) a plus.
  • Foreign language skills a plus.
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills.
  • Superior research and writing skills preferred.
  • Flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing priorities.
  • Professional demeanor and diplomatic skills required.
  • Excellent attention to detail with ability to handle multiple projects in a fast-paced environment a must.
  • Ability to be proactive, use independent judgment and initiative.
  • Prior experience working in an office environment required.
  • Computer skills with knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Develop and maintain curatorial object files.
  • Maintain curatorial collection data in digital objects management system (TMS).
  • Participate in acquisitions process including initiating data entry, preparing and tracking paperwork and relevant correspondence, conducting object research, cataloguing works, and developing files. Communicate with galleries, artists, and donors, as needed.
  • Coordinate internal and external requests for information about the collection with regard to loans, research, catalogues raisonné and viewings.
  • Provide provenance administrative support, as needed.
  • Participate in the organization of collection analysis for deaccession recommendations.  Assist with preparations of materials for meetings; conduct artist and object research; assist with formal deaccesioning process including coordination with Conservation, Registrar, Art Handling, Photography, and Legal departments, and the preparation of reports to the Board of Trustees.
  • Process invoices for collection care activities. Track spending.
  • Assist with research on artworks in collection as needed for collection exhibitions, outgoing loans, provenance, publications, digital content, and the museum’s Conservation Department.
  • Assist with the research and confirmation of object captions for out-going loans and internal collection use.
  • Write short texts on collection artworks for exhibition wall texts, catalogue entries, and the website, as called upon.
  • Contribute to the implementation of the Guggenheim’s DEAI Plan, including the ongoing diversification of the collection, exhibition program, and research and publishing initiatives.
  • Provide collection related tours as needed.
  • Monitor collection mailbox.
  • Provide support to curator of collection exhibitions.
  • Provide support to Senior Director of Collections on collections activities, as needed.
  • Work with curatorial interns as assigned.
  • Other projects as assigned.

WORK DEMANDS & ENVIRONMENT:

  • Ability to travel within the metropolitan area as required to perform the above duties at any of the Guggenheim’s owned or leased properties upon request.
  • Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays on occasion.
  • Ability to lift at least 25 lbs.

EDUCATION:

  • Bachelor’s degree required.
  • Master’s Degree in Art History or related field preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: n/a

REPORTS TO:  Senior Director of Collections

LOCATION:  One Liberty Plaza New York, NY 10006

WORK SCHEDULE: 40 Hours per Week, Schedule TBD

POSITION TYPE:  Full-time, Non-Exempt, This position will become a position covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement with Local 2110 UAW.

SALARY RANGE:  $50,000 – $55,000 annually

In accordance with the Guggenheim policy, all Museum employees are required to show proof of fully vaccinated status in order to work except for those with very limited legally-permissible exemptions (or approved for an exemption as a reasonable accommodation due to a disability, sincerely held religious belief, or pregnancy, or because you are a victim of domestic violence, stalking, or sex offenses).  

The Guggenheim is dedicating itself to creating paths that lead to a more inclusive and diverse institution.  We encourage inquiries from applicants who will reflect the plurality of our culture and our global audience.  The Guggenheim does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, color, religion, marital status, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin or disability status.