Application Deadline July 11, 2024
Department Smithsonian American Art Museum
Employment Type Part Time
Location Washington, DC
Workplace Type Hybrid
Compensation $51,304 / year
Reporting To Senior Curator
Open to All Qualified Applicants
What are Trust Fund Positions?
Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are funded by the Smithsonian endowment, business revenue, donations, grants, and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor do these positions lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are similar to federal positions, and trust and federal employees often work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefits program, including Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), and Flexible Spending Accounts (Health & Dependent Care).
Conditions of Employment
- Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for low risk.
- Complete a Probationary Period.
- Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
- The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. is not required to apply.
- Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.
- The selected applicant will be required to provide copies of their transcripts.
Overview
This position is located at the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM), Curatorial Office. The purpose is to manage and carry out projects in four areas of curation: research, exhibits, collections development & management, and public service. The incumbent will also propose related projects for review by the Senior Curator and senior staff.
Specializations include, but are not limited to, sculpture, photography, modern or contemporary art, folk art, 19th or 20th-century art, African American art, Latinx, and decorative arts and crafts.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Conduct research on the permanent collection to establish a complete database on each work.
- Develop an in-depth understanding of the objects and their place in American art.
- Review works for loan requests, examine collections for conservation needs, and perform cataloging.
- Develop exhibition topics with the Senior Curator and senior staff.
- Independently direct all aspects of projects under Senior Curator’s supervision.
- Serve as SAAM liaison to guest curators, lenders, other offices, bureaus, and institutions for exhibition coordination.
- Ensure completeness and accuracy of exhibition graphics and wall text.
- Present gallery talks and lectures related to museum collections.
- Respond to routine inquiries from the public.
Application Requirements
Interested applicants should provide:
- A cover letter outlining interest in the fellowship.
- A 750 to 1,000-word statement describing the applicant’s research area and its relation to one of the curatorial focus areas.
- A published paper or writing sample.
- Curriculum vitae with two references.
Qualification Requirements
- A degree in museum work or an applicable subject-matter field; or a combination of education and experience.
- Knowledge in American art history, art historical research methods, and museum collections.
- Experience in organizing exhibitions and publications.
- Clear writing skills with minimal need for editing.
- Foreign education must be deemed equivalent to U.S. higher education programs by a specialized organization.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value a workforce with diverse educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds. This enriches our daily work life and contributes to our exhibitions and programs. Reasonable accommodations are provided to applicants with disabilities.
About Smithsonian American Art Museum
Join a dedicated team at an exceptional time in Smithsonian history. The Smithsonian Institution, comprising 19 museums, nine research centers, 21 libraries, and more than 200 affiliate museum partners, is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex. We encourage curiosity, ignite wonder, and spark the joy of learning.
The Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM) and Renwick Gallery house one of the largest and most inclusive collections of American art. Located in Washington, D.C., SAAM and Renwick welcome more than 2 million visitors annually, including local school groups, residents, and tourists.
