Assistant Curator – Contemporary Art

Typical Duties And Responsibilities

COLLECTIONS

Assesses, manages and updates documentation of the permanent collection in consultation with senior staff (Curator-in-Charge and Conservation). Works closely with the Registration and Library and Archives departments to ensure proper documentation of the collection in both physical and digital formats, ensuring that information in the museum’s collection database (TMS) is accurate, current, and relevant. Assists, manages, and occasionally proposes the development of new and engaging ways of displaying the permanent collection and the new acquisitions. Works with Exhibitions on the logistical implementations of gallery rotations and installations. Liaises with conservators and other staff to ensure the adequate care for and presentation of works from the contemporary collections. Collaborates with Education and Interpretation Departments to develop and present resources and programs relating to the interpretation of the collection for the public, including content for object labels, wall texts, website and publications. Participates in lectures and docent training, and assures communication and completion of institutional projects within defined budgets and timelines. Answers inquiries from the public and scholars, making the collection accessible to diverse audiences. Assigns and expedites work / technician / photo services requests as required to ensure the appropriate care and maintenance of the collection in gallery and storage areas.

EXHIBITIONS

Assists with and / or executes exhibitions and installations for presentation at the de Young and the Legion of Honor. Works closely with the Registration department to ensure proper issuing and management of loan requests, ensuring that information related to lenders and loaned works in the museum’s collection database (TMS) is accurate, current, and relevant. May participate in lectures and docent training, and assures communication and completion of institutional projects within defined budgets and timelines.

DOCUMENTATION

Works closely with the Registration department to ensure proper documentation of acquisitions in TMS. Assigns and expedites work / technician / photo services requests as required to ensure the appropriate care and maintenance of the collection in gallery and storage areas. Logs acquisitions in Asana, including submitting pre-acquisition proposals, creating constituent records, researches and drafts acquisitions statements and presentations for meetings of the Acquisitions Committee of the Board of Trustees, and submitting payment forms.

PUBLICATIONS

Supports the research, writing, and proofing of manuscripts for publication online and in print, ranging from individual blog posts, web essays, and articles for the Fine Arts Magazine to major collection and exhibition catalogues. For the latter, this generally includes essays, interviews, and other authored contributions to backmatter items such as artist biographies, exhibitions histories, bibliographies, exhibition checklists, indexes, authors biographies. Supports work on developing related image programs, including identifying artworks and illustrations and sourcing high res photographs, captions, and image credits.

EXTERNAL RELATIONS

Builds, maintains departmental relationships with its community of artists, collectors, trustees, dealers, critics, museum’s colleagues and friends, and institutions of higher learning. Actively participates in San Francisco’s contemporary art ecosystem by doing studio visits with artists, attending openings, staying on top of current exhibitions in the Bay Area, occasionally participating in public programs hosted by institutions, galleries and fairs or lecturing at local universities. Encourages the development and cultivation of patrons and collectors. Presents lectures and docent talks, and conducts tours of the collection and temporary exhibitions for donors, trustees, and the general public as the need arises. Represents FAMSF as an ambassador at public and private functions that further the FAMSF mission and institutional objectives.

DEVELOPMENT

In keeping with Museums-wide curatorial practice, assists the fundraising and public relations efforts of the Contemporary Art Department in correspondence with the Museums and its Development department. Actively participates in meetings and programs, including fundraising programs, of the Contemporary Art Department and its Support Council.

RESEARCH

Demonstrates familiarity with, and knowledge of, the FAMSF Modern and Contemporary collections, including their contents and art historical significance. Researches and catalogues the collections and related archives; answers related inquiries from the public and scholars, making the collection accessible to diverse audiences. Assists with interpretation, drafting labels, wall texts, and graphics, and for publications.

ADMINISTRATION

Helps with the day-to-day management of the department, ensures that all tasks are performed in keeping with the museums’ standard policies and procedures, on time and within budget. In conjunction with department head and other staff, aids with activities of volunteers, interns, and cataloguing fellows, as necessary.

COURIER

Subject to the approval of the Curator in Charge, serves as FAMSF courier for loaned works of art from the collection.

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