Curatorial Assistant, Photography

Curatorial Assistant, Photography – SFMOMA, San Francisco, USA

Deadline: Open until filled
Location: San Francisco, USA
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours/week (hybrid, at least three days onsite)
Reports to: Curator and Head of Photography
Salary: $30.68 – $36.82/hour (union position)

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) seeks a Curatorial Assistant to support the Photography Department across collection management, exhibitions, acquisitions, research, and administration. This junior role is central to facilitating communication with staff, donors, artists, and colleagues while ensuring smooth departmental workflow.

Responsibilities

• Support Accessions Committee meetings, including research, presentations, and minutes.
• Assist with exhibitions: database management, research, checklists, file organization, interdepartmental coordination.
• Draft correspondence, manuscripts, wall labels, and related materials.
• Provide logistical support for events, programs, and departmental communications.
• Manage departmental calendar, email inbox, invoices, reimbursements, and travel arrangements.
• Conduct collection and exhibition research; support lectures and presentations.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Art History or related field with emphasis in Photography.
• At least 2 years’ curatorial or education experience in a museum or cultural institution.
• Knowledge of photography history and excellent writing/communication skills.
• Strong organizational, research, and project management abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; familiarity with Asana, collection and asset management systems, and basic A/V equipment preferred.
• Additional language skills desirable.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $30.68/hour (starting) – $36.82/hour (position)
• Unionized role with PTO, health/dental/vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, disability and life coverage, mental health and wellness benefits, commuter benefits, retirement plan, SFMOMA membership, and more.