Curatorial Assistant (9723C) – Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA), University of California, Berkeley, United States

Institution: University of California, Berkeley – Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA)
Location: Berkeley, California, United States
Reports to: Chief Curator
Type: Full-time, career position (40 hours/week)
Salary: $30.32–$32.18 per hour
Schedule: Hybrid work eligible (up to 40%)
Deadline: First review date – 20 November 2025
Benefits: Comprehensive UC benefits package, paid professional development time, and career advancement opportunities

The University of California, Berkeley, seeks a Curatorial Assistant to support the Art Curatorial Department at the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA). This role involves assisting in the organisation, research, and implementation of exhibitions, with responsibilities spanning administrative, editorial, and research tasks. The position offers the opportunity to contribute to one of the nation’s leading university museums and to collaborate closely with curators, artists, and academic partners in a dynamic and inclusive environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in art history or related field and at least one year of curatorial or museum experience (or equivalent combination)
• Strong writing, editing, and oral communication skills
• Proven attention to detail and ability to manage multiple complex projects
• Knowledge of art history and standard museum and curatorial practices
• Familiarity with the international art world and exhibition logistics
• Proficiency with Mac OS, Microsoft Office, Google Drive, and project management tools
• Diplomacy and collaboration skills for interacting with artists, scholars, and institutional partners

Key Responsibilities

• Support all stages of exhibition planning, from research and label writing to scheduling and logistics
• Prepare and edit curatorial texts, correspondence, and exhibition documentation
• Manage databases, checklists, budgets, and image rights for catalogues and promotional materials
• Coordinate loans, travel itineraries, and communication with artists, collectors, and partner institutions
• Assist in exhibition layout development, event planning, and public engagement activities
• Contribute to press, marketing, and web content updates for BAMPFA exhibitions and programmes
• Provide general research support for curatorial projects and maintain exhibition archives
• Oversee exhibition tracking spreadsheets and digital asset management systems
• Occasionally lead or assist with smaller exhibitions and related programming