Curatorial Assistant at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York, USA

Salary: $31–$32 per hour

Contract: Full-time

Application Deadline: 10 July 2026

The Whitney Museum of American Art is seeking a Curatorial Assistant to support the Steven and Ann Ames Curator of Drawings and Prints and the Sondra Gilman Curator of Photography.

The successful candidate will assist with scholarly and curatorial projects while providing administrative support across a range of departmental activities. The role requires excellent research and writing skills, strong organisational abilities and a deep knowledge of twentieth- and twenty-first-century art history.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the planning, research, organisation and installation of exhibitions
• Support the production of catalogues and other print and digital publications
• Conduct research on artists for curatorial projects and acquisitions
• Write didactic labels, press releases and other curatorial texts
• Liaise with artists, donors, gallerists and other curatorial contacts
• Support acquisitions for the Whitney’s permanent collection in coordination with Conservation, Registration and Documentation departments
• Carry out TMS data entry
• Provide additional support to the Curatorial Department as required

Requirements

• BA degree required
• Demonstrated knowledge of and interest in twentieth- and twenty-first-century art history and contemporary art
• Minimum two years of museum, gallery or other relevant experience
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills
• Experience with TMS, Microsoft Office, Excel and PowerPoint
• Strong writing, research and communication skills with excellent attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines
• Knowledge of exhibition preparation procedures is desirable
• Ability to work independently, take initiative and collaborate effectively with colleagues

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Generous paid time off
• Commuter benefits, including parking and public transport support
• Admission to museums across New York City and nationally
• Pet insurance
• Discounted Citi Bike membership

This position is covered by UAW Local 2110.

About the Organisation

Founded in 1930 by artist and philanthropist Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, the Whitney Museum of American Art houses one of the world’s leading collections of twentieth- and twenty-first-century American art.

The museum’s mission is to collect, preserve, interpret and exhibit American art while serving diverse audiences and supporting artists. Through its exhibitions, collection and public programmes, the Whitney continues to play a significant role in shaping contemporary art discourse in the United States.