Deadline: May 14, 2017

Reporting to the Senior Curator of Painting and Sculpture and the Curator of Painting and Sculpture, the Curatorial Assistant assists the curators in the research, development, and interpretation of the department’s permanent collection and/or special exhibitions. The Curatorial Assistant also supports the ongoing research and documentation of the SFMOMA collection and the department’s acquisitions process. The Curatorial Assistant maintains advantageous relations with the art community including artists, collectors, dealers, donors, and staff from other museums.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists the curators in the research, development, exhibition, and interpretation of the department’s permanent collection and/or special exhibitions.
• Supports the ongoing research and documentation of the SFMOMA collections and the department’s acquisitions process, as assigned.
• Facilitates inter-departmental communication regarding research and exhibitions, working closely with departments of exhibitions, registration, installation, conservation, publications, and graphic design.
• Facilitates external communication with artists, collectors, lenders, dealers, scholars, and staff members from other museums.
• Assists with drafting and producing correspondence, loan forms, manuscripts, exhibition wall labels, and other materials related to permanent collection and/or special exhibitions. Maintains computer database of checklists for exhibitions.
• Assists with collection and exhibition research including, but not limited to: research and compilation of biographies, chronologies, and exhibition histories, and documentation of individual works.
• Serves as a liaison to the academic community regarding inquiries into the permanent collection. Schedules, orients, and accompanies scholars, curators, and other visitors who wish to conduct research on permanent collection works.
• Oversees the work assignments and activities of interns and volunteers.
• Acts as spokesperson for the department and the Museum as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Training: Possession of Master’s degree in Art History or closely related field.

Work Experience: Two years related experience.

Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of modern and contemporary art history and terminology, and superb writing and diplomatic skills essential. Ability to provide basic office support including word processing, database management, power point, faxing, filing, and answering telephones. Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.   Strong organizational skills a must: ability to prioritize and organize multiple activities, as well as supervise the activities staff members around a common project. Ability to communicate effectively with donors, artists, Museum staff, colleagues, and the general public, whether in person, on the telephone, or in writing. Strong second language skills a plus.