Assistant Curator

Full-time position based in Beacon, New York
$61,000-$76,000 per year

Background

Based in New York, Dia Art Foundation is committed to advancing, realizing, and preserving the vision of artists. A nonprofit founded in 1974, Dia collects the work of some of the most renowned artists of the last half-century; presents long-term, site-specific projects; executes new commissions; and produces scholarly publications related to its exhibitions and collections.

Position summary

The starting rate for this position is $61,000 per year. Consideration of a starting salary above $61,000, but not to exceed $76,000 may be considered at time of offer based on candidate qualifications and experience. Reporting to the Curator and working under the direction of the Curatorial co–department heads, this position is responsible for a broad range of tasks related to the coordination and development of Dia’s program across the institution’s sites, as well as the research, management of, and care for Dia’s permanent collection. The Assistant Curator works closely with the Curatorial, Publications, and Learning and Engagement staff on the production and installation of collection displays, commissions, exhibitions, and publications, and related public programs and performances designed to advance the foundation’s mission. Additionally, the Assistant Curator collaborates with both the Archivist and Curatorial team to develop and maintain digital and physical records of institutional histories and chronologies.

Essential duties and responsibilities

• Under the supervision of the project’s Curator and in collaboration with other Curatorial and Program staff, support and, on assignment, lead the organization of collection displays, commissions, and exhibitions across Dia’s locations and sites
• Research and assist the development of publications and live programs that augment, amplify, and contextualize exhibitions and commissions across Dia’s location and sites
• Research and contribute ideas relating to artists of all disciplines, thinkers, and other specialists for current and future programs
• Conduct research for and assist with acquisitions and collection displays; produce and aid the management of exhibition-related materials such as budgets, checklists, floor plans, and interpretive texts
• Work closely with Curators, Co–Department Heads, and the Senior Registrar to address issues related to the care and maintenance of works in Dia’s permanent collection, including object- and loan-related concerns, and correspondence with artists, institutions, and lenders
• In collaboration with Dia’s Archivist and other colleagues, maintain and develop Dia’s institutional history and gather records of collection and program artists across digital and physical platforms
• Write and assist the development of texts intended for board communication, fundraising packages, and grant applications related to the collection and program
• Manage schedules of interns and fellows of the Curatorial department
• Conduct special tours of the collection, Dia sites, and lectures for Council events for the Development department and other events as needed 
• Assist with administrative functions such as drafting correspondences, coordinating travel, on-site arrangements and honoraria for artist and public program presenters, maintaining project budgets, and submitting invoices for payment
• Travel for research, staff meetings, and other important events as needed

Education, certifications, and experience 

• MA in art history or the equivalent; majors in other relevant disciplines will also be considered 
• At least 3–5 years of prior museum work experience

Knowledge, skills, and abilities  

• Solid background in modern and contemporary art history required
• Must possess advanced research skills, including, but not limited to, primary and secondary research on artworks and artists, historical exhibitions and events, and key figures 
• Experience in coordinating live programs in an arts context
• Demonstrable knowledge of Dia’s collection and the art-historical and conservation issues pertaining to Minimal, Postminimal, and Conceptual art from the 1960s and ’70s in an international context, particularly East and Southeast Asia, with expertise on Korea and Japan
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Proficiency in Japanese, Korean, or other non-English language highly desired
• Professional demeanor and diplomatic skills
• Knowledge of computer databases and Microsoft Office software
• Ability to organize, conceptualize, and direct a variety of projects simultaneously essential
• Must be able to travel regularly to Dia’s New York locations and other destinations as needed; regular work schedule is Monday–Friday, however, must have flexibility to work occasional late nights and weekends 

Working conditions and physical demands

• This is a full-time position in a hybrid environment with no fewer than three days in the office; additional hours as needed; travel to Dia Chelsea one day per week required 
• Work is typically performed in an office environment; prolonged periods of sitting, use of computers and standard office equipment required to accomplish work objectives

Please note that to provide a safe workplace free of recognized hazards and to take every possible step to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 among our employees, Dia requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination upon hire, except for those who obtain an exemption due to a medical condition, a religious belief, or pregnancy.

Qualified candidates are invited to apply by completing the online job application, linked here, and attaching a resume and letter of interest.

Dia provides a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package with significant employer contributions towards the cost of healthcare premiums. The 401(k) plan provides 100% employer match up to 4% of the employee’s deferral and immediate vesting. Paid time‐off benefits include three weeks of vacation, ten days of sick leave, thirteen holidays, and a generous parental leave program. Work-related travel expenses are fully covered. Additionally, staff ID badges gain reduced or free admission to most American museums and arts organizations.

Dia Art Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, national origin, ethnic origin, citizenship status, disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law in its employment policies. In addition, Dia will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and supports an equitable, inclusive, and neurodiverse workplace. Candidates with nontraditional learning or career paths and/or applicants whose qualifications differ from those listed above are encouraged to apply.