Assistant Curator | USA

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Jewish Museum

Assistant Curator

Department: Curatorial Affairs
Reports to: Chief Curator
Schedule: Full-Time, Three-Year Renewable Term

The Assistant Curator works under the direction of the Chief Curator. Blending the responsibility to generate independent curatorial projects and support others in planning, researching, and executing exhibitions currently in the pipeline, the Assistant Curator plays an integral role on a team comprised of professional colleagues with diverse fields of expertise. This individual will develop and maintain excellent relationships with artists, designers, scholars, collectors and curatorial colleagues in institutions both nationally and internationally. Responsibilities include contributing ideas for exhibitions, particularly in newly-installed collection galleries; undertaking research aimed at diversifying program while adhering closely to Museum’s mission; proposing and organizing temporary exhibitions; contributing to the interpretation, affiliated public programming and design of exhibitions; supervising assistants and interns, managing administrative responsibilities; participating in the cultivation and stewardship of patrons and donors; and working as a member of core team to realize institutional goals.

Responsibilities:

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (70%):

EXHIBITIONS, ACQUISITIONS AND COLLECTIONS

Play an essential role the management of a major exhibition covering the years 1962-1964 in American art (emphasis New York), due to open in early 2021. This involves intensive archival research, liaising with outside specialists and partners, identifying and securing objects for loan, and assisting in the workflow of a large-scale effort involving many curators and staff members.
Develop and research initial exhibition concepts and ideas for acquisitions; assemble documentation on individual artists, movements and works of art, as well as more historical research. Maintain relationships with studios and galleries.
Work with curatorial staff to plan for, execute and follow up on the acquisitions process. Assist with stewardship and external activities for acquisition committee members and co-chairs.
Work as a team with staff in education, digital media, marketing, visitor services, operations, communications and development to ensure that strategies for interpretation, promotion, audience development and fundraising develop in symbiotic partnerships.
Prepare preliminary exhibition checklists; research and locate objects for exhibitions and acquisitions; secure loans and maintain effective relationships with lenders.
Write and edit text for label copy, press releases, catalogues, brochures and exhibitions, including text panels, essays, catalogue entries.
Work with and provide direction to guest curators, exhibition designers, catalogue and brochure production, editors, photographers, etc.
Train docents, including walkthroughs and lectures in consultation with education department.
Arrange for exhibitions to travel; help prepare prospectuses, budgets, materials, and instructions for exhibitions and objects to travel.
Review proposals from artists, donors or vendors for gifts/purchases of works of art.
Draft clear and succinct exhibition narratives to be utilized for communications, fundraising for exhibitions, acquisitions and soliciting major gifts.
Assist collections manager in supervising cataloging of permanent collection; do research as necessary; schedule conservation evaluations and arrange for framing and conservation of works in permanent collection in consultation with registrar.

ADMINISTRATION (20%)

Perform administrative functions in connection with daily museum and departmental business.
Interview and supervise project assistants, administrative assistants, interns and temporary employees–assign tasks and schedules, and monitor work plans.
Participate in the work of museum committees as assigned.

OTHER DUTIES (10%)

Actively engage social media outlets to extend message of the artistic program and the museum more broadly.
Collaborate with peers in cross-departmental dialogue and idea development.
Travel as time and budget allow for conferences, symposia, and professional development purposes.

Requirements:

M.A. degree in art history with emphasis on modern and contemporary art.
Minimum three to five years’ experience in responsible curatorial positions including significant work on exhibitions and publications.
Broad knowledge of general art history and interest in Jewish history and culture.
Excellent organizational, interpersonal, written and verbal skills.
Ability to work independently and to take initiative
Knowledge of German, French, Spanish or Hebrew languages a plus
Computer and digital media literacy; working knowledge of The Museum System (TMS) a plus.

For more information and to apply, please visit: https://thejewishmuseum.org/careers/position-information/assistant-curator

Jewish Museum
1109 5th Ave at 92nd St
New York, NY 10128
thejewishmuseum.org