Curatorial Assistant

Full-time position based in New York, New York

$23 per hour

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 collection.

Position summary

Reporting to the Curator and under the direction of the Curatorial Co–Department Heads, the Curatorial Assistant works closely with the Curatorial team, and especially the two other Curatorial Assistants, to support the production and implementation of Dia’s expansive program of commissions, exhibitions, long-term displays, and performances, as well as the ongoing care and maintenance of Dia’s growing collection. An essential member of the Curatorial team, the Curatorial Assistant’s responsibilities include scheduling interdepartmental and project-related meetings, taking meeting minutes, maintaining curatorial research files, managing correspondence, and other administrative tasks as needed. The Curatorial Assistant also provides support for exhibitions, special projects, internal initiatives, and public programs. The Curatorial Assistant aids the production of publications and didactic materials, conducts research, and coordinates acquisitions under the supervision of the Curators.

Essential duties and responsibilities

Administrative:

• Maintain project-related and interdepartmental meeting schedules, prepare agendas, and take minutes
• In collaboration with members of the Curatorial department, prepare materials for quarterly board meetings; in coordination with the director’s office, gather agenda items and assemble slide presentations
• Maintain regular contact with the Development department; use Altru to update and maintain lists of curatorial contacts and Dia collection artists
• Maintain files of curatorial materials such as images and texts
• Work closely with the Archivist to maintain the curatorial archive and library
• Work closely with the IT department to facilitate technological needs

Program and collection coordination:

• Research potential artists for programs and acquisitions
• Assist with all aspects of exhibition implementation, including scheduling meetings, maintaining correspondence, coordinating production, and tracking projects
• Write and develop exhibition-related materials intended for the general public, including brochures, calendars, checklists, floor plans, gallery laminates, invitations, and other printed matter
• Produce, actively review, and update curatorial content for the website to ensure accuracy and timeliness
• Work with the Registrars to oversee and maintain all loan paperwork; manage related correspondence for long-term loans to and from the collection, as well as for the exhibition program as needed
• Coordinate acquisitions for board approval, review checklists, prepare paperwork, and manage relevant correspondence

Public program organization:

• Serve as the Curatorial department’s first point of contact at Dia; facilitate interdepartmental communications pertaining to Dia’s exhibition-related public programs, live program series, and performances
• Support curators with logistics surrounding visiting speakers and performers, including travel coordination, itineraries, hospitality, and the preparation of international visas
• Coordinate the execution of contracts, letters of agreement, and payment for those involved in Dia’s curatorial programs, including public programs

Other duties and responsibilities

• Assist with public programs, development-related events, and exhibition openings at various Dia sites
• Oversee the mailing of Dia publications to important stakeholders

Education, certifications, and experience

• BA in art history or similar field of study preferred
• 1–2 years of administrative support experience preferred

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• A passion for and knowledge of art from the 1960s to the present, with an emphasis on global Conceptual and Minimal art practices
• Ease with managing a variety of tasks and projects simultaneously
• Must have excellent time management skills, be self-directed, organized, and detail-oriented
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook are essential
• Must be able to travel between Dia’s New York and Beacon offices on occasion; transportation costs covered by Dia
• Proficiency in Spanish preferred, or another non-English language desired

Working conditions and physical demands

Work is performed in a hybrid environment with no fewer than three days in the Chelsea office; typically, prolonged periods of sitting, use of computers and standard office equipment is 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.

This position is represented by the Technical, Office & Professional Union, Local 2110, UAW, AFL-CIO.

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.