Organization: Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, NY
Job Type: Full-Time, Union Position (UAW Local 2110)
Reports To: Engell Speyer Family Senior Curator and Associate Director of Curatorial Programs
Salary: $57,222 annually
Application Deadline: September 15
Job Summary
The Curatorial Assistant supports the Museum’s Senior Curator and Associate Director of Curatorial Programs with scholarly projects, exhibitions, publications, and institutional initiatives. This position requires strong research, writing, and organizational skills, as well as the ability to collaborate effectively and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Key Responsibilities
Curatorial Support:
- Assist in the planning, research, organization, and installation of exhibitions, interdisciplinary projects, and performances.
- Support catalogue and publication production, both print and digital.
- Research artists for curatorial projects and acquisitions.
- Draft didactic labels, press releases, and exhibition-related copy.
- Serve as liaison with curatorial contacts, including artists, donors, and gallerists.
- Provide support for acquisitions, including coordination with Conservation, Registration, and Documentation departments.
- Perform TMS database entry.
Administrative and Institutional Support:
- Provide administrative support including drafting correspondence, preparing presentations, managing calendars, processing expense reimbursements, and arranging travel.
- Conduct research into institutional program history.
- Assist with working group meetings by drafting correspondence and preparing presentations.
- Coordinate between the Lichtenstein Studio, Museum departments, artists, scholars in residence, and external vendors.
- Perform other administrative and curatorial tasks as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in art history or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
- 2 years of relevant museum, gallery, or arts-related experience.
- Strong knowledge of 20th- and 21st-century art and art history.
- Excellent writing, research, and communication skills with attention to accuracy and detail.
- Proficiency in TMS, Microsoft Office Suite, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
- Knowledge of exhibition preparation procedures is helpful.
- Demonstrated initiative and ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
Compensation & Benefits
- Annual salary of $57,222.
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- 403(b) retirement plan options.
- Generous paid time off (PTO).
- Commuter benefits, including parking and mass transit options.
- Free admission to museums nationally.
- Pet insurance and discounted CitiBike membership.
About the Whitney Museum
Founded in 1930 by Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, the Whitney Museum of American Art houses one of the foremost collections of 20th- and 21st-century American art. The Museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving, interpreting, and exhibiting contemporary American art while celebrating the diversity of culture and perspectives. With a longstanding commitment to artists, the Whitney continues to be a leading institution in shaping modern and contemporary art.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The Whitney Museum of American Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to age, sex, religion, race, color, creed, national origin, citizenship, disability, marital status, veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or any other factor protected by law. The Museum encourages all qualified candidates to apply and is committed to equity and inclusion in hiring practices.
