CURATORIAL ASSISTANT

COMPANY: Museum of Contemporary Art
APPLICATION DEADLINE: July 31, 2015

WEB ADDRESS: mocacleveland.org
SCHEDULE: Full time, non-exempt

DEPARTMENT: Curatorial
COMPENSATION: Salary commensurate with experience

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Not offered for this position

ABOUT MOCA

As the region’s only contemporary art museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland leads the way in shaping and advancing contemporary culture. We are global and local, Cleveland at our core with a cosmopolitan skin. MOCA enthusiastically promotes experimentation and exploration through engaging with contemporary art and ideas. Grounded in the community, MOCA welcomes all audiences and employs a smart, creative, and diverse workforce. MOCA encourages strategic risk, thinking outside the box and stepping out of comfort zones. MOCA values an entrepreneurial spirit in our work culture, supporting an enterprising staff that anticipates and reacts nimbly to change while embracing new opportunities and challenges. Success of the individual directly impacts success of the institution, so MOCA holds every employee to a high standard of excellence with the expectation that everyone understands and participates in the institutional goals.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Curatorial Assistant supports the museum’s ambitious exhibitions program. Reporting directly to the Associate Curator and Publications Manager, s/he is responsible for a variety of curatorial and administrative tasks including exhibition research, planning, programs and events; managing contacts and correspondence; assisting with the coordination of catalogs, didactic materials, and exhibition documentation; writing and editing exhibition-related copy; and registration activities. In addition, the Curatorial Assistant may have the opportunity to generate original programs and exhibitions.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Exhibitions

• Conducts curatorial research for exhibitions and publications.
• Works with artists, collectors, colleagues, and MOCA Cleveland’s Registrar to facilitate loans.
• Obtains permissions and copyright clearance for images and maintains accurate credit lines.
• Assists with the maintenance of accurate exhibition checklists, image files, lenders, and other exhibition details.
• Helps create, coordinate, and edit exhibition descriptions and didactic materials such as wall text, labels, and newsletter and website content.
• Helps to ensure accuracy of information on all MOCA Cleveland publications, in print and online.
• Provides general curatorial support for the Associate Curator and Publications Manager; the Deputy Director of Program, Planning and Engagement; the Executive Director, and guest curators.
• Working with the Registrar, provides logistical and administrative support in coordinating exhibitions, including traveling exhibitions.
• Assists with photo documentation of exhibitions and individual works.
• Assists with managing department finances and the Exhibitions budget.
• Participates in, and assists with, staff training on exhibitions, as required.

Communications

• Occasionally works with Programs, Education, Development, and Marketing & Communications staff to prepare and edit materials to promote, publicize, and interpret exhibitions and related public programs.
• Assists with gathering and writing exhibition-related information pertinent to grant applications, final reports, and other institutional needs.

Programming

• Works with the Curator of Public Programs and the Deputy Director of Program, Planning, and Engagement to plan and coordinate public programs related to exhibitions, as requested.
• Assists with coordination of logistical needs for artist/curator visits including arranging honoraria, travel, lodging, meals, and any event-related logistics.
• Assists with hosting visiting artists/curators, including itineraries, transportation, and entertainment

Administrative

• Assists with master colleague and artist mailing lists.
• Assists Registrar with updating and maintaining exhibitions and loans database.
• Assists with distribution and inventory maintenance for publications.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Highly developed writing and copy editing skills.
• Strong oral communication skills and confidence in public speaking.
• Strong attention to detail, high level of accuracy, and strong problem solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively with staff, trustees, artists, arts professionals, and the public.
• Computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Skilled in establishing priorities, coordinating multiple complex projects simultaneously, and meeting deadlines.
• Ability to work independently as well as closely with a small team.
• A flexible/versatile approach to ensuring every project’s success.
• Passion for contemporary art and culture.
• Advanced degree in art history, museum studies, or museum curating preferred.
• Some experience in the field, either at a similar organization or through independent practice.
• Fluency in English.

JOB CONTEXT AND WORKING CONDITIONS

• Seated in an open office area with regular co-worker interaction.
• Must be able to sit for long periods of computer use.
• Occasional evening and weekend hours as necessary.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

There are no special physical requirements for this position.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Direct reports: None

Indirect reports: None

CONTACT INFORMATION

Email cover letter, résumé or cv, 1-2 substantive writing samples (no more than 2000 words) and contact information for 3 professional references to Rose Bouthillier at rbouthillier@mocacleveland.org and Christina Eagleeye-Wilson at cwilson@mocacleveland.org. Please use the subject line CURATORIAL ASSISTANT.

Incomplete submissions will not be considered.

No phone calls please.

MOCA
Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland
11400 Euclid Ave
Cleveland, OH 44106
www.mocacleveland.org/