Curatorial Assistant, Architecture + Design

Art transforms lives. It provokes us to think, to express, to explore our own creativity, to envision new possibilities. SFMOMA expanded the museum to provide a better experience for our visitors and a better home for our expanding collections, including the SFMOMA collection and the Fisher Collection, one of the finest collections of contemporary art in the world. The new SFMOMA, designed in collaboration with the architecture firm Snøhetta, opened May 14th 2016. With this project, we are transforming not just the museum’s physical presence, but also our contributions to the community, enhancing SFMOMA’s role as a place for learning, inspiration, and interaction for visitors from the Bay Area and beyond. We are making SFMOMA a magnet for contemporary art and for the audiences who will engage with it

The Curatorial Assistant works closely with SFMOMA’s permanent collection of Architecture + Design, providing research, administration and public information and engagement, under the direction of the A+D Curator. To this end, the Curatorial Assistant will have a large role in the Architecture + Design Accessions program, collection analysis, Team A+D and conservation, and collection visibility.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Under the direction of the Curator, conduct research and prepare fully referenced, well-written summaries on works in the permanent collection as well as works under consideration.
• Develop and maintain a robust understanding of the content and strengths of the permanent collection.
• Assist with maintaining collection records, including but not limited to research, catalogue preparation, exhibition and catalogue bibliography, overseeing copyright permissions, accuracy of object information, wall label copy and installation.
• Under the direction of the Assistant/Associate Curator, conduct research for the biannual A+D collection analysis, as needed.
• Work closely with Curator and Associate Curator on large-scale exhibitions
• Assist A+D curatorial staff in all areas of responsibilities, including administrative work in the context of curatorial functions, accessions, research for exhibitions and publications, departmental committees and general curatorial inquiries.
• Contribute to public programs in support of A+D initiatives through public, academic and high level donor walk-throughs, talks and programs
• Be familiar with A+D exhibition goals in the context of the permanent collection and assist in identifying potential accessions, as assigned.
• With the Department Assistant, maintain the A+D collection archives.
• Work with CIA, Registration, and Accessions to create new accessions records, gift records, and loans records using EmbARK (the museum’s collection database), and employing the A+D department style guide for object information consistency.
• Refine and update Accessions records as needed.
• Generate and oversee paperwork related to accessions, gifts, and loans using EmbARK.
• Working with CIA, Registration and Curators, oversee photography of collection.
• Answer related inquiries from the public and scholars with regard to the A+D collection.
• Assist with scholar visits, as needed.
• Assist in generating and refining exhibition checklists using EmbARK.
• Work with department interns, as assigned.
• Keep informed of current activity in the area of departmental interests through gallery and museum visits, publications, websites, etc., and conveys observations at department meetings.
• Collaborate with Conservation and Registration in the proper care, movement and storage of A+D objects.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Training: Master’s degree in Architecture, Design, Art History, Curatorial Studies, or closely related field is required. Must have a proven understanding of seminal design movements of the 20^th and 21^st centuries.

Work Experience: Minimum of one year related professional experience.

Skills required: Strong organizational and time management skills and attention to detail. Capacity to meet deadlines with minimal supervision. Stellar research skills that include but are not limited to, navigating special collections, libraries, internet, and in-person interviews. Ability to effectively communicate a variety of information through clear, articulate, and critical written and verbal skills. Ability to problem solve, work collaboratively, and maintain a professional demeanor. Ability to appropriately handle confidential information. Discretion and judgment regarding information about designers, the museum’s collection, staff and supporters, loans and proposals.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Physical Demands: None
Special Environmental Factors: Open office setting
Must regularly travel between SFMOMA museum offices and Collection Center in South San Francisco.

This is a union position subject to the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity.