Curatorial Assistant for the Asian and Mediterranean Collection

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Published on 6 August 2024

Harvard Art Museums

Job Summary

The Harvard Art Museums offer an exciting opportunity to join the curatorial team in the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art. The Curatorial Assistant for the Collection works with extensive collections of Ancient, Asian, and Islamic art, conducting cataloguing in the collections database (TMS) and maintaining curatorial object files. The role involves original research on collection objects, including provenance, date, material and technique, artist and workshop, exhibition history, and bibliography. The Assistant ensures museum standards for the presentation and documentation of collection information are met, making the collection accessible to faculty, students, and the public.

Position Description

Duties and Responsibilities:

Prepare and organize collection gallery installations (CGIs) through cataloguing, TMS data entry, planning, and internal process coordination.
Assist in organizing permanent collection gallery changes.
Support and coordinate collections-based exhibitions, including preparation of checklists, cataloguing artworks, program planning, budget tracking, and record keeping.
Support the acquisition process through research, cataloguing, documentation, and paperwork preparation.
Assist in reviewing incoming loan requests and document and catalogue artworks for outbound loans.
Coordinate the bimonthly transit list, liaising with colleagues and submitting to collections management by deadline.
Coordinate photography of collection artworks, submit images to the Digital Imaging and Visual Resources department, approve external image requests, and verify collection images in TMS.
Correspond with museum donors, collections committee members, gallery owners, and artists, maintaining strict confidentiality.
Coordinate Art Study Center visits for curators and outside scholars, and facilitate the collections for use in classes, including occasional teaching.
Train new staff in collections database software and conduct TMS cleanup projects.
Assist in coordinating divisional programming such as study days and outside scholar visits.
Respond to internal and external collections inquiries, prepare object checklists and database reports.
Build and maintain constructive working relationships with museum colleagues and others within and outside the university community.
Perform other related duties and special projects as required.
Assist in major museum-wide initiatives, including collaborations with Institutional Advancement or Conservation.

Basic Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience in a directly-related role.
Minimum of two years of related experience in a museum, archive, special collection, or cultural properties institution.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

Background in art history or museum studies preferred; familiarity with Islamic and/or South Asian cultures and languages preferred.
Art-historical research skills, project management skills, and excellent written and oral communications skills are advantageous.
Proficiency in MS Office, especially Word and Excel; experience with TMS is a strong asset.
Knowledge of at least one relevant non-English language preferred.
Ability to function well both independently and as part of a team.

Physical Requirements:

Office setting work; must be able to lift and carry objects weighing up to 15 pounds.
Travel to other local Harvard Art Museums sites may be required.

Additional Information:

Some evening and weekend work may be required.
Encouragement to stay up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Work Format Details:

Hybrid position based in Massachusetts.
Remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States.

About the Harvard Art Museums

The Harvard Art Museums—comprising the Fogg Museum, Busch-Reisinger Museum, and Arthur M. Sackler Museum—are dedicated to advancing learning at Harvard University and beyond. The diverse collection, among the largest in the United States, is celebrated and explored within a larger story of artistic expression and contemporary issues. Through research, teaching, and public education, the museums strive to enhance the understanding and appreciation of art. The museums value staff diversity and are committed to building a culturally diverse community.

Benefits

Visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website to learn about the benefits package, including paid time off, health and welfare, work/life and wellness, retirement, tuition assistance, professional development, commuting and transportation, and Harvard facilities access, discounts, and perks.