Curatorial Assistant, Modern and Contemporary Art

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The Menil Collection

The Curatorial Assistant, Modern and Contemporary Art, provides research and exhibition support to the Senior Curator. The role of Curatorial Assistant is a three-year appointment that may be extended beyond its initial ending date.

Specific Duties

Assist and support the Senior Curator with research related to the modern and contemporary collection and specific exhibitions.
Work cooperatively with other departments, including, but not limited to, development, publications, advancement, and conservation, to provide exhibition descriptions, essays, and other materials.
Research and catalog the Museum collection.
Assist in research and preparation for potential acquisitions for the collection, including biographical and bibliographical research, maintains files, and communicate with dealers, galleries, collectors, and artists.
Assist in maintaining the collection and loans and expediting arrangements for registration, conservation, and preparation work as required in the gallery, study, and storage areas.
Assist Senior Curator with all aspects of exhibition research, planning, organization, and realization.
Write, edit, and assist in producing Museum publications and exhibition-related materials, including gallery guides and extended object labels.
Perform exhibition support functions, including bibliographic and checklist research, loan correspondence, publication research and production, website development, and public program planning.
Function as a liaison with outside persons and organizations and other departments within the Museum.
Answer inquiries and conducts gallery tours for visitors, patrons, member groups, etc.

Qualifications

Master’s degree in art, art history, or museum studies with demonstrated scholarship in Modern and Contemporary Art.
Minimum two years experience working in a museum.
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail
Superior research, writing, and editing skills.
Ability to prioritize and independently manage workload.
Motivated self-starter.
Professional appearance and demeanor.

Benefits

The position comes with a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid vacation and sick time, medical and dental insurance, life insurance, AD&D, and LTD coverage. Employees may also participate in the Menil’s 401(k) plan and receive an employer contribution equivalent to 5% of wages earned after one year on the job.

Salary
40,000-42,000/annually

Contact
Human Resources- hr@menil.org

How to Apply / Contact

For immediate consideration, please email your resume and cover letter to hr@menil.org You also have the option of forwarding your application materials via postal mail to: The Menil Collection is an Equal Opportunity Employer and seeks diversity in its workforce. The Menil is committed to attracting, retaining, developing, and promoting the most qualified employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Mission Statement The Menil Collection is committed to its founders’ belief that art is essential to human experience. Located in central Houston, the Menil fosters direct personal encounters with works of art, and welcomes all visitors free of charge to its museum buildings and surrounding green spaces.

Values Statement The Menil’s institutional culture and actions are guided by the following core values:

Inclusivity We are committed to being equitable, inclusive, and welcoming to all people.
Integrity We strive toward transparency and accountability, and we actively work to combat bias and racism in all of our practices, interactions, and activities.
Empathy We are a small staff who work closely together. We listen to different points of view and are committed to acting with kindness, respect, and understanding toward one another.
Excellence We uphold the highest professional standards. We consistently strive to innovate those standards and exceed expectations.
Intellectual Curiosity Guided by our founders’ vision, we are committed to being socially and culturally aware, to pursuing new and challenging ideas, and to advancing new scholarship and new perspectives.
Community We aim to contribute to the cultural vibrancy of our diverse community by being a site for learning, sharing, and the free exchange of ideas. We are a thoughtful and active member of the Montrose and greater Houston community; we are a good neighbor and responsible partner.

Diversity and Inclusion Statement “Houston, this is your museum.” – Dominique de Menil Firm in the belief that art is essential to human experience, the Menil Collection remains free to all, always. From their philanthropic vision to their work with artists, our founders sought to combat prejudice and champion social justice. This legacy lives on in our work and mission, to which diversity, inclusion, and equitable representation are fundamental. True commitment to diversity and inclusion is an active process; we are dedicated to the work of listening, learning, and taking action that this ongoing commitment necessitates. It is our responsibility to reflect the diversity of our community, from our galleries and programming to our offices and green spaces. At the Menil, you are included, welcomed, and needed.