Curatorial Fellow – Photography

Beaumont and Nancy Newhall Curatorial Fellow – Photography, MoMA

Location: New York, NY 10019, USA
Position Type: Full-Time, Three-Year Fellowship
Job Requisition Number: BEAUM002126
Salary: $67,393 per annum (increasing to $70,089 per union contract in May 2025)

The Department of Photography at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) houses one of the most important collections of modern and contemporary photography in the world, with over 25,000 works. Endowed by Beaumont & Nancy Newhall, this three-year curatorial fellowship supports senior curatorial staff by assisting with acquisitions, collection records, bibliographic and biographical documentation, and research for exhibitions and publications.

Responsibilities

• Exhibition & Research Support:
  • Collaborate with photography curators on research, checklist compilation, catalogue preparation, loan correspondence, wall label creation, and publication research and production.
  • Assist in preparing checklists from compilation to data entry; coordinate and schedule work in areas such as conservation, photography, public information, matting and framing, construction, and lighting.
• Committee Participation:
  • Participate in meetings of the Committee on Photography, prepare acquisition blurbs, and present works to the Committee.
• Collection Management:
  • Conduct regular inspections of collection galleries and assist with follow-up arrangements for any damage or deterioration.
• Public Engagement:
  • Respond to inquiries and lead gallery tours for visitors as needed.
  • Assist in organizing public programs.
• Cross-Department Collaboration:
  • Liaise with departments including exhibitions, conservation, publications, learning and engagement, graphic design, and the frame shop.
• Professional Development:
  • Stay informed about current developments in the photography field through visits, publications, and recommendations to senior staff.
• Additional Duties:
  • Perform any other tasks reasonably related to the outlined responsibilities.

Requirements

• Education:
  • A Bachelor’s degree in Art History is required; a Master’s degree is preferred, particularly with a background in photography history or modern and contemporary art history.
• Experience:
  • Prior relevant work experience with expertise in areas of departmental interest.
• Skills:
  • Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and adapt to new opportunities.
  • Strict attention to detail, a rigorous approach to tasks, and the capacity to multitask effectively.
  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
  • Superior research and writing abilities.
  • Knowledge of a second language is preferred.
• Personal Attributes:
  • A high level of enthusiasm to work within a curatorial team and across various Museum departments.