Curatorial Assistant

The Curatorial Assistant performs research and project management-oriented duties while working on exhibitions, publications, acquisitions, and other curatorial projects. Duties include performing general art historical research, maintaining exhibition files and collection database (The Museum System), drafting correspondence and other texts, responding to inquiries, and serving as liaison to other Museum departments, museums, galleries, collectors, artists, and trustees. The Curatorial Assistant may also be tasked with organizing smaller exhibitions, when appropriate.

Essential Functions:

• Assist curators with all aspects of exhibition organization and implementation including loans and loan correspondence, artist and gallery correspondence, data entry, image scanning and maintenance of digital image assets, scheduling meetings, making travel arrangements, drafting grant applications, coordinating installation photography, and developing public programming.

• Work closely with Exhibition Production, Registration, Exhibition Management, Communications, Education and Visitor Services, and Advancement staff. Assist curators in developing exhibition planning process timelines and facilitating the flow of exhibition content information (e.g., images, checklists, floor plans, exhibition descriptions, installation plans, technical requirements, web copy, press materials) so that timelines may be adhered to.

• Assist curators with exhibition-related didactics including object label copy,wall texts, and brochures. Coordinate external editors and translators.

• Assist curators with exhibition-related publications including securing copyright permissions, arranging artwork photography, compiling research as directed, and copy editing and proofing. Work closely with external editors, designers, authors and other contributors, and publishers and with MOCA’s Chief of Public Engagement, Learning & Impact and Retail Department.

• Lead exhibition tours and speak publicly about exhibitions, when appropriate.

• Perform internet, library, and archival research for exhibitions, publications, collections, and potential acquisitions.

• Prepare Acquisitions Reports and PowerPoint presentations for potential acquisitions; provide proposed collection information to Registrar, and work with donors and galleries as needed.

• Develop and maintain working relationships and appropriately represent the Museum to outside organizations, collectors, artists, and others.

• Participate in ongoing, general department administrative projects, including collection care and development of best practices and procedures, and administrative work in support of the curatorial vision of the Chief Curator & Director of Curatorial Affairs.

• In select instances, organize modest exhibitions from the permanent collection.

Requirements:

• Must possess the ability to communicate and interact well with others.

• Excellent grammar, writing, and organizational skills.

• Must be able to perform art historical research and effectively aid in managing exhibition projects.

• Knowledge of contemporary art is a must, and possession of an M.A. in art history or related subject is highly preferred, as is previous museum or gallery experience.

• Ability to use Microsoft Office including Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Photoshop, Google Workspace, SketchUp.

• Previous experience with The Museum System (TMS) database preferred.

Hourly Rate: $23.08 - $26.68 per hour

This position is covered by MOCA/AFSCME Collective Bargaining Unit Agreement: NO

Physical Demands:

While performing the essential functions of this job, the incumbent must be able to do the following: sit for extended periods; participate in art installation as needed. Specific visual abilities include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Must be able to visually inspect work. Manual dexterity to operate computer and other office equipment required. Heavy usage of computers and phones required.

The physical demands described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made.

The Museum of Contemporary Art is an equal opportunity employer. We will extend equal opportunity to all individuals without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military status, veteran status or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local laws. Our policy reflects and affirms the Museum of Contemporary Art’s commitment to the principles of fair employment and the elimination of all discriminatory practices.

Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.