Curatorial Assistant

Published on 13 May 2024

Role Overview

The Curatorial Assistant (CA) will support the Associate Curator, Malloy Curator, and Dayton Director with research, administrative, and editorial tasks for exhibitions and publications. The CA will facilitate access to the museum collection, give tours, respond to external requests for images and research, and supervise student interns. The CA can propose and execute exhibitions and programs.

Responsibilities

1. Department Administration: Provide support on exhibitions, publications, and other projects. Maintain organization and ensure deadlines are met.
2. Exhibition Management: Organize and maintain exhibition checklists. Keep images and artwork captions updated and communicate changes.
3. Interdepartmental Communication: Collaborate with various departments on loan requests, programming ideas, social media content, and project communications.
4. Writing and Editing: Write and edit exhibition and publication texts. Research skills and knowledge of contemporary art, art history, and Chicago Manual of Style required.
5. Image Organization: Liaise with photographers, ensure timely photography of exhibitions, and manage image approvals and usage.
6. Publication Management: Work with curators to keep publications on track, liaising with editors, designers, and printers. Secure hi-res images and copyright permissions.
7. Cataloging and Digitization: Assist in cataloging and digitization by researching the collection and updating cataloging data in the collections management system, EmbARK.
8. External Engagement: Respond to requests for image use, artwork loans, and research on the Tang collection. Represent the museum at public events, art fairs, and conferences.
9. Project Proposals: Propose and execute own exhibitions or projects, managing all logistical details and collaborating with artists and departments.
10. Intern Supervision: Supervise 3–5 student interns, assign projects, provide training, and review tasks.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Museum or prior work experience
• Experience with collection management systems preferred

Application Requirements

• Online application
• Cover Letter
• Resume
• List of Three References

Compensation

• Pay Range: $24.73 – $25.83 per hour ($45,000 – $47,000 annually)
• Position: 35 hours per week, 12 months per year