The Curatorial Assistant performs research and project management-oriented duties while working on exhibitions, publications, acquisitions, and other 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 including loans and loan correspondence, artist and gallery correspondence, data entry, image scanning, scheduling meetings, and making travel arrangements
• Work closely with Exhibition Production, Registration, Exhibition Management, Communications, Education and Visitor Services, and Advancement staff. Adhere to exhibition planning process timelines.
• Assist Curators with exhibition-related didactics including object label copy and wall texts. Coordinate external editors and translators. 
• Assist Curators with exhibition-related publications including securing copyright permissions, arranging artwork photography, compiling research as directed. Work closely with external editors, designers, and publishers. 
• Perform internet, library, and archival research for exhibitions, publications, and potential acquisitions. 
• Prepare Acquisitions Reports and PowerPoint presentations for potential Permanent Collection objects; provide information to Registrar, work with donors and galleries as needed.
• Develop and maintain working relationships and appropriately represent the Museum to outside organizations, collectors, artists and others. 
• In select instances, organize modest exhibitions from the permanent collection; choose objects for the checklist; didactic materials; speak publicly about the exhibition; give tours as needed. 

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 knowledge, Google Workspace
• Ability to use The Museum System (TMS) database preferred.  

Hourly Rate: $23.08 – $27.18 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.