Assistant Curator

The Assistant Curator, reporting to the Curator, joins a growing Curatorial Department as The Studio Museum in Harlem prepares to open in its new building. The position will coordinate projects for the Museum’s inaugural year of programming and has the opportunity to propose and organize exhibitions, write texts for publications, and participate in public program engagements. This role also helps establish and maintain records and files that are necessary for the operation of the department. The Assistant Curator collaborates with colleagues across Museum departments, and is in dialogue with artists, patrons, and other arts professionals as tied to the work of the department.

 

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Coordinate projects and installations, collaborating with relevant internal and external parties
  • Conduct research on, create proposals for, and organize temporary exhibitions; produce accompanying didactics and publications; and participate in related learning and engagement programming
  • Contribute original research and writing for the Museum’s publications, social media, website, Studio magazine, and other outlets
  • Propose and help facilitate acquisitions to the Museum’s collection
  • Cultivate and maintain relationships with artists, donors, collectors, gallerists, curators, and others relevant to the Museum’s mission and work
  • Participate in public programs, patron events, and exhibition discussions with Museum constituencies
  • Attend approved off-site exhibitions, studio visits with artists, symposia, and programs
  • Complete administrative tasks related to the department budget, calendar, exhibition schedule, etc.
  • With Department colleagues, develop and maintain exhibition-related workflows, logistics, and schedules
  • Compile and maintain exhibition archives, object files, and artist files
  • Work collaboratively across multiple departments, including Collections and Exhibitions Management, Communications, Development, Director’s Office, Finance, Information Technology, and Learning and Engagement
  • Supervise Studio Museum/MoMA Curatorial Fellow
  • Other duties as assigned

 

Qualifications:

Required:

  • Strong background in mid-twentieth century and contemporary art by artists of African descent
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in art history or a related field
  • Familiarity with The Museum System (TMS/TMS Collections) and NetX
  • Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud
  • Experience working in a museum or cultural organization
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team

 

 Desirable:

  •        Knowledge of museum standards and practices

 

Competencies:

Required:

  • Commitment (Core Value) to the mission and values of The Studio Museum in Harlem
  • Collaborative (Core Value) with others at all levels of the organization as well as with key external stakeholders
  • Initiative (Core Value) demonstrated by taking self-directed, appropriate action to influence outcomes and / or drive progress and positive change

 

Key Stakeholders:

Internal:

  • Collections and Exhibitions Management, Communications, Development, Director’s Office, and Learning and Engagement departments

 

External:

  • Artists, estates, galleries, patrons, scholars, visitors, and other institutions

 

Travel Requirements:    ☒ Yes   ☐ No       0 - 10%

 

Physical Demands: ☒ Yes   ☐ No

  • 80% time spent sitting at the computer.
  • Some carrying and lifting up to 25 pounds.

 

Salary:

Salary Range : $55,000 – $75,000

Salary is commensurate with experience within the guidelines of a small not-for-profit. A competitive benefits package is provided, including medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance, a retirement account, and substantial vacation time.  

 

Application:

Please send your resume and cover letter to jobs@studiomuseum.org. Be sure to include "Assistant Curator" in the subject line. No phone calls or faxes.

Please note that while careful consideration will be given to each submission, the Museum will only be able to contact those applicants whose knowledge, skills, and work experience best fit the requirements of the position. 

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.

The Studio Museum in Harlem is an equal opportunity employer and considers all candidates for employment regardless of race, color, sex, age, gender identification, national origin, creed, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or political affiliation. We celebrate our inclusive work environment and encourage folks of all backgrounds and perspectives to apply. At the Studio Museum in Harlem, we are committed to having an inclusive and transparent environment where every voice is heard and acknowledged. We embrace our differences and know that our diverse team is a strength that drives our success. 

The Studio Museum is requiring proof of Covid-19 vaccination for employment. In order to be eligible, participants must show proof of vaccination and a form of personal ID.