Position Title: Curatorial Assistant
Department: Exhibitions and Programs
Reports To: Director of Curatorial Affairs
Position Classification: Regular, Full-time, Non-Exempt (Hourly), Benefits-Eligible
Work Location: Onsite at the Queens Museum (Corona, Queens). Hybrid – 3 days onsite required
Work Schedule: Monday – Friday (10:00 AM – 6:00 PM); evenings and weekends as needed
Salary Band: E4 – Assistant
Salary Range: $22.05 per hour – $24.61 per hour ($43,000.00 – $48,000.00 Annually)
Management Classification: Non-Supervisory
About the Queens Museum
The Queens Museum is dedicated to presenting the highest quality visual arts and educational programming for people in the New York metropolitan area, and particularly for the residents of Queens, a uniquely diverse, ethnic, cultural, and international community.
The Museum fulfills its mission by designing and providing art exhibitions, public programs, and educational experiences that promote the appreciation and enjoyment of art, support the creative efforts of artists, and enhance the quality of life through interpreting, collecting, and exhibiting art, architecture, and design.
Position Overview
The Curatorial Assistant is a key part of the Exhibitions and Programs Team and is responsible for supporting the development and delivery of an integrated program of exhibitions and public programs. Reporting to the Director of Curatorial Affairs and Programs, they are responsible for a variety of curatorial and administrative tasks including exhibition research, planning, programs and events; managing contacts and correspondence; assisting with the coordination of catalogs, didactic materials, and exhibition documentation; and writing and editing exhibition-related copy.
Successful candidates will be proactive self-starters and demonstrate enthusiasm for the QM’s mission and program. This position offers significant opportunities for professional development and creative collaboration across the NYC arts and culture sector.
Essential Functions
Works closely to support the Director of Curatorial Affairs and Programs to organize exhibitions
Provides administrative support for the Director of Curatorial Affairs, including scheduling meetings, creating PowerPoint presentations, assisting with travel arrangements, and processing invoices and expense reports
Provides support for the Exhibitions team in the publications process
Support and attend onsite programs, including evenings and weekends as needed
Participates in, and assists with, staff training on exhibitions, as required
Assists with the maintenance of accurate exhibition checklists, image files, lenders, and other exhibition details
Collaborate with programming staff on wall texts and labels
Share departmental administrative tasks with Assistant Curators and support the team as needed
Maintain department calendar of recurring meetings and staff travel
Maintain department’s contacts database
Participate in weekly team and all staff meetings
This list represents the essential functions of the role, this list does not constitute an exhaustive list of job functions
Competencies
Demonstrates initiative, resourcefulness and a creative approach to problem-solving
Thrives in culturally diverse settings
Displays a high level of support for colleagues, builds professional and respectful relationships with others
Adaptability and flexibility
Ability to work independently and as a team player in a fast-paced environment, handling multiple tasks and adhering to deadlines
Qualifications
Knowledge of international contemporary art and public practice
Accomplished research, writing, and editing skills applied in the field of contemporary art
Proven time management skills with the ability to complete assignments from conception to delivery
Proven ability to collaborate effectively across teams
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Art History, Museum Studies, or a related field and/or its work experience equivalent
2+ years experience working in the field of contemporary art
Availability to work evenings and weekends as needed
Excellent research, writing, editing, and interpersonal communication skills.
Proficient with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, Windows, and Mac environments
Prior experience with a CRM or collections database (preferred)
How to Apply
Apply through our online careers portal: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=d420faa1-59f7-423a-9681-6b6764dddd4d&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=461359&lang=en_US&source=EN
Submit the following materials Applications are due at 11:59 PM on Sunday, March 12, 2023.
A resume outlining your work experience
A Cover letter describing your interest in this position
Please note that due to the high volume of applications, only complete applications including a cover letter will be considered for an interview. Late applications will not be considered for this 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
Interview Process
Introductory interview (Zoom)
Final interview (onsite at the QM)
Start of work
Please note: only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.
Benefits
This is a full-time benefits-eligible position to participate in the following benefits:
Generous Paid Time Off including Vacation, Sick Leave, and Personal Days
(11) Paid Holidays & (4) Summer Fridays per year
Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
Retirement Benefits (401K savings plan, Pension plan, and Life Insurance policy)
Employee Assistance Program
Free affiliate admission to most American Museums
Living Land Acknowledgment
The Queens Museum would like to acknowledge the past, present, and future generations of Matinecock, Canarsie, Lekawe (Rockaway), Munsee Lenape, and the interconnected Matouwac communities across the Greater Long Island region, as stewards of the land.
As both a museum of art and a historic site built on unceded Indigenous lands, the Queens Museum is committed to working towards a living land acknowledgment built on listening, collaboration, and action together with Indigenous communities. We recognize the ongoing impacts of the violent colonial displacement of Native people–as well as the displacement of animal relatives and the disruption of natural ecosystems–by the United States.
We invite our communities to join us in taking action now by devoting time to taking care of the land, whether this be cleaning up your local park or donating to an Indigenous-led advocacy group.
Hybrid Work Model
The QM team is currently practicing a hybrid work model, incorporating a blend of onsite and remote working. QM department heads require attendance onsite at the Museum 3 days per week, to participate in in-person meetings and project work.
EEOC Statement
The Queens Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, familial status, marital status, military status, sexual orientation, genetic information, HIV status, arrest record, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, genetic information, domestic violence victim status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Our management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities and general treatment during employment. Our commitment to equal opportunity employment applies to all persons involved in our operations and prohibits unlawful discrimination by any employee, including supervisors and co-workers.
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement
The highest priority of the Queens Museum is safeguarding the health and safety of its employees and communities. It is therefore the policy of the QM to require employees to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination as a measure of public safety. As such, proof of COVID-19 vaccination is a condition of employment of the Queens Museum. This job offer is conditional upon proof of COVID-19 vaccination, which is to be submitted to Human Resources prior to the start of work date stated on this letter. Requests for reasonable accommodations for persons who cannot show proof of vaccination because of a disability, pregnancy, religious belief, status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking, or sex offenses or for medical, or other covered reasons will be considered in accordance with all applicable laws.