Curatorial Associate (Job #67514)

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Senior Curator, the Curatorial Associate performs tasks across a variety of functions in support of BAMPFA exhibitions and collections. The Curatorial Associate supports all aspects of the exhibition process in the Art Curatorial Department at BAMPFA, bringing some experience in the museum field as well as knowledge of a broad range of art historical areas and the international art world. Tasks include exhibition preparation (research, preparing checklists and generating texts for didactics, wall labels, and publicity materials; maintaining schedules and files); and general administrative tasks including managing ongoing exhibition proposals, proposed gifts, inquiries and related correspondence, while upholding professional museum standards. This position requires administrative support including preparing agendas and minutes for select meetings, developing guests lists, making travel arrangements, processing reimbursements, creating itineraries, corresponding with artists, trustees, donors, lenders, and other museum partners. The Curatorial Associate manages high volume of information to and from the curatorial department. Maintains contact information for artists, galleries, and colleagues.

Exhibition Planning Assistance

Assist as needed in all areas of exhibition development for collection, touring, and special exhibitions to include loan requests, checklists, layout, maquettes, travel, etc. Coordinate arrangements with artists, art institutions, collectors, and potential lenders for exhibitions. Keep track of additions and changes to the checklist throughout the exhibition development process. Draft invitation copy, wall labels, artist invitation packages, and exhibition fact sheets. Assist in the development of exhibition presentations, press and marketing materials, individual and corporate funding requests, and other documents.

Assist with the accuracy and editing of exhibition press releases. Give exhibition tours to public and private audiences as needed.

Correspondence and Writing

Adopt existing written materials for various internal and external needs, such as brief exhibition listings for publications, website listings, social media blurbs, exhibition highlights, and solicitation materials. Work on sensitive communications, particularly in relation to loan agreements, artwork insurance values, billing, and exhibition scheduling. Draft general and sensitive correspondence to artists, dealers, donors, and curators to be reviewed and sent by the Chief Curator. Answer inquiries and reply to unsolicited artist emails.

Research Assistance

Assist with general research on artworks and artists and potential topics for exhibition, collection and programs. Apply a full range of skills to gather and synthesize scholarly, art historical, visual, and artist information.

Administrative Assistance

Determine need for payment and billing paperwork from various vendors and suppliers. Track payments to vendors and artists. Initiate expense reimbursements. Research vendors to procure necessary goods and services for exhibitions. Maintains and improves departmental organizational systems.

Coordination

Coordinate with artists, dealers, collectors with regard to schedules, biographic and bibliography publication material, and travel in relation to exhibition planning and collection maintenance. Schedule complex domestic and international travel itineraries and composes itineraries for artists. Assist curatorial team on national and international travel planning including itineraries, bookings, and meeting coordination. May curate smaller-scale projects such as the MFA Thesis Show, the Art Wall, and the Outdoor Screen (commensurate with experience).

Catalog Production

Edit and proofread all written catalog materials for content consistency, factual and grammatical errors. Assist with exhibition catalog publication, including all front and back matter, bibliographic and caption information. Locate or commission photographic materials, provides captions and credit lines, and secures reproduction permission. Work with an editor as necessary to deliver content and incorporate feedback.

Archives

Generates important institutional documentation in relation to the exhibition archive, as well as materials in the collection. Requests, duplicates, labels, mails, and archives installation images. Work with content management software to ensure records are accurate.

Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrates ability to use sound judgment in responding to issues and concerns.
• Knowledge of a broad range of art historical areas and familiarity with standard museum and curatorial practices.
• Expert in communication and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively. Highly developed writing skills, including editing and document preparation. Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Proficient in the ability to use discretion and maintain all confidentiality. Ability to work effectively with staff, trustees, artists, scholars, arts professionals, and the public by demonstrating collaboration, sensitivity, and diplomacy.
• Demonstrates ability to analyze, research, and synthesize large amounts of data with strong attention to detail.
• Proficient in the ability to multi-task with demanding timeframes. Project management skills in establishing priorities, coordinating multiple complex projects simultaneously, and meeting deadlines.
• Demonstrates strong attention to detail, accuracy, and organization.
• Computer skills, including MS Office, Google Drive, and project management systems. Collection management software experience preferred.
• Ability to prioritize teamwork.
• Ability to propose solutions to problems.

Education and Training:

Bachelor's degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

The hourly range / budgeted salary for this position is $28.73 - $31.60 an hour ($59,988.24 - $65,980.80.) Due to compliance with California SB-1162, BAMPFA will not be able to offer a candidate anything above this posted amount.

This is a 100% Career position with full benefits, non-exempt, paid hourly and bi-weekly. This position is eligible for 20% remote work. This is not a visa opportunity.

How to Apply (Job #67514)

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