Curatorial Assistant, Curatorial Affairs Division - Job Opportunity at The Museum of Modern Art

New York, US
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: February 28, 2025
On-site
USD 69,211 per year

Benefits

Union membership with Local 2110, UAW, AFL-CIO providing collective bargaining power
Cultural institution benefits typically including museum membership and exhibition access
Professional development opportunities through curatorial mentorship
Standard museum benefits package including healthcare and retirement plans

Key Responsibilities

Lead research and project coordination for major exhibitions including upcoming Piet Mondrian showcase
Author and edit critical museum publications and exhibition materials
Manage collection documentation and archival research
Coordinate cross-departmental exhibition logistics and loan arrangements
Conduct collection preservation oversight and quality control
Facilitate stakeholder communications across institutional departments and external partners

Requirements

Education

Master's degree in art history or related field preferred

Experience

Relevant curatorial experience required, specific years not specified

Required Skills

Well-grounded in American cultural history and European avant-garde Knowledge of music, especially jazz Experience supporting live work presentation Excellent research, writing, and organizational skills Interpersonal communication across multiple constituencies Critical thinking and problem-solving MS Word, Excel, G-Suite proficiency The Museum System (TMS) familiarity helpful Reading knowledge of one additional language Attention to detail and professional discretion Project management and deadline prioritization
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Cultural institutions are increasingly emphasizing digital engagement and cross-disciplinary programming, requiring curatorial staff to possess broader technological and multimedia competencies Rising focus on diversity and inclusive narratives in major museums is reshaping curatorial approaches and exhibition planning Growing importance of public engagement and educational outreach in curatorial roles reflects shifting museum priorities

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary of $69,211 is slightly below market average for similar roles at major museums in NYC, where comparable positions typically range from $70,000-85,000. However, the prestigious institution and union benefits help offset this.

Role Significance

Typically part of a 5-8 person curatorial team within a specific department, collaborating with broader museum staff of 50-100 across exhibitions and collections
Mid-level position with significant project ownership and direct impact on major exhibitions, while working under senior curatorial guidance

Key Projects

Major exhibition research and coordination including upcoming Mondrian showcase Collection documentation and preservation initiatives Publication development and scholarly content creation Cross-departmental project management and stakeholder coordination

Success Factors

Strong academic foundation combined with practical museum experience Exceptional attention to detail while maintaining broad cultural awareness Ability to balance multiple stakeholder needs across institutional hierarchy Effective project management skills in fast-paced cultural environment Strong research capabilities with both historical and contemporary relevance

Market Demand

Moderate to high demand, with increased competition for positions at premier institutions like MoMA. The specialized nature of the role and required expertise in both traditional art history and contemporary practices makes qualified candidates relatively scarce.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Research and writing expertise for scholarly publication contributions Project management capabilities for exhibition coordination Cross-cultural knowledge spanning art history and contemporary practices Interpersonal skills for stakeholder management

Beneficial Skills

Digital collection management system experience Additional language proficiency Understanding of conservation principles Public speaking and tour guidance abilities

Unique Aspects

Rare opportunity to work on major Mondrian exhibition
Combination of traditional art historical expertise with contemporary cultural knowledge including music
Union-protected position offering unique job security in cultural sector
Direct involvement in shaping narrative of world's leading modern art institution

Career Growth

Typical progression to Associate Curator or specialized curatorial role within 3-5 years, depending on project success and institutional growth

Potential Next Roles

Associate Curator Department Head Exhibition Curator Collections Manager Museum Education Director

Company Overview

The Museum of Modern Art

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is one of the world's preeminent institutions for modern and contemporary art, setting global standards for curation and exhibition

Leading global modern art museum with significant influence on international art discourse and market trends
Flagship NYC institution with global reach and partnerships
Professional, academic environment with emphasis on scholarly excellence and innovation, balanced by collaborative teamwork and mentorship
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