Curatorial Assistant, Drawings and Prints - 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 and worker protections
Working with world-class art collections providing unique professional development opportunities
Museum industry standard benefits package likely including healthcare, retirement plans, and cultural institution perks

Key Responsibilities

Lead curatorial research and support for major exhibitions focusing on late 1970s/early 1980s downtown New York art scene
Manage critical collection documentation and preservation processes
Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders including artists, collectors, and galleries
Contribute to scholarly publications and exhibition materials
Oversee collection inspection and maintenance protocols

Requirements

Education

Master's degree in art history required

Experience

One to two years' experience supporting loan exhibitions and accompanying publications

Required Skills

Superior research and writing skills Strong organizational skills and attention to detail Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint Experience with works on paper Working knowledge of The Museum System (TMS) Proficiency in a second language (preferred)
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Cultural institutions are increasingly digitizing collections and expanding online presence, requiring curatorial staff to develop digital competencies Growing focus on diversity and representation in art institutions is reshaping curatorial approaches and exhibition planning Increased emphasis on public engagement and educational programming is expanding traditional curatorial roles

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary of $69,211 is slightly below market average for similar positions at major museums in NYC, where ranges typically fall between $70,000-85,000 for comparable roles

Role Significance

Typically part of a 5-8 person curatorial team within the Drawings and Prints department, collaborating across museum departments
Mid-level position with significant responsibility supporting senior curators while developing independent expertise

Key Projects

Major exhibition development focusing on 1970s/80s New York art scene Collection cataloging and documentation initiatives Publication and research projects supporting institutional scholarship Public programming and educational content development

Success Factors

Deep knowledge of contemporary art history with specific expertise in late 20th century American art Strong project management abilities to handle multiple exhibition timelines Excellence in scholarly research and writing Ability to build and maintain professional relationships across the art world Detail-oriented approach to collection management and documentation

Market Demand

Moderate demand with competitive candidate pool due to specialized nature of role and prestigious institution

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Art historical expertise specifically in late 20th century American art scene Collection management and preservation knowledge Advanced research and writing capabilities Project management and exhibition planning experience

Beneficial Skills

Digital collection management systems expertise Foreign language proficiency Public speaking and educational programming experience Contemporary art market knowledge

Unique Aspects

Focus on specific historical period (late 1970s/early 1980s downtown New York art scene) indicates specialized exhibition project
Union position offering unique worker protections in cultural sector
Opportunity to work with one of world's premier print collections

Career Growth

Typical progression to Associate Curator role within 3-5 years, full Curator position within 7-10 years depending on performance and opportunity

Potential Next Roles

Associate Curator Curator of Prints and Drawings Department Head Independent Curator Museum Education Director

Company Overview

The Museum of Modern Art

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

Leading cultural institution with significant influence in the global art world and museum sector
Flagship museum in NYC's cultural landscape with international reach and significance
Professional, academic environment with emphasis on scholarship and curatorial excellence, balanced with public engagement and education
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