OPEN CALL:MoMA Announces Architecture Curatorial Assistant Job Openings

The Museum of Modern Art is currently accepting applications for two Curatorial Assistants in the Department of Architecture and Design: one to provide support for an upcoming contemporary architecture exhibition, collection-based rotation displays, and acquisitions to the collection, and one to provide support for an upcoming research and exhibition project on African Modernism as well as other exhibitions and acquisitions to the collection. Both Curatorial Assistants will work with colleagues across the Museum and with external colleagues to provide preparatory assistance and logistical support that ensures that exhibitions, collection care, programs, department operations and other daily functions are smoothly executed.

Additional responsibilities include:

–Assist senior curatorial staff in all areas of their responsibilities, including administrative work, e.g., taking detailed minutes of meetings, preparing presentations, drafting interoffice and extra-institutional communications, scheduling meetings, etc. Support research and preparation for exhibitions, collection-based rotations, publications, acquisitions, online content, collections records, bibliographic and biographical records and files, departmental committee meetings, loans, and general curatorial inquiries.

–Assist with preparation of exhibitions and collection-based rotations, including scholarly research and writing. Assist with arranging loans; catalog preparation; preparation of exhibition checklists in CEMS and related platforms; and coordinating and scheduling prep work to be done within the Museum and without in areas such as interpretive materials, conservation, photography, matting, framing, construction, lighting, etc. Assist with the preparation and installation of wall labels, publication texts images rights and other materials as assigned.

–Communicate closely with living architects and collaborators to support the selection, contextualization and display of models and drawings, as well as other mediums of architectural representation.

–Conduct daily inspection of works on view in the collection galleries and in temporary exhibitions and assist in necessary follow-up arrangements. Answer inquiries and conduct some gallery tours as necessary for visitors, etc.

–Answer related inquiries from the public and scholars with regard to works in the collection.

–Work with curatorial interns and other titles as assigned.

–Keep informed of current artistic and exhibition activities related to local, national and international architects by visiting galleries and museums, reading publications, conducting architect studio visits, etc., and convey perspectives and observations to the senior staff.

–Perform any other duties reasonably related to the functions described above.

Requirements:

–Master’s degree in art history or architecture, or a comparable academic field, relevant work experience and competence within area of departmental interest.

–For the Curatorial Assistant working on a contemporary architecture exhibiton and collections, expertise and deep knowledge of contemporary architecture on a local, national, and global scale required. For the Curatorial Assistant working on a project on African Modernism, expertise in the history of modern architecture in a global perspective, specifically African Modernism, is preferred, but not required. For both positions, a keen interest in the history of the display of architecture at MoMA and a curiosity to develop new models for their display strongly encouraged.

–Sufficient flexibility and high level of enthusiasm to work as part of a curatorial team as well as openness to feedback and curiosity for learning and mentorship from colleagues.

–Excellent research, writing, and organizational skills, as well as ability to effectively communicate interpersonally across multiple departments, constituencies and audiences.

–Exceptional attention to detail, professionalism and discretion in handling sensitive situations and matters.

–Ability to prioritize across a fast-paced work environment and manage more than one project at a time while completing assignments on deadline.

–Facility with critical thinking and problem-solving.

–Working knowledge of standard office technology, procedures and equipment.

–Reading knowledge and verbal fluency in one language other than English.

Reports to: Chief Curator, Architecture and Design and Department Manager

Application instructions: To apply, please visit MoMA Jobs. Applicants should submit a resume and a statement of interest by no later than September 6, 2021. Resumes will be reviewed on a rolling basis.