Curatorial Assistant/Fellow

Job Description Summary

The Richard and Carole Cocks Art Museum (RCCAM) at Miami University seeks a Curatorial Assistant /Fellow to assist the Curator of Exhibitions and museum team members in the preparation of an exhibition and related highlights catalog publication, incorporating the history of the Art Museum and its collections. They will also contribute to the development of related social media, video, blogs, and website content.

This a two year position (24 months) intended for an early career curator, arts researcher, or art historian who is a recent post-graduate in art history, curatorial practices or a related field.

Job Description

Curatorial Assistant /Fellow to assist the Curator of Exhibitions and museum team members in the preparation of an exhibition and related highlights catalog publication, incorporating the history of the Art Museum and its collections. They will also contribute to the development of related social media, video, blogs, and website content. Responsibilities include researching and writing didactic materials for a future exhibition, assisting with the selection of objects and support images, and generating the narrative for the highlights catalog.

Core responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Research on physical and digital collections of relevant object collections and museum photographic and physical archives, including donor files, collections, exhibitions and staff histories

• Writing didactic materials for exhibition purposes.

• Assist with the selection of objects for display and relevant support images, and image research and coordination of new photography.

• Writing and editing text panel, object label, and catalog content.

• Entering information into The Museum System (TMS) database (Collections Management System) and creating online catalogs of collections

• Opportunities to engage in educational program planning and facilitation.

• Help develop social media outputs with digital media team.

• Assist with design of the installation plan and exhibition flow.

Under the supervision of the Curator of Exhibitions, this individual will work independently and as part of a team to undertake a variety of curatorial and administrative tasks including exhibition research, planning, programs and events; managing contacts and correspondence; assisting with the coordination of a catalog, didactic materials, and exhibition documentation; writing and editing exhibition-related copy; and assisting with registration activities using the museum’s database. In addition, the Curatorial Assistant may have the opportunity to contribute to generation of original programs and exhibitions. Additionally, the Curator of Exhibitions/Fellow will assist in preparation of classes and research visits involving access and study of physical and digital collections; Work assignments may require advanced knowledge, skills, or abilities; Implement museum policies and procedures in accordance with University guidelines and professional best practices; Some independent judgment or initiative; May require physical exertion, adverse hours or working conditions; Areas of work include Art Museum & Sculpture Park, spaces within Miami University pertaining to artworks and collections, and spaces outside Miami University related to lending and collaborative activities with other museums; May assist in facilitation of lending of collections to other institutions; May contribute to outreach initiatives by providing content for newsletters, social media, and related communications; May be responsible for supervising student interns or employees.

Minimum Requirements: Master’s degree in Art History or Anthropology, Museum Studies, Library Science, Arts Management, or a related field; 1 year experience in exhibition development at a museum, arts, education, or non-profit institution.

Consideration may be given to candidates with: Master’s degree in Museum Studies, Library Science, Arts Management, or a related field such as Art History or Anthropology; 2 or more years experience in exhibitions at a museum, arts, education, or non-profit institution; Successful grant writing experience; Experience in archives and digitization best practices.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Excellent writing skills and ability to research independently; General knowledge and awareness of history of art, familiarity with art materials and processes, as well as exhibition planning processes; Knowledge and use of Collections Management Systems, such as TMS or similar; Knowledge of standard office procedures and equipment; Knowledge of computers and office applications, including Google and Adobe applications; Some knowledge of administrative procedures which may include budgeting, research, preparing reports and evaluations; Work well with others and as part of a team, ranging from student assistants, staff, faculty and volunteer docents; Ability to manage simultaneous priorities and to work effectively with other team members; Familiarity with American Alliance of Museums core standards and document requirements; Ability to communicate effectively in written form; Skill in communicating effectively orally / in person as appropriate for the needs of the audience; Knowledge of federal and state policies and procedures relating to collections and exhibition ethics, and legal regulations relating to museum collections. Experience and knowledge of varied materials and preservation needs for collections in a museum environment.

For questions concerning the position, please contact Jason Shaiman, Curator of Exhibitions: shaimaje@miamioh.edu.

Additional Position Information (if applicable)

Required Application Documents

Resume/CV and Cover Letter

Special Instructions (if applicable)

Jason Shaiman, shaimaje@miamioh.edu

Additional Information

A criminal background check is required. All campuses are smoke- and tobacco-free campuses.

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