If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at [email protected].

Job Description

The Smith College Museum of Art (SCMA) Bodnar Post‐BaccalaureateCuratorial Assistant offers a recent college graduate the opportunity to learn about the museum field and curatorial work  through direct professional experience. This two-year appointment prepares recent college graduates to become future leaders in museums and the arts, as well as other non-profit sectors. It emphasizes experiential learning, hands-on training, and mentorship.

The Post-Bac Curatorial Assistant will work with the entire Curatorial Department to support the range of curatorial work at SCMA. The fellow will provide administrative and program support for activities and initiatives including exhibition projects and the management, research, access, and record-keeping related to works of art in the four curatorial divisions; Prints, Drawings, and Photographs; Painting and Sculpture; Asian Art; and Contemporary Art.

Application review will begin on Monday, February 10. Expected pay is $22/hour, depending on experience. 

The expected start-date for this position is 7/1/2025

Department Administration, Collection and Exhibition Support (70%):

• Provide administrative and organizational support to curators on specific projects, including major exhibitions, as determined in coordination with supervisor;  

• Assist with cataloguing, documentation, and creation of files for new acquisitions to the collection;

• Provide support for class visits to the Cunningham Center, including pulling and putting away works on paper;

• Research works and update records in SCMA’s collections database;

• Serve as a point of contact for researchers and students seeking to use archival materials related to collections and exhibitions;

• Coordinate and write for the SCMA blog;

• Contribute to permanent collection installations and related interpretation as needed;

• Answer routine correspondence and field phone and emails;

• Other tasks as assigned.

Special Project (20%):

• With supervisor support and mentorship, develop, propose, and implement an independent curatorial project that aligns with the Post-Bac Curatorial Assistant’s learning and professional goals as well as with SCMA’s mission and the curatorial department’s goals. This project typically culminates in the second year of the position.

Professional Development (10%):  

• Represent SCMA at local, regional, and national meetings, workshops, lectures, conferences, and/or other learning opportunities that support the interests of the Post-Bac Curatorial Assistant and department, as approved by the position’s supervisor

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in art, art history, or related field completed within the past 5 years and a commitment to ongoing learning;

• An interest in learning about and engaging with a diversity of museum visitors and collaborators;

• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and time-management skills;

• Excellent oral and written communication skills;

• Ability to collaborate effectively and to work independently;

• Available to work evening programs occasionally.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Communication skills in a language other than English;

• Some experience or demonstrated interest in art museums or related institutions such as galleries or arts/cultural non-profits;

• Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds;

• Proficiency working within Google Suite and similar computer applications.

You will NOT be able to attach additional files after you have hit the Submit button.

Review of applications will begin

Position Type:

About Smith College

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women’s colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts.  A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at [email protected].

As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of  equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty.  The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.