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Full-Time

Curatorial Assistant

Painting & Sculpture

Updated on 10/2/2024

SFMOMA

SFMOMA

201-500 employees

Contemporary art museum with diverse exhibitions

Social Impact
Education

Compensation Overview

$29.79 - $35.75Hourly

Junior, Mid

San Francisco, CA, USA

Hybrid position based in San Francisco, CA.

Category
Editing & Proofreading
Content & Writing
Copywriting
Required Skills
Communications
PowerPoint/Keynote/Slides
Requirements
  • Master’s degree in Art History or related field, with an emphasis in modern and/or contemporary art.
  • Minimum of two (2) years related experience.
  • Knowledge of and interest in modern and contemporary art history and terminology.
  • Excellent writing, communication, and organization skills and attention to detail. Knowledge of correct English usage, including spelling, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.
  • Knowledge of and interest in national and international current events and politics.
  • Ability to organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments with a minimum of direction.
  • Knowledge of standard office practices, letter writing, bookkeeping, filing, scheduling, database management, Microsoft Office software suite, Zoom, faxing, email, answering telephones, and the operation of common office equipment.
  • Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with donors, artists, Museum staff, colleagues, and the public, whether in person, on the telephone, or in writing.
Responsibilities
  • Assist with collection and exhibition research including, but not limited to: research and compilation of biographies, chronologies, and exhibition histories, and documentation of individual works in collections management system.
  • Support the preparation, coordination, and implementation of Painting and Sculpture Accessions Committee meetings, and other events and programs, including but not limited to, generating guest lists, reserving facilities, procuring required equipment, confirming all arrangements, and greeting guests on behalf of the department.
  • Draft communications from the Painting and Sculpture Department, including newsletters for the accessions committee and invitations to department events.
  • Assist with drafting and producing correspondence, loan forms, manuscripts, exhibition wall labels, and other materials related to permanent collection and/or special exhibitions. Review finished materials for completeness, accuracy, format, compliance with SFMOMA and departmental policies and procedures, and proper English usage.
  • Maintain computer database of checklists for exhibitions.
  • Compile and deliver data on department exhibitions and acquisitions for museum-wide annual DEI Dashboard.
  • Facilitate interdepartmental communication closely with EDCC, Exhibitions, Registration, Installation, Conservation, Publications, Design, and Development.
  • Facilitate external communication with artists, collectors, lenders, dealers, scholars, and staff members from other museums.
  • Provide support for lectures and presentations, including preparing research and PowerPoint slides.
  • Maintain accurate records of meetings, including preparing agendas and PowerPoint slides and taking minutes, as requested.
  • Oversee department email and inbox, including responses to emails when appropriate.
  • Maintain, update, and archive the departmental physical and electronic files.
  • Assist with the management of travel budgets and arrangements, including hotel reservations and transportation for curatorial staff, visiting artists, and speakers, as needed.
  • Act as spokesperson for the department and the museum as needed, including greeting guests and providing occasional tours of the galleries.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

SFMOMA is a museum dedicated to contemporary and modern art, located in San Francisco, California. It generates revenue through ticket sales, memberships, and a Museum Store, while also hosting special exhibitions to attract visitors. The museum focuses on making art accessible to a wide audience, including families and students, and enhances its educational outreach through digital content. Philanthropy plays a vital role in supporting SFMOMA's operations and special projects.

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

San Francisco, California

Founded

1935

Growth & Insights
Headcount

6 month growth

0%

1 year growth

0%

2 year growth

0%
Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • SFMOMA's acquisition of unique and historically significant works, such as the Nakagin Capsule Tower pod, enhances its prestige and attracts global attention.
  • The museum's innovative exhibitions and events, like the Yayoi Kusama 'Infinite Love' presentation and Pet Portraits Day, drive high visitor engagement and satisfaction.
  • Strategic partnerships and acquisitions, such as the collaboration with Creative Growth Art Center, diversify the museum's collection and strengthen its cultural impact.

What critics are saying

  • A 35% decline in attendance and recent job cuts indicate potential financial instability and operational challenges.
  • The competitive landscape of cultural institutions in San Francisco requires SFMOMA to continuously innovate to maintain its relevance and visitor numbers.

What makes SFMOMA unique

  • SFMOMA's focus on contemporary and modern art, combined with its strategic acquisitions and partnerships, sets it apart from other cultural institutions.
  • The museum's diverse revenue streams, including ticket sales, memberships, retail operations, and philanthropy, provide financial stability and growth opportunities.
  • SFMOMA's commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, exemplified by free admission for guests aged 18 and younger and partnerships with organizations like Creative Growth Art Center, enhances its community engagement.