Curatorial Assistant for European Paintings, Sculpture & Drawings

The Cincinnati Art Museum has an immediate opening for a Curatorial Assistant in the department of European Paintings, Sculpture & Drawings. This position is full-time, scheduled 35 hours per week with full benefit eligibility and generous paid time off.

Working under the supervision of the Curator of European Paintings, Sculpture & Drawings, the Curatorial Assistant will support the curator in the research, development, and management of projects in an active department, responsible for one of the museum’s iconic collections. Projects include publications, exhibitions, collection gallery installations, and collection building. Enthusiasm for the art history of Europe from the medieval period through the 20th century and for visitor engagement are essential, as are excellent verbal and written communication skills. The successful applicant will be able to effectively coordinate with museum staff across departments, engage with the public and participate in donor stewardship. Duties will also include day-to-day administrative tasks critical to the function of the department. While qualified candidates will bring expertise in multiple aspects of this portfolio to the position, they should also embrace the opportunity to learn and build skills toward future career goals.

Working under the direction of the Curator of European Paintings, Sculpture & Drawings, duties include, but are not limited to:

– Researching and documenting objects in the collection and related topics and staying current on new scholarship and digital resources.

– Assisting in the development, planning and installation of temporary exhibitions and the museum’s permanent collection.

– Playing a significant role in publications management, including manuscript preparation, securing rights and reproduction assets, proofreading and liaising with authors, photographers, and publishers.

– Assisting the curator with the acquisition of objects for the collection by gift and purchase, including research, authorship and cataloging duties with the collections management database.

– Writing for a range of venues, including for scholarly publication and for the general public.

– Preparing and presenting scholarly lectures, public gallery talks, and collection and exhibition tours.

– Educating docents and volunteers on the department’s collection areas and exhibitions.

– Responding to outside queries from scholars and the public. Hosting visiting scholars and assisting them with the use of the museum’s collections and resources.

– Managing the Friends of European Paintings, Sculpture and Drawings group in partnership with the curator and other key staff.

– Attending internal curatorial, exhibition planning, and other meetings, as assigned. Attending special events as requested, some after conventional opening hours.

– Other special projects and departmental duties as assigned.

– A bachelor’s degree in art history or European history with strong interests in the art and history of Europe and a desire to actively participate in new strategies for visitor engagement and the presentation of European art in a museum setting. A master’s degree in art history and one year of museum experience are strongly preferred.

– Excellent organizational skills and the ability to multitask and keep concurrent projects on track to meet deadlines.

– Enthusiasm for creating knowledge and sharing it with a variety of audiences.

– Excellent written and oral communication skills and strong research abilities in libraries, archives and on-line. The ability to read, analyze and interpret documents and write gallery texts, business correspondence, lectures and articles.

– Proficiency with a standard array of productivity software, including the Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe, and experience with (or the ability to quickly master) TMS, the museum’s collections management software.

– The ability to clearly and concisely present information and respond to questions from a variety of constituents.

– The ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.

– Annual salary: $40,000 – $43,000

– Medical, dental, vision life insurance, 401k retirement planning with company match.

– Robust paid time off (PTO) and 9 paid holidays

– Short-term and long-term disability insurance

– Dependent care leave benefit

– Employee Assistance Program

– Family-level museum membership

– Discounts in museum gift shop and café

– Professional development opportunities

No visa sponsorship available for this position.

Apply for Curatorial Assistant, European Paintings, Sculpture & Drawings using the link below:

Position open until filled. No phone calls please.