Assistant Curator, Medieval and Renaissance Manuscripts

The Morgan Library & Museum•New York, NY

31d•Onsite

About The Position

The Morgan Library & Museum seeks an Assistant Curator of Medieval and Renaissance Manuscripts to contribute to the preservation, interpretation, and growth of the department’s collection. The Assistant Curator will organize exhibitions, undertake research, support acquisitions, and help make the collection accessible to scholarly and public audiences through publications, teaching, and public programs. This position reports to the Melvin R. Seiden Curator and Department Head of Medieval and Renaissance Manuscripts. The Assistant Curator will participate in all aspects of planning and presenting in-house and loan exhibitions, rotations, and displays, including identifying loans, writing and editing catalogues and interpretive materials, collaborating on design and installation, and contributing to promotional activities and media relations. The position will also research and propose acquisitions, catalogue newly acquired works, update existing collection records, respond to public and scholarly inquiries, and review requests relating to collection materials from the Reading Room and Imaging and Rights department. The position requires an active record of scholarship and participation in the broader scholarly community, as well as the ability to represent the Morgan and its collections in public and professional settings. Additional responsibilities include cultivating relationships with trustees, donors, and collectors; supporting Visiting Committee activities; working with Exhibition and Collection Management to ensure proper storage of collection materials and maintenance of departmental vault areas; supervising interns and fellows as needed; and serving on staff committees.

Requirements

Current or anticipated Ph.D. in art history, with an emphasis on manuscript illumination or medieval art.
At least two to three years of curatorial experience in medieval or Renaissance art and/or related experience in the academic field of art history.
Broad knowledge of medieval and Renaissance art and a demonstrated record of scholarship in the field.
Reading knowledge of Latin and/or proficiency in French, German, or Italian.
Excellent writing and public speaking skills, including the ability to communicate scholarly ideas to a wide audience.
Ability to manage several short-, mid-, and long-term projects simultaneously, meet overlapping deadlines, and respond to shifting priorities while attending to essential administrative tasks.
Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills; ability to work collaboratively and contribute to a collegial environment.
Comfort and interest in engaging with members, donors, collectors, and the public.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Gmail, and Google Drive, and the ability to learn and use the Morgan’s collections and information systems.
Ability to travel for research, departmental activities, and collection loans, averaging approximately two to three weeks per year.
Ability to work at a computer for extended periods; lift and carry manuscripts, moderately heavy boxes, and other materials; and safely handle and move collection objects.
Candidates must have authorization to work in the United States that does not require employer sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with The Museum System (TMS) and/or integrated library systems is desirable.

Responsibilities

Contribute to the preservation, interpretation, and growth of the department’s collection.
Organize exhibitions.
Undertake research.
Support acquisitions.
Make the collection accessible to scholarly and public audiences through publications, teaching, and public programs.
Participate in all aspects of planning and presenting in-house and loan exhibitions, rotations, and displays.
Identify loans.
Write and edit catalogues and interpretive materials.
Collaborate on exhibition design and installation.
Contribute to promotional activities and media relations.
Research and propose acquisitions.
Catalogue newly acquired works.
Update existing collection records.
Respond to public and scholarly inquiries.
Review requests relating to collection materials from the Reading Room and Imaging and Rights department.
Cultivate relationships with trustees, donors, and collectors.
Support Visiting Committee activities.
Work with Exhibition and Collection Management to ensure proper storage of collection materials and maintenance of departmental vault areas.
Supervise interns and fellows as needed.
Serve on staff committees.