Assistant Curator of African Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art•The Met Fifth Avenue, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Curator of African Art contributes to the presentation, documentation, communication, and study of African art for a broad public, producing original research and insights into works in The Met’s permanent collection. The role supports and originates special exhibitions under the discretion of the Curator in Charge, collaborates with conservators and scientists, and publishes and presents work through professional forums. An Associate-level appointment may also be considered for candidates with an additional five years of experience. Applicants should include a cover letter.

Requirements

Master’s degree with specialization in the area of expertise.
Demonstrated language skills.
Demonstrated experience working with museum collections, including research and curation.
Demonstrated experience originating research in the area of expertise.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Excellent computer skills and familiarity with TMS, Adobe Suite, and Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability to adapt and produce results across multiple projects with shifting priorities.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and to receive and give productive feedback and criticism.

Nice To Haves

PhD or equivalent.
An Associate-level appointment may be considered with an additional five years of experience.

Responsibilities

Present, document, study, and communicate works of art in the collection to the wider public.
Originate research in the area of expertise to update permanent-collection documentation.
Support and originate special exhibitions under the guidance of the Curator in Charge.
Propose strategic acquisitions for the permanent collection.
Write and develop scholarly documentation for print or online publication, including catalogue essays, entries, labels, blogs, and other texts.
Participate in professional meetings and give public talks in the area of expertise.
Participate in museum fundraising, grant writing, and departmental donor-relations and outreach activities.
Support the professional development of interns and fellows.
Refine and develop plans for rotations of works in the Africa collection in the newly renovated Michael C. Rockefeller Wing, in consultation with the Curator in Charge.
Train docents and Educators on the permanent collection.
Maintain and expand information about the Africa collection in the TMS database and online catalogue.
Maintain and develop international networks with museums, universities, and research institutes; handle correspondence about access to collection works and related information, and assist with scholarly collection study.
Prepare end-of-year gift reports.
Perform other related duties.

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
403(b) basic retirement plan and optional matching retirement plan with an employer match.
Paid time off, including annual leave, sick leave, and 13 Museum holidays.
Long-term disability coverage.
Flexible Spending Accounts and a Health Savings Account for eligible health care expenses.
Commuter benefits for parking or mass transit.
Free financial-planning services.
Financial assistance for relevant coursework, seminars, and training programs.
25% discount for staff in Museum shops.
Subsidized staff cafeteria.
Museums Council pass providing free admission to various museums and cultural institutions.