Assistant Curator of African Art

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

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) is seeking an Assistant Curator of African Art to contribute to the presentation, documentation, communication, and study of African Art to the broad public. This role involves producing original research on works in the Museum’s permanent collection, supporting and originating special exhibitions, and collaborating with Conservators and Scientists. The Assistant Curator will also act as an allied professional within the curatorial field through publication and presentation of their work. The department's collection spans from twelfth-century fired clay figures to contemporary fiber art, covering major forms of visual expression related to traditions of portraiture, dynastic succession, rites of passage, ancestor veneration, healing, divination, and theatrical performance. The role requires a Master's degree with specialization in the area of expertise, demonstrated language skills, and experience working within museum collections, including research and curation. A PhD or equivalent is preferred. The position is based in New York City, with employees expected to be located within commuting distance of the Museum (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, or Pennsylvania).

Requirements

Master's degree with specialization in area of expertise.
Demonstrated language skills.
Demonstrated experience working within museum collections, including research, and curation.
Demonstrated experience originating research on area of expertise.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Excellent computer skills, familiarity with TMS, Adobe Suite, and Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability to adapt and produce results on multiple projects with shifting priorities.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team with ability to receive/give productive feedback/criticism.
Employees are expected to be located within commuting distance of the Museum (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, or Pennsylvania).

Nice To Haves

PHD or equivalent preferred.

Responsibilities

Present, document, study and communicate works of art in the collection to the wider public.
Originate new research on area of expertise to update documentation of permanent collection.
Support and originate special exhibitions under the guidance of the Curator in Charge.
Propose new strategic acquisitions for the permanent collection.
Write, support and ideate scholarly documentation for print or online publication including catalogue essays, entries, labels, blogs and texts.
Participate in professional meetings and give public talks on area of expertise.
Participate in museum fundraising, grant writing and department’s development of 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 for the collections in the newly renovated Michael C. Rockefeller Wing in consultation with the Curator in Charge.
Provide training relating to permanent collection to docents and Educators.
Maintain and expand information on the Africa collection in the TMS database and online catalogue.
Maintain and develop international networks with museums, universities, and research institutes, including handling correspondence with international researchers and institutions concerning their inquiries about access to works in the collection and related information; assist with scholarly collections study.
Prepare end of year gift reports.
Other related duties.

Benefits

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