Curatorial Assistant (HR Title: Museum Curatorial Assistant)

Southern Methodist University • Dallas, TX

47d • Onsite

About The Position

This role is an on-campus, in-person position. The Museum Curatorial Assistant will partner with the curator in routine duties of the curatorial department. These include both supporting and conducting independent research on the permanent collections of Spanish and Texas art, for exhibitions and publications, as well as performing administrative duties. They will be expected to support long-term relationships and collaborations with internationally recognized museums, investigate the provenance of the permanent collection, participate in conferences (to be determined in consultation with the curator), curate exhibitions, advise on acquisitions, administer the Moss/Chumley Award, interact with museum patrons, and cultivate relationships with galleries and dealers, among other duties.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree is required. A Master's degree is preferred. A degree in Art History, Museum Studies, Humanities, or closely related field is also preferred.
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience is required. Experience in a curatorial department is a plus. Experience in conducting research for a museum is highly desirable
• Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.
• Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills.
• Candidates must have a strong commitment to maintaining a high standard of confidentiality, as the person in this role will be called upon to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Strong research skills are essential.
• Candidate proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint) is required.
• Sit for long periods of time
• Bend, stand
• Reach above shoulders
• Handle objects (dexterity)
• Carry/lift 25 lbs.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a curatorial department is a plus.
• Experience in conducting research for a museum is highly desirable
• Strong knowledge of Spanish, including writing, reading and speaking is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of Excel is a plus.
• Candidate familiarity with collections databases is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist the curator with administrative duties. This includes research assistantship and responding to curatorial queries, minute-taking at museum meetings, filing, etc.
• Conduct ongoing research of works in the permanent collection and possible acquisitions. Provide support in the coordination and administration of incoming and outgoing loans, as well as in the acquisition process. Complete acquisition memos/provenance worksheets for works pending acquisition into the museum's permanent collection. Write articles for the museum's magazine, At The Meadows.
• Assist with the organization and planning of exhibitions, including working closely with external and internal curators and scholars. Curating small exhibitions or re-installations of the permanent collection, as assigned by supervisors.
• Give gallery talks, presentations, docent lectures, and tours of the permanent collection and current exhibitions. Public, scholarly lectures and teaching in the galleries.
• Assist with writing catalogue entries, didactic materials, and label copy for both permanent collection and exhibitions. Assist with management, content- and copy-editing of these materials, and others, such as press releases.
• Other duties as assigned, including making national and international courier trips, as needed.
• Occasional evening/weekend hours will be required for exhibitions and special events.
• Occasional travel will be required for courier trips or research.

Benefits

• SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.
• SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.
• The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees