Curatorial Assistant, Curatorial Affairs Division

The Museum of Modern Art is currently accepting applications for a Curatorial Assistant to assist senior curatorial staff in all areas of their responsibilities, including administrative work, in the context of curatorial functions such as research for exhibitions and publications, loans, acquisitions, collections records, bibliographic and biographical records and files, and general curatorial inquiries.  The Curatorial Assistant will work on an upcoming exhibition on Piet Mondrian in addition to other projects.

Responsibilities include:

• Assists senior curators with all aspects of research, planning, organization, and realization of upcoming exhibitions and gallery rotations.
• Writes, edits, and assists in the production of Museum publications and exhibition-related materials, including wall texts and extended object labels.
• Researches and catalogs the Museum collection and archives as they relate to exhibition projects and answers related questions.
• Performs exhibition support functions, including bibliographic and checklist research, loan correspondence, publication research and production, website development, and public program planning.
• Assists in the maintenance of the collection and loans, and expedites arrangements for custodial, registration, conservation, and preparation work as required in the gallery, study and storage areas.
• Functions as a liaison with outside persons and organizations, and with other departments within the Museum.
• May assist in research and preparation for potential acquisitions for the collection, including biographical and bibliographical research, maintaining files, and communicating with dealers, galleries, collectors, and artists, as necessary.
• Keeps informed of current activity in the area of departmental interest through gallery and museum visits, publications, etc. and makes recommendations to senior staff.
• Conducts daily collection gallery inspections and daily inspection of works on view in temporary exhibitions and assists with follow-up arrangements in the event of damage, deterioration, etc.
• Answers inquiries and conducts gallery tours as necessary for visitors, etc.
• Performs any other duties reasonably related to the functions described above. 

Requirements: 

• Master’s degree in art history or a related field preferred. Relevant work experience and competence within area of departmental interest.
• Well-grounded in American cultural history and/or that of the European avant-garde.
• Knowledge of music, especially jazz, preferred, as well as experience in supporting the presentation of live work.
• Sufficient flexibility and high level of enthusiasm to work as part of a curatorial team as well as openness to feedback and curiosity for learning and mentorship from colleagues.
• Excellent research, writing, and organizational skills, as well as ability to effectively communicate interpersonally across multiple departments, constituencies and audiences.
• Exceptional attention to detail, professionalism and discretion in handling sensitive situations and matters.
• Ability to prioritize across a fast-paced work environment and manage more than one project at a time while meeting deadlines.
• Facility with critical thinking and problem-solving.
• Working knowledge of MS Word, Excel, G - Suite and other standard office procedures and skills. Familiarity with The Museum System (TMS) is helpful.
• Reading knowledge of one language in addition to English.

Reports to:      Manager, Collection Galleries and to senior curatorial titles as assigned 

Salary:            The salary for this position is $69,211 per annum

Application instructions: To apply, please visit MoMA Jobs.  Applicants should submit a resume and a cover letter.  Applications without cover letters will not be considered.

Application deadline:  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with a deadline of Sunday March 23, 2025. After which the job posting will be closed.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement: Equal Employment Opportunity has been, and will continue to be, a fundamental principle at the Museum, where employment is based upon personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, marital and civil partnership/union status, alienage or citizenship status, creed, genetic predisposition or carrier status, unemployment status, familial status, domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking victim status, caregiver status, arrest or conviction record to the extent required by applicable law, credit history, or any other protected category as established by applicable law, including the New York City Human Rights Law (“NYCHRL”).

 This is a unionized position at MoMA with covered employees represented by Local 2110, UAW, AFL-CIO.

Salary : $69,211