Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego: Curatorial Assistant

Department: Curatorial Affairs

Reports to: Senior Curator

Employee Status: Full-time, Non-Exempt, Temporary (May 2023 – October 2024)

Primary Work Location: La Jolla/Hybrid

OUR WORK CULTURE: The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) provides employees with a collaborative work culture where they can combine both their love and support of the arts and work in an enriching and diverse environment, while further developing their specific professional knowledge, skills, and abilities.

ABOUT MCASD: It is an exciting time to join MCASD! Our La Jolla campus re-opened in April 2022 after a five-year expansion effort that doubled the building’s overall size. We are positioned to be a cultural beacon for the region with our La Jolla flagship building. With its two locations, MCASD is the region’s foremost forum devoted to the exploration and presentation of the art of our time, presenting works across all media created since 1950. Located in the heart of downtown San Diego and in the coastal community of La Jolla, MCASD provides an unprecedented variety of exhibition spaces and experiences for the community, showcasing an internationally recognized collection and a dynamic schedule of exhibitions and public programs.

INCLUSION, DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND ACCEPTANCE: MCASD is committed to the diverse and full inclusion of all qualified applicants. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and experiences. Studies show that people from underrepresented backgrounds and/or identities apply to positions only when they are confident that they meet 100% of the qualifications. We’d like to change that dynamic, so we don’t miss out on great candidates. If you have equivalent skills, experience, and/or education relevant to the job and are willing to learn, we value your expertise and encourage you to apply. MCASD will ensure that people with disabilities and/or qualifying medical conditions are provided reasonable accommodation.

JOB SUMMARY: The Curatorial Assistant will assist with exhibition research and planning, providing key administrative support for the Museum’s upcoming project Medical Condition: Art, Sickness, and Survival [working title] organized as part of the Getty’s Pacific Standard Time 2024 initiative. This position is funded for approximately 18 months. The Curatorial Assistant is expected to begin May 2023 and continue through October 2024. Support mission and vision of Museum throughout performance of duties.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Conduct research and access research materials on artists and objects for project checklist and exhibition publication.
• Assist project curators in the coordination of the exhibition publication.
• Assist project team on the development and implementation of accessibility initiatives per project scope.
• Oversee project file management and other administrative tasks to maintain organized workflow in support of Senior Curator and Assistant Curator’s exhibition development.
• Compose artist and exhibition-related correspondence.
• Compose loan letters and assist with loan tracking and documentation in conjunction with project curators and registrars.
• Follow policies and procedures to ensure a safe work environment.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE: Excellent administrative and organizational abilities and well-developed interpersonal and communication skills required. Must have strong writing and research skills. Requires the ability to multi-task and prioritize. Candidate will be detail-oriented, self-motivated, and able to work both independently and as part of a team. Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel is required; database management systems (including The Museum System) is a plus. Master's degree in art history or disability studies and two years recent, relevant experience or any equivalent education and experience. Knowledge of contemporary art from the 1960s to the present preferred as is bilingual Spanish. Position requires some nights and weekends when necessary.

BACKGROUND CHECKS AND LICENSING: Professional references and criminal background check.

VACCINATION STATUS: Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and demonstrate proof of vaccination upon hire, unless approved for a disability or religious accommodation.

EOE STATEMENT: We thrive by supporting and celebrating our diversity as a creative and collaborative team. MCASD prohibits discrimination and harassment against individuals based on race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy, reproductive health decisions, medical condition, covered veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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