Jobs & Opportunities » Opportunities

Curatorial Fellow

Type: Awards, Grants, Fellowships [View all]
Posted by: Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
Deadline: Wed, August 15th, 2018

CURATORIAL FELLOW

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego

 

Department:  Curatorial

Reports to:  Director, Curatorial Affairs

Employee Status:  Full-Time, Temporary, Exempt

Primary Work Location:  Downtown

 

FELLOWSHIP SUMMARY:

The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (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. 

MCASD is offering a temporary, full-time, post-graduate Curatorial Fellowship intended to provide a significant opportunity for an emerging scholar to gain professional curatorial experience and conduct research on the museum’s 5,000+ object collection in preparation for the gallery installation and accompanying catalogue for MCASD’s major renovation and expansion project.

The position will be offered as a two-year fellowship (January 2019 – January 2021). The Curatorial Fellow will be exposed to all aspects of curatorial operations and participate in internal and external communications on a daily basis. In an effort to align itself with the goals of a 2015 art museum staff demographic survey conducted by the Association of Art Museum Directors, MCASD will seek candidates from historically underrepresented minorities in order to help achieve a stronger representation of the country’s demographic population as well as to encourage broader perspectives in the cultural conversation within and around our institution.  This full-time fellowship carries an annual stipend and health benefits.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

·         In close collaboration with the David C. Copley Director & CEO and the curatorial staff, responsible for the coordination and development of a new permanent collection catalogue, including research and writing on works from the collection to be included in the catalogue.

·         Coordinate design and printing logistics for new catalogue in consultation with the Director, Curatorial Affairs.

·         Work with Director and curatorial staff to develop layouts and thematic presentations within the new permanent collection galleries, including coordinating labels and exhibition didactics.

·         Together with the registrar staff, work on digitization of MCASD collection works identified for inclusion in the new catalogue, including improving the digital records of key works and subgroups of the collection, arranging for photography, securing usage rights, and appropriate tagging into the software system.

·         Organize exhibitions from the permanent collection of varying size and scope, depending on experience and Museum needs, as determined by Director, Curatorial Affairs.

·         Contribute curatorial text and content to meet a broad range of Museum applications, including educational, press, and development purposes.

·         Participate in programs organized by the Museum’s department of Education & Engagement.

·         Draft and initiate correspondence and coordinate information for Director, Curatorial Affairs, as necessary.

·         Performs routine office and administrative tasks related to the department.

·         Follow safety policies and procedures to ensure a safe work environment.

·         Work alternate, part-time, or special event shifts, including weekends and/or after regular business hours as needed. 

·         Others duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Minimum of a Master’s degree in Art History and three to five years’ recent, relevant experience with a thorough knowledge of modern and contemporary art or any equivalent education and experience.  Refined oral and written communication skills with an ability to communicate and interact professionally and effectively with all levels of employees and museum constituents, such as trustees, donors, and visitors.  Outstanding organizational and administrative skills with an ability to work simultaneously on multiple projects and in a fast-paced work environment.  Strong technical skills and proficiency in MS Office.  Ability to maintain a professional demeanor and motivate and work well with artists, colleagues, trustees, and volunteers.  Ability to conduct independent scholarly research.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to see, listen, and talk for extended periods.  Ability to perform repetitive motions, making substantial movements of the wrists, hands, or fingers.  Ability to use a keyboard for extended periods.  Ability to stand and remain in a sedentary position for extended periods.  Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull, exerting up to 10 pounds or a negligible amount occasionally, or otherwise move objects, including the human body.  Ability to drive and have and maintain a valid driver’s license and evidence of insurability.

BACKGROUND CHECKS AND SPECIAL LICENSING:

DMV/MVR history check.  Provide proof of vehicle insurance.  Criminal background check.

TO APPLY:

For candidacy consideration, please submit an updated resume, a personalized cover letter outlining interest in the position, three academic and/or professional museum references, and a writing sample.  Submit to jobs@mcasd.org and reference in the subject line “2018-10 Curatorial Fellow”.

Posted on Thu, July 5th, 2018
Expires on Wed, August 15th, 2018

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