The Bard Graduate Center (BGC), a division of Bard College located on West 86th Street in New York City, is seeking a full-time Assistant Curator.

Founded in 1993, the BGC is comprised of an Academic Program, Research Institute and Gallery. We offer MA and PhD programs in the study of the cultural history of the material world and are committed to the encyclopedic study of things, drawing on methodologies and approaches from art and design history, history of technology, philosophy, anthropology, and archaeology and cultural history.

The world renowned Gallery organizes four exhibitions during the academic year. Our exhibitions examine the material evidence of cultures extending from ancient world to the present inclusive of Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe. Each exhibition is accompanied by a scholarly book published in collaboration with, or distributed by, Yale University Press.

Job Summary:

The Assistant Curator will support the development and implementation of the BGC’s robust exhibition and publication program; Assisting with catalog production, exhibition organization and general curatorial administration.

Essential Functions:

  • Prepares author contracts;
  • Communicates with authors, copyeditors, typesetters and translators;
  • Assists with exhibition catalogue production;
  • Collates and distributes typeset galleys; formats exhibition checklists; prepares manuscripts for copyeditor;
  • Compiles and maintains photo credit files and acknowledgement files;
  • Researches and fact checks essays, chronologies and bibliographies;
  • Generates loan request and loan agreement forms;
  • Liaises with Registrar, Exhibition Designer and Media Producer;
  • Organizes exhibition meetings; conducts exhibition research; maintains exhibition schedule;
  • Prepares interpretive texts for copyeditor;
  • Provides administrative assistance for Chief Curator; writes and answers correspondence; answers telephone, email  and fax messages; assists with travel arrangements;
  • Maintains and coordinates department database and project files;
  • Assists with departmental bookkeeping; initiates check requests; maintains accounting records;
  • Prepares reports as needed;
  • Develops and maintains contacts with museum professionals, scholars, donors and collectors;
  • Other duties as assigned

 

Minimum Education, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of the decorative arts, design and art history, required, MA, preferred; relevant museum or gallery experience, including exhibition, publication, project management and budget oversight; a passion for research and interpretation; strong verbal and written communication skills; knowledge of foreign languages; excellent computer skills, familiarity with computer scanning equipment, and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and knowledge of FileMaker Pro, a plus.

Other qualifications:

Self-starter; diligent; detail oriented; easily takes direction; works well with a team;  excellent interpersonal skills; and enjoys a fast paced work environment.

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume and contact information for three references to ac@bgc.bard.edu . No telephone calls please. The Bard Graduate Center is an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applications from those who contribute to our diversity. AA/EOE