Curatorial Assistant, Contemporary Art [Indianapolis Museum of Art]

Provide administrative, research, and curatorial support to the Curator of Contemporary Art for both temporary exhibitions and permanent collection responsibilities. The position requires a polished and motivated arts professional who is highly organized and detail-oriented with strong interpersonal skills, efficient ability to execute multiple tasks, and demonstrated proficiency in writing.

• Perform administrative responsibilities, including coordinating Curator’s travel as well as visiting artists’ travel, scheduling meetings on Microsoft Outlook calendar, processing mail, maintaining digital and files for exhibitions, collection, loans, and other projects, as well as keeping track of departmental expenses and filling out purchase orders and other forms.
•  Provide curatorial assistance and support on exhibitions organized by Curator—temporary exhibitions (Forefront series), temporary sculptural installations (Efroymson Family Entrance Pavilion series), and permanent collection installations. Responsibilities include conducting research on artists and artworks, coordinating and scheduling meetings, making checklists, attending planning meetings, researching conservation issues, keeping track of budgets, liaising with registrars regarding movement of artwork and loan paperwork, among other tasks.
•  Assist Curator with coordination, communication, and scheduling of events for the affiliate group, Contemporary Art Society (CAS); draft copy for email announcements and invitations; maintain RSVP lists for all events; assist in planning events in collaboration with Curator, CAS board members, and caterer; attend all CAS board meetings; assist at CAS events that take place in the evening about ten times per year.
•  Assist Curator in the management, study, cataloguing, and interpretation of the Contemporary collection.
•  Maintain collection database for Contemporary collection and assist Curator in duties related to the acquisition, deaccession, or loan of objects for the collection.
•  Answer general correspondence relating to collection and other queries; assist the public and visiting scholars.
•  Write texts and didactic materials, including extended label copy, website and magazine content, as well as other materials, for print and online.
•  Contribute to public programs in support of collection and exhibition initiatives through gallery talks and lectures; also assist Curator in related endeavors for various public programs.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

M.A. required in art history, curatorial/museum studies, or related field. At least two years of museum experience or equivalent demonstrable experience with other art institutions, galleries, or auction houses. Candidates should have excellent written, communication, and organizational skills as well as strong interest and knowledge of contemporary art. Aptitude in Microsoft applications such as Word, Outlook, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint required. Writings samples will be requested.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Exceptional organization, detail-oriented      nature with strong attention to accuracy, and advanced interpersonal/communication skills, including telephone and e-mail etiquette.
• Ability to effectively coordinate diverse projects, prioritize,      and execute multiple tasks, and work      well with frequent interruptions.
• Proficiency in writing reports, business      correspondence, and various texts for public audiences.
• Strong note-taking and proofreading skills.
• Flexibility, dependability, and professional      demeanor.
• Ability to work well both independently and with others.
• Ability to problem-solve, anticipate next steps, and apply common      sense judgment to various tasks. Ability to solve practical problems and      deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited      standardization exists.
• Capacity to meet      deadlines with minimum supervision.

• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions in one-on-one and small group situations to other staff members and general public.
• Capacity to serve as supervisor to interns or volunteers.
• Proficiency in at least one foreign language.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Ability to work with basic mathematical concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions, in practical situations.

• Ability to appropriately handle      confidential information. Discretion and judgment in regards to information about the      Museum’s collection and art works on loan to the Museum.