Curatorial Assistant [Terra Foundation for American Art, Chicago, IL]

Curatorial Associate

The Terra Foundation for American Art actively supports and initiates historical American art exhibitions, scholarship, and programs in Chicago, the United States, and around the world. We accomplish our mission through a worldwide grant program, international partnerships and initiatives, the dynamic use of our collection of American art, comprised primarily of paintings and works on paper, and the activities of our staff in Chicago and Paris.

The Foundation is seeking a Curatorial Associate with demonstrated research and writing skills as well as organizational, clerical, and computer skills to provide essential research and administrative support to the Collection Department.

Functions

• Assists in conducting collection, exhibition, and acquisitions research
• Assists with general collection duties, including correspondence, public inquiries, and preparing files and other materials for public consultation
• Compiles bibliography and other preliminary research materials as well as draft materials for TFAA publications
• Maintains collection and exhibition project files
• Provides administrative support for exhibition publications, and assists with all aspects of exhibition preparation, implementation, and archiving
• Contributes to the collection pages of the TFAA website
• Responds to departmental telephone inquiries and correspondence, prepares Board materials as directed, makes arrangements for Foundation events, and performs various data entry activities pertaining to the collection

Requirements

• Master’s degree in art history or related field, with specialization in American art and cultural history preferred
• Strong and demonstrable research, writing, and organizational skills
• Proficiency with MS Office suite and experience with collection management systems such as TMS, preferred
• 2+ years prior museum or art gallery experience
• Knowledge of standard museum and preservation practices, and experience with collection management
• Proven ability to work independently and with a team, manage multiple concurrent projects, and meet deadlines

The position reports to the Curator.  It is a full-time job with superior benefits.

Salary commensurate with experience.  Send resume, cover letter, and salary history to HRdirector@terraamericanart.org. EOE. Applications should be submitted by September 4, 2015.