Moma Ps1 Curatorial Assistant

MoMA PS1 champions how art and artists are at the intersection of the social, cultural, and political issues of their time. Providing audiences with the agency to ask questions, access to knowledge, and a forum for public debate, PS1 has offered insight into artists’ diverse worldviews for more than 45 years. Founded in 1976 by Alanna Heiss, the institution was a defining force in the alternative space movement in New York, transforming a 19th-century public schoolhouse in Long Island City into a site for artistic experimentation and creativity.

With an annual budget of approximately $12M, PS1 has been a member of New York City’s Cultural Institutions Group (CIG) since 1982, and affiliated with The Museum of Modern Art since 2000.

We recognize that a successful candidate will meet many of the requirements listed on this job description, but may not meet 100% of the qualifications. If much of this job description describes you, we encourage you to apply for this role.

Supervision

The Curatorial Assistant will report to the Curator and Director of Curatorial Affairs and works in close collaboration with the rest of the Curatorial and Production teams in the development, coordination, and execution of programs.

Responsibilities

• Conducts and prepares bibliographic and biographical research of current and future exhibitions.
• Assists with the planning and writing of wall labels and text.
• Works the Curatorial team to develop and share informational documents on programs for Visitor Engagement staff.
• Answers general curatorial inquiries, and conducts gallery tours as necessary for visitors.
• Supports checklist development, as well as exhibition and artwork production, and participates in weekly production meetings.
• Books necessary travel arrangements for artists and collaborators.
• Manages with Curatorial and External Affairs the preparation of exhibition checklists, press releases, and related information for public dissemination.
• Liaises with artists and organizations involved in exhibitions and related programs.
• Conducts catalogue research and supports the coordination of publications.
• Conducts on-going research of artists, specific works, locations of works, photographic sources, and answers related inquiries from the public and scholars with regard to such information.

Qualifications

• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
• Strong technical skills, including knowledge and proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Drive, and video conferencing platforms. Knowledge of TMS or related database a plus.
• Minimum two years of experience in curatorial positions or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated ability to proactively prioritize and manage time, juggle multiple duties and tasks, and meet deadline, as well as ability to manage frequent shifts in priorities.
• Proven organizational ability and attention to detail.
• Exceptional judgment, professionalism, and discretion in handling confidential and sensitive situations and matters.
• Strong knowledge of contemporary art and writing ability.
• Proven experience in managing and executing the projection of exhibitions and working with colleagues and artists to realize ambitious programs.
• Experience managing multiple projects with competing deadlines; anticipating project needs and problem solving accordingly.

Salary Range: $60,000 - $63,000

Benefits include 20 days paid vacation leave, 10 days paid sick leave, 11 paid holidays and 3 paid personal days, participation in the Museum’s 401(k), life insurance, medical/health (including visual and dental) and a defined benefit pension plans.

Please be advised that due to the high volume of applicants, we are only able to contact those candidates whose skills and background best fit the needs of the open positions. Thank you for your interest in employment opportunities at MoMA PS1.

MoMA PS1 is a proud equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, familial or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status..