Overview: The Curatorial Assistant will provide essential support to assure the productive and efficient operations of the curatorial department, including assisting with exhibition research and writing, managing the images and files related to publications, and supporting overall permanent collection maintenance and the exhibition process by working closely with department colleagues, other ICA departments, and exhibiting artists. The Curatorial Assistant may also develop exhibitions and other projects. The Curatorial Assistant contributes to a culture of collaboration, community and respect while embodying the principles of ICA’s Quality of Service and centers the work of Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, Inclusion, and Belonging in all areas of their work.
WORKING AT THE ICA:
- All ICA employees are required to reside in Massachusetts and within commuting distance from our Seaport location as of their first day of work.
- The ICA offers the flexibility of a hybrid work week, which averages three days a week onsite for employees who are eligible to work remotely (subject to change, and at managers discretion).
Key Responsibilities:
General department duties:
- Act as curatorial liaison and source of information for all museum divisions ranging from the Director’s Office, Registrars, Director of Exhibitions, Preparators, Public Relations, Development, Education, and Facilities
- Prepare presentations and other materials for internal meetings related to exhibitions and collections
- Oversee interns, as needed
Exhibition development:
- Assist curators in the development of an exhibition, from the research phase to execution of the presentation in the galleries
- Facilitate communication with artists, galleries, outside curators and lenders, including requesting information and drafting loan requests
- Conduct research and writing about artists and works of art
- Maintain exhibition checklists
- Coordinate with marketing department on development of online content and public relations and marketing materials
- Coordinate VIP lists and mailings related to exhibitions
- Oversee independent exhibition projects, as assigned
Publication development:
- Assist curators with catalogue production, including gathering of images, securing rights and reproductions, proofreading and copyediting, commissioning texts, and maintaining publication and editing schedules
- Provide written content for ICA publications including exhibition labels, exhibition catalogues, website, etc.
- Work with book designers, outside editors, and contributors to coordinate all aspects of publication production
Permanent Collection support:
- Support curators in research, writing, and cataloguing of permanent collection, including securing image rights, and writing and editing acquisition narratives
- Assist curators with the preparation of materials for collections committee meetings, including gathering image assets, insurance values, and other materials as needed
- Coordinate mailings following meetings, including NELs, acknowledgement letter, and ICA membership
- Assist curators to maintain collection object files and statistics about the collection
Other:
- Contribute to a culture of collaboration, community, and respect and center the work of Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEAIB) in all areas of work
- Provide occasional tours of selected exhibitions and informational talks relating to ICA Curatorial department matters in conjunction with the Education and Development departments as needed
- Work on a variety of special projects as assigned by supervisor
Qualifications:
- Advanced degree in a relevant field preferred; preference for those with experience in non-profit management, museum administration, public service, or commensurate field
- Demonstrated working knowledge of art history and a high level of interest in contemporary art
- Strong writing, excellent organizational, communications, and interpersonal skills, and an exceptional attention to detail
- Proven ability to multitask, prioritize workload, handle many tasks simultaneously, and respond in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to work occasional evening and weekend hours when required
- Ability to work collegially, professionally, and collaboratively with a diverse group of constituents including staff, visitors, and vendors
- Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, and previous experience with TMS a plus
- Collaborative team-player
- Work may be performed in an office or museum environment
Physical Requirements:
- Possess mobility to work in an office setting and use office equipment; travel offsite and to different locations; ability to understand printed materials
- Ability to see, listen and talk for extended periods in person, over the telephone and computer
- Visual acuity: color perception, close vision, accurate depth perception and distance vision
- Very frequent sitting, standing and walking
- Ability to lift up to 15 pounds, pushing and pulling, keyboarding and gripping
This is not necessarily an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions. While the above is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned.
The ICA offers an excellent benefit package that includes health, dental and vision insurance, disability/life insurance, flexible spending accounts, 403(b) retirement plan, and paid time off.
Starting Salary: $52,000.00 Annual
Starting compensation is based on meeting minimum qualifications.
ICA Compensation
Each ICA position has a job grade based on the position’s evaluated job responsibilities, required education and experience, needed skills to perform the job, and professional knowledge.
The position’s grade and respective compensation range is determined by the position’s overall responsibilities, including decision making, supervisory/management requirements, resource management and budgeting duties.
Compensation is ultimately determined by the scope of the position and responsibilities, the candidate’s relevant experience, and internal equity, with starting salaries typically falling in the lower half of the compensation range.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should send a resume and letter of interest to jobs@icaboston.org. When applying, please include “Curatorial Assistant” in the subject line.
Applicants will be considered on a rolling basis and the position will stay open until filled. To check the availability of this position and to explore other opportunities, please visit the ICA Jobs and Opportunities page.
The ICA is located at 25 Harbor Shore Drive, Boston, and is accessible by public transportation Red and Silver Line.
Other Locations:
Seaport Studio ICA Watershed
100 Pier 4 Blvd, Second Floor 256 Marginal Street
Boston, MA 02210 East Boston, MA 02128
The ICA is dedicated to building a culturally diverse and pluralistic workforce committed to working in a multicultural environment. Qualified candidates from groups historically underrepresented in the museum profession are strongly encouraged to apply.
The ICA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an EOE/AA employer dedicated to fair and inclusive employment practices for all individuals. The ICA is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact HR-EOE@icaboston.org or 617-478-3171.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $52,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Ability to Relocate:
- Boston, MA 02210: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Boston, MA 02210