Assistant Curator, Medieval and Renaissance Manuscripts

The-Morgan-Library-; New York (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

The Morgan Library & Museum invites applications for an Assistant Curator of Medieval and Renaissance Manuscripts to contribute to preservation, interpretation, and growth of the department’s collection. The role includes organizing exhibitions, conducting research, supporting acquisitions, and making the collection accessible through publications, teaching, and public programs.

The position requires an active record of scholarship, travel for research and loans, and the ability to engage with

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in art history with an emphasis on manuscript illumination or medieval art.
• At least two to three years of curatorial experience in medieval or Renaissance art.
• Broad knowledge of medieval and Renaissance art and a demonstrated record of scholarship.
• Reading knowledge of Latin and/or proficiency in French, German, or Italian.
• Excellent writing and public speaking skills for communicating scholarly ideas to diverse audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with overlapping deadlines and administrative tasks.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills; ability to work collaboratively.
• Comfort engaging with trustees, donors, collectors, and the public.
• Willingness to travel for research, exhibitions, and loans (approx. two to three weeks per year).
• Ability to learn Morgan collections systems; familiarity with TMS or ILS is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Plan and present in-house and loan exhibitions, rotations, and displays.
• Identify loans and contribute to catalogue writing and interpretive materials.
• Collaborate on design, installation, and promotional activities for exhibitions.
• Research and propose acquisitions; catalogue new acquisitions and update collection records.
• Respond to inquiries from the Reading Room and Imaging and Rights departments; support public and scholarly engagement.

Skills

Excellent writing

Public speaking

Project management

Collaborative work

Travel willingness

Education

Ph.D. in art history (Medieval/Renaissance)

Tools

The Museum System (TMS)

Microsoft Office

Gmail/Google Drive

Job description

Description

The Morgan Library & Museum seeks an Assistant Curator of Medieval and Renaissance Manuscripts to contribute to the preservation, interpretation, and growth of the department’s collection. The Assistant Curator will organize exhibitions, undertake research, support acquisitions, and help make the collection accessible to scholarly and public audiences through publications, teaching, and public programs. This position reports to the Melvin R. Seiden Curator and Department Head of Medieval and Renaissance Manuscripts.

The Assistant Curator will participate in all aspects of planning and presenting in-house and loan exhibitions, rotations, and displays, including identifying loans, writing and editing catalogues and interpretive materials, collaborating on design and installation, and contributing to promotional activities and media relations. The position will also research and propose acquisitions, catalogue newly acquired works, update existing collection records, respond to public and scholarly inquiries, and review requests relating to collection materials from the Reading Room and Imaging and Rights department.

The position requires an active record of scholarship and participation in the broader scholarly community, as well as the ability to represent the Morgan and its collections in public and professional settings. Additional responsibilities include cultivating relationships with trustees, donors, and collectors; supporting Visiting Committee activities; working with Exhibition and Collection Management to ensure proper storage of collection materials and maintenance of departmental vault areas; supervising interns and fellows as needed; and serving on staff committees.

Qualifications

• Current or anticipated Ph.D. in art history, with an emphasis on manuscript illumination or medieval art.
• At least two to three years of curatorial experience in medieval or Renaissance art and/or related experience in the academic field of art history.
• Broad knowledge of medieval and Renaissance art and a demonstrated record of scholarship in the field.
• Reading knowledge of Latin and/or proficiency in French, German, or Italian.
• Excellent writing and public speaking skills, including the ability to communicate scholarly ideas to a wide audience.
• Ability to manage several short-, mid-, and long-term projects simultaneously, meet overlapping deadlines, and respond to shifting priorities while attending to essential administrative tasks.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills; ability to work collaboratively and contribute to a collegial environment.
• Comfort and interest in engaging with members, donors, collectors, and the public.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Gmail, and Google Drive, and the ability to learn and use the Morgan’s collections and information systems. Familiarity with The Museum System (TMS) and/or integrated library systems is desirable.
• Ability to travel for research, departmental activities, and collection loans, averaging approximately two to three weeks per year. Some travel, including accompanying loans as a courier, involves extended periods of standing or riding in transport vehicles.
• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods; lift and carry manuscripts, moderately heavy boxes, and other materials; and safely handle and move collection objects. Work includes time in climate-controlled vaults and exposure to moderate levels of dust and odor associated with collection management activities.
• This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Candidates must have authorization to work in the United States that does not require employer sponsorship.

Compensation

$71,000; Excellent benefits.

The Morgan Library & Museum receives many applications and inquiries for employment. Unfortunately, we are not able to respond to all of them. Due to the high volume of applicants, we can contact only those candidates whose skills and background best fit our needs.

Important to note:

EEO Statement
The Morgan is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all federal, state, and local equal employment opportunity laws. The Morgan provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, marital status, military or veteran status, domestic violence victim status or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws.

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.