Curatorial Assistant/Fellow

Inside Higher Ed; Oxford (OH); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Opportunity to engage in educational programming

Supportive working environment

Job summary

A leading university in Ohio seeks a Curatorial Assistant / Fellow to assist in exhibition preparation and the development of related content. This role involves conducting research, writing materials for exhibits, and coordinating with the museum team. Candidates must have a Master’s degree in Art History or a related field and at least one year of relevant experience. It offers a unique opportunity for early-career professionals to engage in curatorial tasks in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• 1 year experience in exhibition development.
• Excellent writing and research skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist with exhibition preparations and catalog publication.
• Research and write exhibition materials.
• Coordinate with museum team on object selection.

Skills

Writing skills

Research skills

Knowledge of art history

Familiarity with exhibition planning

Teamwork

Knowledge of Collections Management Systems

Education

Master’s degree in Art History or related field

Tools

TMS or similar Collections Management System

Google applications

Adobe applications

Job description

Job Description Summary

The Richard and Carole Cocks Art Museum (RCCAM) at Miami University seeks a Curatorial Assistant / Fellow to assist the Curator of Exhibitions and museum team members in the preparation of an exhibition and related highlights catalog publication, incorporating the history of the Art Museum and its collections. They will also contribute to the development of related social media, video, blogs, and website content.

Position Details

This is a two‑year position (24 months) intended for an early‑career curator, arts researcher, or art historian who is a recent post‑graduate in art history, curatorial practices, or a related field.

Job Description

Curatorial Assistant / Fellow to assist the Curator of Exhibitions and museum team members in the preparation of an exhibition and related highlights catalog publication, incorporating the history of the Art Museum and its collections. Responsibilities include researching and writing didactic materials for a future exhibition, assisting with the selection of objects and support images, and generating the narrative for the highlights catalog.

Core Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To

• Research on physical and digital collections of relevant object collections and museum photographic and physical archives, including donor files, collections, exhibitions and staff histories
• Writing didactic materials for exhibition purposes.
• Assist with the selection of objects for display and relevant support images, and image research and coordination of new photography.
• Writing and editing text panel, object label, and catalog content.
• Entering information into The Museum System (TMS) database (Collections Management System) and creating online catalogs of collections
• Opportunities to engage in educational program planning and facilitation.
• Help develop social media outputs with digital media team.
• Assist with design of the installation plan and exhibition flow.

Under the supervision of the Curator of Exhibitions, this individual will work independently and as part of a team to undertake a variety of curatorial and administrative tasks including exhibition research, planning, programs and events; managing contacts and correspondence; assisting with the coordination of a catalog, didactic materials, and exhibition documentation; writing and editing exhibition‑related copy; and assisting with registration activities using the museum’s database. In addition, the Curatorial Assistant may have the opportunity to contribute to the generation of original programs and exhibitions. Additionally, the Curator of Exhibitions/Fellow will assist in preparation of classes and research visits involving access and study of physical and digital collections; implement museum policies and procedures in accordance with University guidelines and professional best practices; exercise independent judgment or initiative; may require physical exertion, adverse hours or working conditions; and may assist in facilitation of lending of collections to other institutions, outreach initiatives, and supervision of student interns or employees.

Minimum Requirements

Master’s degree in Art History or Anthropology, Museum Studies, Library Science, Arts Management, or a related field; 1 year experience in exhibition development at a museum, arts, education, or non‑profit institution.

Consideration may be given to candidates with

Master’s degree in Museum Studies, Library Science, Arts Management, or a related field such as Art History or Anthropology; 2 or more years experience in exhibitions at a museum, arts, education, or non‑profit institution; successful grant writing experience; experience in archives and digitization best practices.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

Excellent writing skills and ability to research independently; general knowledge and awareness of history of art, familiarity with art materials and processes, as well as exhibition planning processes; knowledge and use of Collections Management Systems, such as TMS or similar; knowledge of standard office procedures and equipment; knowledge of computers and office applications, including Google and Adobe applications; some knowledge of administrative procedures which may include budgeting, research, preparing reports and evaluations; work well with others and as part of a team, ranging from student assistants, staff, faculty and volunteer docents; ability to manage simultaneous priorities and to work effectively with other team members; familiarity with American Alliance of Museums core standards and document requirements; ability to communicate effectively in written form; skill in communicating effectively orally / in person as appropriate for the needs of the audience; knowledge of federal and state policies and procedures relating to collections and exhibition ethics, and legal regulations relating to museum collections; experience and knowledge of varied materials and preservation needs for collections in a museum environment.

Contact

For questions concerning the position, please contact Jason Shaiman, Curator of Exhibitions: "[e-mail]".

Additional Position Information (if Applicable)

Required Application Documents

Resume/CV and Cover Letter

Special Instructions (if applicable)

Jason Shaiman, "[e-mail]"

Additional Information

A criminal background check is required. All campuses are smoke‑ and tobacco‑free campuses.

Remote Work

For positions that are approved for remote work: Remote work is not a right, it is a work arrangement that can be modified or revoked by Miami University at any time for any reason, including the convenience of the University.

Reasonable Accommodations

Requests for reasonable accommodations for disabilities related to employment should be directed to [e-mail] or 513-529-3560. Questions and follow‑ups regarding requests should also be directed here.

Miami University Values Statement

Miami University is a scholarly community whose members believe that a liberal education is grounded in qualities of character as well as of intellect. We respect the dignity of other persons, the rights and property of others, and the right of others to hold and express disparate beliefs. We believe in honesty, integrity, and the importance of moral conduct. We defend the freedom of inquiry that is the heart of learning and combine that freedom with the exercise of judgment and the acceptance of personal responsibility.

Equal Opportunity / Aff (Affirmative Action Statement)

Miami University, an Equal Opportunity / Aff (Affirmative Action) employer, encourages applications from protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Miami University prohibits harassment, discrimination and retaliation on the basis of age (40 years or older), color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military status, national origin (ancestry), pregnancy, race, religion, sex/gender, status as a parent or foster parent, sexual orientation, or protected veteran status in its application and admission processes, educational programs and activities, facilities, programs or employment practices. Requests for reasonable accommodations for disabilities related to employment should be directed to [e-mail] or 513-529-3560.

Clery Act

As part of the University’s commitment to maintaining a healthy and safe living, learning, and working environment, we encourage you to read Miami University’s Annual Security & Fire Safety Report at: http://www.MiamiOH.edu/campus-safety/annual-report/index.html, which contains information about campus safety, crime statistics, and our drug and alcohol abuse and prevention program designed to prevent the unlawful possession, use, and distribution of drugs and alcohol on campus and at university events and activities. This report also contains information on programs and policies designed to prevent and address sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. Each year, email notification of this website is made to all faculty, staff, and enrolled students. Written notification is also provided to prospective students and employees. Hard copies of the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report may be obtained from the Miami University Police Department at 513-529-2223.

Labor Law Posters for Applicants

Please visit our Labor Law Posters webpage to access all relevant and applicable labor law information.