Curatorial Assistant (PROJECT POLICY ANL 2 RP)

University of California, Davis; Davis (CA); Hybrid; USD 62,000 - 106,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plans

Dental and vision coverage

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

The Curatorial Assistant at the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art will coordinate administrative aspects of exhibitions and the Fine Arts Collection, support curatorial and leadership teams, and help develop content strategies. The role includes processing proposals, assisting with artist submissions, and coordinating gift proposals and access records for researchers.

From UC Davis, the position also involves outreach to artists and donors and general museum administration

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in art history or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience researching data, summarizing information, making recommendations and generating reports.
• Experience working with funders and/or artists to represent institutional direction.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with attention to detail and collaboration.
• Experience using word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation software.
• Demonstrated interest in developing and coordinating exhibitions.
• Knowledge of art history and experience in researching art and art history.

Responsibilities

• 60% - Curatorial Department Administration
• 20% - Outreach
• 20% - Research And Preparation For Exhibitions And Grants

Skills

Art history

Data analysis

Communication skills

Exhibitions

Database knowledge

MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Art History

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Summary

Under general direction of the Associate Curator of the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art, coordinate multiple administrative aspects of the Manetti Shrem Museum's exhibition and collection needs as well general museum administrative support. The Curatorial Assistant will work in partnership with curatorial and leadership staff to develop a strategic approach to overall exhibition content development, and manage exhibition proposals and artist submissions. Will also work with collections staff to help organize the Fine Arts Collection database, facilitate gift proposals, access records for internal and external researchers, and participate in outreach to artists and potential art donors, and assist in general museum administrative coordination. #CA-AR

Job Summary

Under general direction of the Associate Curator of the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art, coordinate multiple administrative aspects of the Manetti Shrem Museum's exhibition and collection needs as well general museum administrative support. The Curatorial Assistant will work in partnership with curatorial and leadership staff to develop a strategic approach to overall exhibition content development, and manage exhibition proposals and artist submissions. Will also work with collections staff to help organize the Fine Arts Collection database, facilitate gift proposals, access records for internal and external researchers, and participate in outreach to artists and potential art donors, and assist in general museum administrative coordination. #CA-AR

Apply By Date

09/04/2026 at 11:59pm

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Bachelor’s Degree and/or equivalent combination of education and experience in art history.
• Experience researching and analyzing data, summarizing information, making recommendations and generating reports; familiarity with data management protocols and databases.
• Experience working with funders and/or artists to represent institutional direction.
• Experience working in an environment that requires high-level verbal and written communication skills to create and maintain collaborative working relationships. Detail orientation is necessary.
• Experience using various software programs (word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentation software, etc.) to accomplish assignments.
• Demonstrated interest in developing and coordinating exhibitions.
• Knowledge of art history and experience in researching art and art history

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience recognizing and protecting the confidentiality of highly sensitive or controversial information.
• Demonstrated ability to anticipate and proactively facilitate complex processes such as exhibition development and develop creative solutions for resolution.
• Political acumen and judgment to handle sensitive or difficult situations with care

Key Responsibilities

• 60% - Curatorial Department Administration
• 20% - Outreach
• 20% - Research And Preparation For Exhibitions And Grants

Department Overview

The Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art is dedicated to education and serves a primary audience of faculty and students as the lens through which it engages a broader audience. The museum's program is steeped in the richness of resources at UC Davis (a top 5 public university in the US), which is also the repository of an important art historical legacy and its physical location in the Central Valley.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $61742.16 - $106258.32
• Salary Frequency: Bi-weekly
• Salary Grade: STEPS
• UC Job Title: PROJECT POLICY ANL 2 RP
• UC Job Code: 005256
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Location: Fixed
• Union Representation: RP - Research and Public Service Professionals
• Benefits Eligible: Y
• This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees.

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family
• Retirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
• Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees
• Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources
• Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee’s lives
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Never 0 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Never 0 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Never 0 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Never 0 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Never 0 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Never 0 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Never 0 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Never 0 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Work flexible schedule including occasional evenings and weekends to respond to operational needs.

Special Requirements – Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks