Parsons Fashion Study Collection (PFSC) Student Worker

The New School; New York (NY); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

The New School’s Parsons Fashion Study Collection is seeking student workers to support PFSC operations on campus. Responsibilities include coordinating faculty visits, preparing garments for classes, cataloging images, and maintaining Past Perfect records. This on-campus role requires enrolled students and offers an hourly rate of $20.

Ideal candidates have strong communication skills and an interest in fashion history or archival work, with experience handling collections preferred.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in one of the following undergraduate / graduate programs.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Liaise with faculty for PFSC visits
• Select garments based on requests for class visits
• Facilitate class visits to the collection, schedule-permitting
• Return garments to the collection at the conclusion of class visits
• Cataloging/Image management
• Reconcile images of archived garments with the existing database
• Documentation of remaining images of the collection via photography
• Upload images to collection management system Past Perfect
• Curate onsite exhibits in the School of Fashion Hub as needed

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Education

BFA Fashion Design

AAS Fashion Design

MA Fashion Studies

MFA Fashion, Design and Society

MA History of Design and Curatorial Studies

Tools

Past Perfect

Job description

Parsons' School of Fashion (SoF) leads the industry into a future where access, equity and sustainability are the standard. We offer a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Fashion Design, Associate Degrees in Fashion Design as well as in Fashion Marketing and Communication, a Master of Fine Arts in Textiles, a Master of Professional Studies in Fashion Management, and a Master of Fine Arts in Fashion Design and Society. Our students, faculty, and staff are committed to supporting Indigenous resurgence; honoring the beauty of all bodies; and living in harmony with animals and the earth in ways that advance climate justice.

The School of Art and Design History and Theory (ADHT) engages students at all degree levels in the analysis of art and design as essential to the formation of knowledge and culture. ADHT offers the first-year undergraduate curriculum to all Parsons students as well as a new BFA program, Design History and Practice. Graduate programs from ADHT include the MA Fashion Studies and the MA History of Design and Curatorial Studies programs.

These part-time positions and associated work is in relation to the Parsons Fashion Study Collection (PFSC). The collection of approximately 4,000 items extends from the late 19th century to the latter half of the 20th century including noted designers: Sophie Gimbel, Claire McCardell, Donald Brooks, Norman Norell, Geoffrey Beene, Giorgio di Sant'angelo and Yves Saint Laurent. The ideal candidates will demonstrate a commitment to curatorial work, handling archival fashion items, collection management and administrative tasks associated with the Parsons Fashion Study Collection (PFSC), including preparing /facilitating class visits from courses within ADHT and SoF. The candidates will report directly to the Associate Dean in the School of Fashion.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary job duties and responsibilities will include:

• Liaising with faculty for Parsons Fashion Study Collection (PFSC) visits

• Selecting garments based on requests in preparation for class visits

• Facilitate class visits to the collection, schedule-permitting

• Return garments to the collection at the conclusion of class visits

• Cataloging/Image management

• Reconcile images of archived garments with the existing database

• Documentation of remaining images of the collection via photography

• Upload images to collection management system Past Perfect

• Curate onsite exhibits in the School of Fashion Hub as needed

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Acceptable qualifications include:

• Enrolled in one of the following undergraduate /graduate programs:

• BFA Fashion Design, AAS Fashion Design, MA Fashion Studies, MFA Fashion, Design and Society, MA History of Design and Curatorial Studies

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working with collections and/or archives

• Experience working with Past Perfect

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, marital or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. The New School recognizes and values the benefits of a diverse workforce.

WORK MODE

On-Campus Position

- Employees in this position are expected to work on-campus during regularly scheduled work hours due to the nature of the work being that which is not feasible, or not in the best interest of the organization, to be performed remotely. #LI-DNI

Hourly Rate

$20/hour.

Responsibilities

The position supports the Parsons Fashion Study Collection (PFSC) by coordinating faculty visits and preparing garments for classroom use. Responsibilities include selecting, organizing, and returning garments for class visits. The role also involves cataloging and managing collection images, including photographing garments and uploading images to the PastPerfect collection management system. Student workers will help maintain accurate records and documentation of the collection. Additionally, they may assist with curating onsite exhibits in the School of Fashion Hub.