Studio & Executive Personal Assistant

New York Foundation for the Arts; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

The New York Foundation for the Arts seeks a thoughtful and capable assistant to support an artist's estate. This part-time role involves organizing and preserving archival materials, maintaining records, and providing personal assistance. Ideal candidates have an artistic or archival background and a respectful approach to handling valuable items.

Qualifications

• Prior experience in an artist’s studio, museum, gallery, or archival setting.
• Working knowledge of archival best practices and handling standards.
• Highly organized, discreet, and dependable under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Identify and prepare archival materials for relocation.
• Conduct a comprehensive inventory of artwork and personal objects.
• Support the artist’s representative with daily needs and errands.

Skills

Organization

Emotional Intelligence

Discretion

Attention to Detail

Education

4-Year Degree

Tools

Google Drive

Job description

$20 - $40 (Hourly) Part Time Permanent Experienced (Non-Manager) 4-Year Degree

Museums/Hist. Societies, Registrars/Collections Mgmt.

Transportation is expensed

Description

We are seeking a thoughtful and highly capable assistant to support the legacy of a major artist’s estate, as well as the personal and logistical needs of the artist's longtime studio manager, a close family member, and dedicated steward of their life’s work.

This role demands more than organization and efficiency: it requires emotional intelligence, discretion, and a sensitivity to the personal nature of the materials involved. The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience in an artist’s studio, archive, or similar setting, along with the maturity to navigate dynamic and sometimes private environments with care.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, inventory, and prepare archival materials (journals, prints, photographs, documents) for secure relocation to a dedicated facility in Newark
• Ensure all handling and packing meet professional preservation and institutional standards
• Conduct a comprehensive inventory of artwork, personal objects, books, and ephemera across multiple locations
• Maintain accurate records, both physical and digital, in coordination with the studio team

Personal Assistance (NYC-based)

• Support the artist’s representative with daily needs and errands (groceries, administrative tasks, travel bookings, basic organization)
• Occasionally assist in light household tasks, such as moving or sorting items

Reporting Structure

• Collaborates closely with the NYC-based studio manager and family representative
• Reports to the estate’s studio team for overarching archival and organizational priorities

Qualifications

• Prior experience in an artist’s studio, museum, gallery, or archival setting
• Working knowledge of archival best practices and handling standards
• Highly organized, discreet, and dependable under pressure
• Emotionally intelligent, grounded, and respectful
• Based in NYC with flexibility to travel to Montauk and Newark
• Valid driver’s license is a plus
• Comfortable with Google Drive, shared folders, and basic digital organization tools

This is a rare opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the preservation of a renowned artist’s legacy while supporting a devoted family steward. We’re looking for someone capable, kind, and deeply respectful of both people and objects. This would be a good fit for someone with artist estate management, museum stewardship, or curatorial ambitions. To work with this artist's archival material is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

How to apply

Please email a cover letter and CV with two references to [e-mail]