Rhoden Curatorial Assistant

We are excited to announce that PAFA is looking for a Curatorial Assistant join our museum team. If you have an educational background in African American and African diasporic artists, experience with supporting the functions of a curatorial team, and seek an opportunity to grow within the arts, then please continue reading to find out more about this position.

ABOUT PAFA

Founded in 1805, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) is America's first school and museum of fine arts.  Located in center city Philadelphia, PAFA is intimate in scale with a strong sense of community.  PAFA’s undergraduate degree offerings include a BFA in Studio Art and a coordinated BFA with the University of Pennsylvania. Graduate programs include an MFA and Low-Residency MFA degree, and a Post-Baccalaureate certificate. PAFA’s museum has an outstanding collection of American art, and the museum actively collects and exhibits contemporary art, including work in new media.  Additionally, PAFA is home to the Brodsky Center, a print and papermaking center focused on the creation of innovative editions by contemporary artists.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

Because we were the nation’s first art museum and art school, we believe PAFA has a moral obligation to ensure that every member of our community can study and work in an environment where they feel a sense of belonging.  We have the additional obligation of ensuring that our community reflects that rich tapestry of beauty and diversity that surrounds our world.  We are committed to modeling diversity and inclusion for the entire arts, cultural and educational sector, and to maintaining an inclusive environment with equitable treatment for all.  PAFA is committed to maintaining an inclusive learning environment, and a diverse community of students, faculty and staff.

PAFA is an equal opportunity employer. Women and diverse candidates are strongly encouraged to apply to work in our pluralistic community.

POSITION: Rhoden Curatorial Assistant

The Rhoden Curatorial Assistant provides administrative support for the John Rhoden retrospective exhibition, catalog, and distribution. Reporting to the Curator of Twentieth Century Art and The John Rhoden Collection, the Rhoden Curatorial Assistant executes administrative tasks for the exhibition project team such as coordinating correspondence, maintaining the exhibition collection management database checklists, assisting with exhibition research, catalogue preparation, label writing, public programming, sculpture distribution and other duties associated with the Rhoden exhibition and collection as required. opportunity

This is an entry-level, full-time, non-exempt, two year position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in the preparation and mailing of exhibition informational packets, checklists, and other materials as required.
• Maintain the exhibition checklist and distribution information in PAFA’s collection management database.
• Assist with research as assigned, occasionally requiring local travel.
• Assist with exhibition catalogue preparation, obtaining photographic material and rights and reproduction permissions, as well as proof reading and copy editing.
• Draft and edit exhibition labels and proofread invitations and other exhibition printed materials.
• Assist in scheduling meetings with the PAFA exhibition project team, as well as timelines and museums as requested.
• Finalize the distribution timeline of sculptures by John Rhoden to other museums by coordinating checklists, travel, and organizing correspondence with curators and registrars.
• Prepare and edit correspondence, reports and presentations.
• Assist with travel arrangements for guests and the preparation and submission of expense reports.
• Other duties pertaining to the exhibition and programming as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree and demonstrated study of art of the United States in the 20th century and/or work by African American and African diasporic artists required, Master’s degree in art history or related field strongly preferred.
• Museum, gallery or other exhibiting organization experience preferred
• Basic computer skills, including the use of Microsoft Office Suite required. Scholarly research databases, collection management databases and photo editing software skills preferred
• Excellent interpersonal, written communication and research skills
• Excellent organizational skills; ability to multi-task and meet deadlines
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to work collaboratively as well as independently