Curatorial Assistant, Painting & Sculpture

Responsibilities & Duties

Support collection and exhibition research including, but not limited to research and compilation of biographies, chronologies, and exhibition histories, and documentation of individual works in collections management system.
Assist with drafting and producing correspondence, loan forms, manuscripts, exhibition wall labels, and other materials related to permanent collection, Fisher Collection, and/or special exhibitions and the accessions process. Review finished materials for completeness, accuracy, format, compliance with SFMOMA and departmental policies and procedures, and proper English usage.
Create artist and object records and maintain checklists for temporary exhibitions and permanent collection installations.
Support the preparation, coordination, and implementation of Painting and Sculpture Accessions Committee meetings, and other events and programs, including but not limited to, generating guest lists, reserving facilities, procuring required equipment, confirming all arrangements, greeting guests on behalf of the department, conducting research on proposed acquisitions, writing defenses, and preparing presentations.
Draft communications from the Painting and Sculpture Department in support of departmental activities and events.
Compile and deliver data on department exhibitions and acquisitions for museum-wide annual DEI Dashboard.
Facilitate interdepartmental communication closely with Education and Community Engagement, Exhibitions, Registration, Installation, Conservation, Publications, Design, and Development.
Facilitate external communication with artists, collectors, lenders, dealers, scholars, and staff members from other museums.
Provide support for lectures and presentations, including preparing research and PowerPoint slides.
Maintain accurate records of meetings, including preparing agendas and PowerPoint slides and taking minutes as requested.
Oversee department email and inbox, including responses to emails when appropriate.
Maintain, update, and archive the departmental physical and electronic files.
Assist with the management of travel budgets and arrangements, including hotel reservations and transportation for curatorial staff, visiting artists, and speakers, as needed.
Act as spokesperson for the department and the museum as needed, including greeting guests and providing occasional tours of the galleries.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Skills

Master’s degree in Art History or related field, with an emphasis in modern and/or contemporary Art.
Minimum of two (2) years of related experience.
Knowledge of and interest in modern and contemporary art history and terminology.
Excellent writing, communication, and organization skills and attention to detail. Knowledge of correct English usage, including spelling, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.
Knowledge of and interest in national and international current events and politics.
Ability to organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments with a minimum of direction.
Knowledge of standard office practices, letter writing, bookkeeping, filing, scheduling, database management, Microsoft Office software suite, Zoom, faxing, email, answering telephones, and the operation of common office equipment.
Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
Ability to communicate effectively with donors, artists, Museum staff, colleagues, and the public, whether in person, on the telephone, or in writing.
Familiarity with collection, digital asset, donor, and contacts management programs as well as basic a/v equipment, (video projectors, digital audio recording devices, photo and video cameras), and image and video editing software applications preferred.
Additional language skills, an asset.
Must be able to visually inspect work.
Must be able to accompany artists off site for research as needed.