Curatorial Assistant

About the Clark

The Clark is a leading cultural institution and actively seeks employees who are energized and motivated by its dual mission as an art museum and a center for research and higher education, dedicated to advancing and extending the public understanding of art. The Clark’s mission and its geographical location define three essential aspects of its character and identity: the quality of its art, the beauty of its pastoral setting, and the depth of its commitment to the generation of ideas. Clark employees enjoy the opportunity to live and work in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts, a place of rich natural beauty, a dynamic environment defined by its deep cultural resources, and a region that is growing as both a center of innovation and a major tourist destination. Job Summary
Responsible for performing a variety of duties and project assignments primarily related to curatorial functions and as assigned by Chief Curator. The position is intended to serve as preparation for advanced careers in museum curatorial departments or for further graduate study. It is a one-year position, with the possibility of an extension for a second year.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Performs basic curatorial functions for upcoming exhibitions as assigned, including research, label writing, conceptualizing installation design, preparing content for exhibition microsite and multimedia guide, and coordinating with curators and registrars to prepare and track loan requests.
• Coordinates materials for exhibition catalogs; investigates, researches, and checks information provided as to factual content; provides physical facts as appropriate; provides templates for completion of catalog by appropriate staff; assists with image research, and researches and writes texts for publication as assigned.
• Assists with preparation of grant applications for exhibition and curatorial projects (including indemnity applications) as requested.
• Researches new acquisitions and prepares object files.
• Drafts correspondence related to outgoing loan requests.
• Assists in a variety of assignments as requested by the Chief Curator.
• Researches and responds to public inquiries about CAI collections and individual works of art.
• Assists with coordinating supervised public access to curatorial files by appointment.
• Prepares and leads public talks and tours related to exhibitions and the permanent collection.
• Acts as courier for works of art leaving from or arriving at the Clark.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Commitment to the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in Art History required.
• Minimum of 1 year of relevant experience preferred.

Hourly Rate Range: $21.61-$23.88

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical Demands:
  • Ability to sit at a desk/workstation and use a computer for prolonged periods of time.
  • Ability to stand for up to four hours.
  • Ability to physically move and handle artwork, which requires being able to lift up to 30 pounds occasionally.
• Work Environment: Work will be performed in an office environment and museum spaces. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

Employment at the Clark is contingent on the verification of background information submitted by the applicant.

The Clark is an equal opportunity employer, and is committed to the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) . We strongly encourage applications from individuals from all identities and backgrounds.

The Clark provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or transgender status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

The Clark considers equivalent combinations of experience and education for certain jobs. All candidates who believe they possess equivalent experience and education are encouraged to apply.