Curatorial Assistant

CURATORIAL ASSISTANT

POSITION PURPOSE:

The curatorial assistant assists the curator(s) in all areas of their duties including, but not limited to, acquisitions, loans, exhibitions (rotations and installations), collections records, research, sponsored programming and public lectures, support group functions, departmental accounting, scheduling, and general inquiries.

The curatorial assistant interfaces and coordinates with all departments across the museum. In effort to manage and organize on-going departmental and curatorial operations, this position serves as the department representative when appropriate and in the absence of the curator.

This position reports to the Andrew W. Mellon Curator of Native Arts.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepare, process, and maintain all records and paperwork for the permanent collection related to acquisition, deaccession, loans, and research in paper object files, collection database, and online collection
• Conduct research on potential and new acquisitions, permanent collection works, artists, and other topics as requested
• Create and manage checklist information for exhibitions and gallery rotations
• Develop and maintain labels; support curator and/or interpretive specialist in development of interpretive texts for exhibition installation and rotations; conduct research when requested
• Assist with the creation and coordination of departmental publications and presentations, press materials, and written information pertaining to departmental projects; conduct research when requested
• Manage and coordinate special events including lectures, annual powwow, symposia, exhibition events, and departmental fundraisers
• Secure rights and reproduction permissions from artists for permanent collection and manage permission granted to outside parties
• Maintain departmental files, including budget and working files
• Hire and manage interns, volunteers and support staff
• Plan and promote events such as lectures, fundraising events, trips, and annual meetings or dinners
• Consistent usage of the Racial Equity Lens in day-to-day operations
• Yearly goal setting to support Racial Equity Roadmap initiatives

QUALIFICATIONS (Education, Experience, Skills, etc.):

• MA in Art History, Museum Studies or relevant field preferred, BA considered
• Knowledge of art in collection area: Indigenous Art of North America, African, and Oceanic
• Working knowledge of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. (NAGPRA)
• Prior curatorial or collections experience in a museum is desirable
• Administrative and archival experience is desirable
• Knowledge of museum procedures for receiving shipments, processing acquisitions, cataloguing art objects, deaccessioning, payment of invoices, etc.
• Strong organizational, writing, editing, research, record-keeping, accounting, secretarial, and event-planning skills
• Computer skills including MS Word, Excel, Photoshop, PowerPoint, ARGUS, Adobe Acrobat, and Microsoft Publisher. Knowledge of electronic databases helpful
• Work as a team member with curatorial staff, museum staff, donors, and the general public
• Manage and meet multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Occasional evening and weekend work required
• Ability to respond to sensitive issues with care & respect and maintain confidentiality with sensitive or operational topics

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES:

• Sitting, working with hands, working with fingers, talking, hearing, vision
• Some lifting and moving
• Subject to many interruptions
• Subject to irregular hours and occasional weekend work
• Mental demands: written and oral comprehension, spatial orientation, memorization, mathematical reasoning

Position type: This position will be covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement with AFSCME-CWU.

Pay: The hiring salary range for the position is $21.00 - $26.25/hour based on experience.

Benefits: A comprehensive medical/dental/vision plan, that can be extended to domestic partner, spouse, and children. DAM 100% paid Life Insurance, and Short/Long Term Disability. Generous sick and vacation paid time off and one personal day. Ten paid holidays. 403(b) Retirement Plan with immediate eligibility to contribute and those who meet the requirements after one year will qualify for the 3% non-elective contribution and 2% match program. A free RTD Eco Pass. Free Telehealth and Employee Assistance Program. Access to Headspace. Two weeks Paid Parental Leave. A free DAM Family Membership and perks. This position is based at the Denver Art Museum, which only has a pay to park option.

NOTE: The DAM prioritizes adaptability and a human-centered work environment. We are happy to consider accommodations to the position. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job. We believe in cultivating an environment where there is diversity of perspectives, in hopes that we can all thrive in an inclusive environment.

We know that searching for a job can be stressful so we would like to give you an overview of the process to manage expectations. This role may require a phone screen, interviews with hiring manager and or panel that will be held by video. This position will close February 12, 2025.

DENVER ART MUSEUM:

As an institution, we believe the Denver Art Museum is both a platform for and an amplifier of the voices of people of all races. We acknowledge that Black lives matter and communities of color - Latinx, Indigenous, Black, and others - have been underrepresented in art museums over decades, both internally and externally. We are committed to elevating all voices, artworks and perspectives and strive to support racial equity inside and out.

We prohibit discrimination against any person or organization based on age, race, sex, color, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, political service or affiliation, genetic information, or disability, as well as any other status protected by federal, state or local law.

We strive to provide a professional and positive work environment for our employees. The Museum expressly prohibits any form of employee harassment on the basis of age, race, sex, color, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, political service or affiliation, genetic information, disability or any other applicable status protected by federal, state or local law. Actions based on these or any legally protected characteristic will not be tolerated.

We encourage the freedom of gender expression and/or gender presentation. As an institution, we do not create barriers that may prevent any employee from expressing behaviors, mannerisms, interests, and appearances that represent their authentic personality or culture. Qualified candidates are expected to exemplify the DAM's internal values, which include being dynamic, respectful, inclusive, creative, and curious. The ability to maintain effective and positive working relationships with visitors, employees, volunteers, representatives of public and private entities, policy making bodies, and contractors is critical to the success of this position.