Curatorial and Public Programs Assistant III

26-May-2022

Faculty of Arts and Sciences

58102BR

Job Summary

The Carpenter Center for the Visual Arts (CCVA) at Harvard University seeks a Curatorial and Public Programs Assistant. Reporting to the John R. and Barbara Robinson Family Director, the Curatorial and Public Programs Assistant provides the Carpenter Center Director and other colleagues with administrative, logistical, creative, research, and writing support towards the development and production of exhibitions, artist commissions, public programs, publications, and other interpretive materials. In addition to coordinating curatorial work and schedules, this position is the point person for the organization and implementation for all public programs and academic initiatives. The Curatorial and Public Programs Assistant works collaboratively with all members of the CCVA team, faculty and staff in the Department of Art, Film, and Visual Studies and other university departments, artists, program participants, catalog contributors, and other collaborators. This position is an essential part of the Carpenter Center team, contributing substantially to the exhibitions, publications, and programs of a dynamic contemporary art and educational institution.

Position Description

• Provides extensive curatorial assistance and organizational support in the planning, organization, and implementation of Carpenter Center exhibitions. This includes support with research and program conception, loans, contracts, checklists, exhibition texts, artist travel, financial and administrative assistance, and other logistics.
• Responsible for maintaining curatorial and publication schedules.
• Manages the editorial and design process for exhibition didactics such as labels, brochures, wall graphics, and other didactic texts and materials.
• Manages the production of exhibition catalogs and other publication projects.
• Conducts research for exhibitions and publications and secures associated permissions and rights.
• Communicates with via email, phone, and video conference with artists, designers, editors, catalog contributors, galleries, museums, image archives, and publishers.
• Writes and edits labels and other didactics and publications.
• Contributes writing and content development for the Carpenter Center website.
• Oversees the implementation of in person and Zoom public programs such as artist talks, symposia, performances, and screenings including coordinating contracts, travel, hospitality, coordinating all related logistics.
• Organizes tours of Carpenter Center exhibitions and the building (Le Corbusier?s only building in North America).
• With other Carpenter Center staff, helps host visiting artists and collaborators.
• Coordinates the Carpenter Center archive, conducting research in the archive and managing requests for archival access and materials.
• Contributes to grant applications and other funding initiatives.
• Acts as an ambassador for the Carpenter Center at Harvard events and at events around the Boston area art world.
• Works closely with university students, staff, and faculty.
• Schedules, attends and participates in meetings and ongoing communications with internal and external stakeholders on a regular basis.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

Minimum of 3 years of related experience working as a curatorial or public programs assistant or intern or similar position in a museum, gallery, arts, or cultural organization. Education beyond high school may count towards experience. 

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor?s degree in art history, curatorial studies, or related field preferred or commensurate work experience. Master?s degree a plus.
• Passionate interest in and knowledge of artists, contemporary art, and culture.
• Strong interest in and desire to contribute to the curatorial field.
• Knowledge of art museum practices and standards. 
• Familiarity with the production of publications.
• Strong writing skills and interest in communicating with a range of audiences.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work warmly and professionally with a wide range of colleagues and collaborators.
• Interest in and ability to work independently and collaboratively with others in a team environment.
• Ability to lead tours and comfort speaking publicly.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to work well amidst shifting priorities, managing time, staying organized, and meeting deadlines.
• Ability to communicate when support and help is needed.
• Ability to take initiative to work independently to manage assigned projects and deliverables.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. Knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud.  
• Must be able to work additional hours including evenings for public programs and openings, and very occasional weekend events.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time, bend, squat, stoop, climb ladders, walk up and down stairs, and lift up to 30 pounds.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for long periods of time, bend, squat, stoop, climb ladders, walk up and down stairs, and lift up to 30 pounds.

Working Conditions

The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters, as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster Requirements . Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/ .

Additional Information

About the Carpenter Center for the Visual Arts
Free and open to the public, Carpenter Center for the Visual Arts is the center for contemporary art and artists at Harvard University. Housed within Le Corbusier’s only building in North America, the Carpenter Center was built in 1963 to accommodate the university’s art and film studios alongside a dynamic exhibition program. Through exhibitions, public events, new commissions, publications, and residencies, the Carpenter Center is dedicated to artist-centered programing and building a vibrant educational community around contemporary art. This community is defined by an ethos of experimentation, diverse perspectives, and making connections across disciplines and fields. The Center’s projects are enriched by the educational mission of the Department of Art, Film, and Visual Studies, and the cultural resources of a large research university.

Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

403082 Curatorial Assistant III

Department

Art, Film, and Visual Studies

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Pre-Employment Screening

Criminal, Identity

Schedule

Monday-Friday, 9:00-5:00 with occasional additional hours including weekends and evenings.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.