Curatorial Assistant/Associate

About the Foundation

The Robert Rauschenberg Foundation (RRF) builds on the legacy of artist Robert Rauschenberg, emphasizing his belief that artists can drive social change. Rauschenberg sought to act in the “gap” between art and life, valuing chance and collaboration across disciplines. As such, the Foundation celebrates new and even untested ways of thinking.

About the Role

Reporting to the Chief Collection Officer, the Curatorial Assistant/Associate is responsible for providing research assistance for the Curatorial department in preparation for internal and external exhibitions and art auctions; fact checking texts related to Robert Rauschenberg for publication; administrative support for the Chief Collection Officer and the department , including managing departmental schedules and assisting in maintaining the collection database and object files. They will work most closely with the Chief Collection Officer and the Collections Manager.

(The final title of Curatorial Assistant or Curatorial Associate will be determined based on the selected candidate’s relevant experience, qualifications, and level of expertise.)

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Support Chief Collection Officer’s interaction with the Foundation’s Art Committee

• Assist with a range of curatorial projects, including bibliographic, collection and for potential exhibitions and commercials uses

• Proofread press materials; and factcheck exhibition catalogue content and captions for internal and exhibitions

• Oversee/review research and writing of didactic texts and information packets (“talking points”) on artist’s work

• Track and review art- and artist-related press

• Track and add new exhibitions to the Foundation’s database; pursue further research; and contact other collections for further information as necessary for the Foundation’s object and exhibition files

• Support Collections Manager in drafting seasonal market-, gallery-, and fair-related Board memo content

• Record CR artwork examination data in the Foundation’s database

• Under Chief Collection Officer’s direction and with Director of Communications & Strategic Initiatives, coordinate and assist events

• As assigned, conduct tours of Foundation exhibitions

• Review and develop art related social media content in consultation with the Director of Communications & Strategic Initiatives

• Manage the schedule for and expenses of the Chief Collection Officer

• Contribute to ongoing database and digital assets organization

• Performs other related tasks as assigned by management

   

Desired Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Art History, Museum Studies, or a related field; A A Master’s degree in Art History or a related field is preferred, or equivalent experience

• Minimum of 3–5 years’ experience in an arts/cultural organization, museum, gallery, or similar institution

• Demonstrated ability to conduct rigorous, scholarly research on artwork, artists, and historical/cultural contexts

• Excellent time management skills; ability to work independently and to meet deadlines

• Fastidious attention to detail

• Familiarity and ease with Mac OS, Google Suite, and Microsoft Office suite

• Experience with managing correspondence and communications; maintaining organized physical and digital files; preparing meeting materials (agendas, minutes, presentations); and tracking project progress

• Experience with FileMaker Pro or similar database/collection management software

• Excellent written and oral communication, research, and organizational skills

• Public speaking or experience giving exhibition tours to various groups (public, specialists, and others)

• Strong knowledge in post-war art history

   

Work Environment

This is a fully in-person role based primarily at RRF’s 381 Lafayette (NY) location.

ADA Specifications

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time

• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing

• Ability to use standard office equipment, including computers, phones, and printers

• Ability to move around the office or work environment as needed

• Ability to occasionally lift objects weighing 15 lbs (e.g., office supplies, files)

• Ability to traverse stairs as needed

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. In addition, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Compensation & Benefits

The anticipated salary for this position is between $60,000 - $70,000, depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The Robert Rauschenberg Foundation offers a highly competitive benefits package, including 100% employer-paid medical, dental and vision coverage options for employees and their eligible dependents. We also provide generous employer contributions for life insurance, STD, LTD and exceptional retirement savings options with an industry-leading employer matching contribution. Additionally, the Foundation offers a robust charitable giving matching program and generous time-off policies to support work-life balance.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Foundation is committed to fostering an equitable and inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive. As an equal opportunity employer, we value diversity in all its forms and actively seek to attract a wide range of talented individuals. We strongly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those from communities historically underrepresented in arts organizations.

To learn more about the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation, please visit our website: http://www.rauschenbergfoundation.org