Curatorial Research Associate

About the Norton Museum of Art:

Founded in 1941 by Ralph Hubbard Norton and his wife Elizabeth Calhoun Norton, the Norton Museum of Art is Florida’s largest art museum, renowned for its distinguished collection. The Norton Museum of Art welcomes visitors to experience the transformative power of art through intimate and creative encounters with wide-ranging collections and programs of the highest quality. With holdings spanning Contemporary, Early European, Modern, and Asian Art, as well as Photography, the Norton serves as a cherished institution within its community.

Our Commitments:

To uphold our mission and ensure the Norton’s relevance to our community, we are dedicated to the following principles:

• Art: We celebrate and share excellence in the arts in all its forms.
• Audience: We cultivate meaningful dialogues and relationships with a diverse and inclusive audience.
• Ambassadors: Our employees, Trustees, volunteers, and partners are the vital links connecting Art and Audience.
• Foundations: We are committed to preserving the Norton’s fiscal and physical legacy for future generations.

Position Summary: 

The Curatorial Research Associate reports to the Chief Curatorial Officer (CCO) and works closely with the Senior Curator of Modern Art and the Senior Curator of Photography. The role is primarily responsible for conducting art-related research and administrative duties relating to the Modern Art Collection and Photography Collection. This work largely supports the Curators as they develop collection rotations and exhibitions with an overall exhibition schedule of 10 – 15 shows per year that range in scale and span the Museum’s five collecting areas: Asian, Contemporary, Early European, and Modern art, and Photography. 

Under the supervision of the CCO, the Associate will partner with the Modern Art Senior Curator and Photography Senior Curator on their respective efforts to organize approximately 4 – 6 exhibitions at any given time. Within the department, there are two Curatorial Research Associate positions that work in tandem with the Curatorial Operations Assistant to support and further enhance art-related efforts across the Museum. 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities: 

Exhibitions, Research, and Administration

• Through assigned exhibitions, and under the direction of a Curator, maintains exhibition checklists, tracking any necessary changes and making edits to account for accurate details.
• Responsible for the administrative support and management of the organization of digital and physical archival files for assigned exhibitions, including final checklist, didactic texts, and exhibition layouts. Additional administrative support will also be required for research related to the two collecting areas and donor relations, when applicable. 
• Provides research support to Curators for major special exhibition projects and, when necessary, produces written content (labels, web copy, brochure details, etc.) for these projects. In coordination with the Copy Editor & Project Manager, this role also conducts fact-checking and proofreading of written content (didactics and other supportive texts) developed across the Museum’s departments and coordinates the translation of those exhibition didactics. 
• When needed, provides support for the development of exhibition catalogues or museum publications including project management, research, proofing essays, and object entries.
• Leads VIP, docent, and staff tours on special exhibitions and produces lectures and presentations related to curated exhibitions.
• When tasked, organizes, develops, and curates original, visionary exhibitions and programs that highlight the Museum’s holdings and potentially special loans. This includes conducting rigorous research to develop a thematic concept, writing exhibition didactics, and working with the CCO, the Director of Exhibition Design & Installation, Director of Creative Services, and the Registrars to finalize the checklist, exhibition layout and design, exhibition design identity, and if applicable, identifying any conservation needs for the selected artworks. 

Collections, Research, and Administration

• Through assigned permanent collection projects, and under the direction of a Curator, undertakes scholarly research on works of art which can include establishing provenance, fact-checking key details, and contributing to an artwork’s object files. All findings should be submitted to the Registrars should new identifying details about the work arise.  
• Supports Curators in researching proposed acquisitions for Works of Art Committee meetings.
• Assists Curator’s research efforts in the development of collection labels and, at times, Norton publications, with a focus on interpreting the collection for a broader audience.
• Communicates and coordinates with the Registrars to respond to internal and external object-related requests in a timely manner.
• Following the completion of a Collection rotation, documents the checklists, labels, and any relevant installation photography with the Registrars for the Museum’s archives.

Cross-Department Collaboration

• Acts as the principle point of contact for verifying details related to key exhibitions and the permanent collection.
• Works closely with members of the Communications department to develop website and social media content to promote the permanent collection and upcoming exhibitions. This includes attending monthly Content Group meetings to discuss the social media calendar.
• Under the direction of the CCO and Curator, collaborates with Development staff to contextualize curatorial research to produce written materials for fundraising efforts.
• Participates and assists with Curatorial Council stewardship events.
• On occasion, will work with the Artist Coordinator to facilitate the Artist-in-Residence program and assist with logistics to support the artist as needed.
• After the close of an exhibition, works with the Development Officer for Institutional Giving to produce Exhibition Closing Reports which include exhibition materials such as exhibition checklists, press clippings, and installation photographs, to fulfill contractual obligations with partnering institutions and create an exhibition package for the Museum’s archives.

Administrative Support

• Works with Curatorial Operations Assistant to maintain an accurate log of gift and acquisition proposals.
• Attends the weekly Operations Meeting with the Curatorial Operations Assistant, to represent the Curatorial Department, and, if necessary, reports back on any potential action items or necessary scheduling issues. 
• As needed, supports the processing of check and wire requests for expenses related to the two collecting areas.
• On occasion, travels for research, conferences, professional development, and as a museum courier.

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in art history with an emphasis on Modern art and/or Photography, or a closely related discipline 
• At least 3 – 4 years of experience in a curatorial support role; fellowship and internship experience considered
• Ability to work effectively with staff, artists, arts professionals, and the public
• Conscientious and maintains a professional demeanor in a variety of situations
• Strong writing and proofreading skills, with a keen eye for detail
• Experienced in research protocols and procedures, with a track record of ensuring that research is undertaken according to best practice
• Excellent proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneDrive), Box, Adobe Creative Suite, Zoom, and The Museum System (TMS)
• Skilled in establishing priorities, coordinating multiple complex projects simultaneously, and meeting deadlines
• Dedicated to advocating for greater inclusion, diversity, equity, and access (IDEA) through interactions with team members, exhibitions, and public programming
• Fluency in English, working knowledge of Spanish preferred

Hours and Compensation: 

• Monday - Friday: 9am-5pm
• Full-Time, Exempt
• Compensation: Commensurate with experience

Location Requirements:

At the time of employment, employees are expected to be located within reasonable commuting distance of the museum. Commuting Distance means they are located in South Florida, and able to commute to and from the Museum in a single day. 

• Museum Location: 1450 South Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL 33413

Benefits Offerings:

The museum provides competitive compensation and generous benefits and perks for all eligible employees. Note: Benefits may differ based on employment status. 

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Worksite plans & Additional Life Insurance
• Basic Life Insurance and AD&D, employer paid
• Short-term Disability Insurance, employer paid
• Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts
• 401(k) retirement plan and 2% employer match 
• Considerable paid time off, plus 4 additional discretionary days, and 9 recognized holidays 
• Flex Work options; hybrid & flexible schedule after an employee’s 90-day probationary period. NOTE: FlexWork is not suitable for all positions. 
• 20% discount for staff in the Museum store
• 10% discount at The Restaurant
• Membership to the ROAM Museum network 

Note: Nothing in this job description restricts management’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. 

Norton Museum of Art is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. Norton Museum of Art makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.