Note: applications are open until position is filled
Under the supervision of the Curator in Charge, the Assistant Curator provides support for the day-to-day operation of The Caroline and H. McCoy Jones Department of Textile Arts. This position contributes to the care and interpretation of the collection of the costume and textiles collections. This position works effectively and collegially with a broad range of staff, donors, trustees, curatorial support group members, and the public. The Assistant Curator aids curatorial staff in all areas, including: collections records and files, research for exhibitions and publications, loans, and general curatorial inquiries, to achieve and sustain best curatorial practices.
Typical Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Permanent Collection: Assists with gallery rotations and installations. Aids with the day-to-day management of the Textiles Study Center. Works with conservators and other staff to ensure the conservation and care of the collections. Assists with acquisitions and deaccessions.
2. Research: Demonstrates familiarity with, and knowledge of, the FAMSF costume and textiles collections, including their contents and historical significance. Researches and catalogues the collections and related archives; answers related inquiries from the public and scholars, making the collection accessible to diverse audiences. Assists with interpretation, drafting labels, wall texts, and graphics, and for publications.
3. Exhibitions: Assists with/or executes exhibitions as assigned. Performs research for exhibitions including research for checklists, wall labels, and other exhibition graphics. Assists with installations, working with curators, Exhibitions staff, conservators, registrars, and technicians. Assists with interpretation, lectures, and public programs.
4. Documentation: Works closely with the Registration department to ensure proper documentation of the collection in TMS. Assigns and expedites work / technician / photo services requests as required to ensure the appropriate care and maintenance of the collection in gallery and storage areas.
5. Publications: Assists with and/or executes the preparation of catalogues, museum publications, websites, checklists, wall labels, and other exhibition graphics. Participates in and contributes to social media promotions related to the collections.
6. Outside Requests: Corresponds with scholars or members of the public regarding objects in the collection. Coordinates appointments for the Textiles Study Center and various storage facilities, and hosts classes/groups as necessary.
7. Supervision: Manages activities of volunteers and interns, as necessary.
8. External Relationships: Builds and maintains departmental relationships with museum colleagues, institutions of higher learning, patron and collectors, the Textile Arts Council, and Bay Area arts communities. Presents lectures and docent talks, and conducts tours of the collection and temporary exhibitions for donors, trustees, and the public as the need arises.
9. Fundraising: In keeping with Museums-wide curatorial practice, supports the fundraising and public relations efforts of The Caroline and H. McCoy Jones Department of Textile Arts, working with the Museums and its Development department. Actively participates in meetings and programs of the Textile Arts Council.
10. Administration: Prepares documentation for meetings of the Acquisitions Committee of the Board of Trustees. Helps with the implementation of department policies and procedures, educational programs for the public, and storage management procedures. Collaborates on budget preparation. Prepares documents, manages departmental files including exhibition and object files, and manages database records.
11. Courier: Subject to the approval of the Curator in Charge and Director of Curatorial Affairs, serves as FAMSF courier for loaned works of art from the collection.
