Assistant/Associate Curator
Assistant/Associate Curator
To Apply: Please submit to HR@TheFrickPittsburgh.org a complete resume or curriculum vitae listing relevant education, experiences, exhibitions, and publications; a cover letter expressing your interest in the position; and a brief writing sample – an article, exhibition labels, or chapter excerpt on a relevant research topic.
Review of applications will begin on October 16, 2022 and will continue until the position is filled.
Summary: The Frick Pittsburgh seeks a creative thinker and collaborator to join the dynamic four-person curatorial team. Under the direction of the Chief Curator & Director of Collections, they/she/he will support the interpretation, presentation, and care of the collections at The Frick Art Museum and Clayton, the historic home of Henry Clay Frick, with occasional support to the Car & Carriage Museum. Collaborating closely across departments—including Learning, Marketing, Advancement, Operations, and Safety), the Assistant/Associate Curator will be a key contributor to exhibition planning, collection development, conservation and preservation initiatives, and creative programming that informs, engages, and expands audiences. The position will actively participate in the assessment of the Frick’s interpretive strategies and exhibitions program, a core component of the museum’s strategic plan and equity commitments. The successful candidate will embrace the museum’s dedication to creating a space where visitors feel welcome, psychologically safe, curious, and inspired.
- Must have a commitment to fostering a workplace culture of Equity and Inclusion.
- Please note that all employees must be able to show proof of COVID vaccination and booster.
Reports to: Chief Curator & Director of Collections
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00–5:00 flex, occasional evening and weekend work and occasional travel (10%)
Status: Full-time, exempt with benefits
Pay: $38,000–$51,908, based on experience and qualifications
Responsibilities:
Exhibition Development and Interpretation (80%):
- Advance the profile of the Frick’s collection through bold and intellectually rigorous exhibitions, gallery rotations, thematic installations, publications, and public programming
- Contribute ideas to annual planning of the exhibition schedule
- Review exhibition proposals for artistic merit, mission fit, budget, and scheduling factors
- Work cross-departmentally to organize, coordinate, and co-lead exhibitions, contributing interpretation and research, securing loans, drafting layouts, assessing needs for conservation, preparation, and display, collaborating on graphic identity, and coordinating logistics with internal and external stakeholders
- Write exhibition didactics, labels, and related content for variety of platforms, including social media
- Cultivate relationships with donors, professional colleagues, partner organizations and peer institutions, as well as community at large
- Engage actively in enhancing the reputation of the Frick’s collection and exhibitions locally and nationally
Collections Care (20%)
- Responsibly co-manage the museum’s collections, ensuring proper documentation, maintenance, display, and conservation in accordance with best practices
- Research collection objects and update records in the museum’s database (Vernon CMS)
- Identify, research, and propose periodic acquisitions
- Consult with contract conservators on the care and documentation of the condition of works
- Contribute to assigned grant applications and general fundraising activities
- Participate in museum community as active scholar/curator in their field
Qualifications:
- MA or greater in art history or related field preferred, or comparable experience
- Minimum of 2 years of full-time curatorial experience in a cultural or educational institution or organization, or comparable equivalent
- Installation and object handling experience required
- A collaborative and curious mindset with a love of learning
- Passion for art, history, and nature
- Team player with the ability to work within cross-functional teams effectively
- Ability to proactively prioritize and manage time, juggle multiple duties and tasks in various stages of development, and meet deadlines
- Excellent attention to detail and superior organizational skills
- Growing expertise in at least one of the museum’s collecting areas (Italian Renaissance, 18th and 19th century European and American) with a strong general art historical knowledge
- Excellent research, writing, and delivery of oral and written communications that engage their intended audiences
- Commitment to fostering a workplace culture of diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion
- Clearance of a criminal background check
The Frick Pittsburgh is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a workplace culture of accessibility, inclusion, diversity, and racial equity and urges qualified diverse applicants to apply.
The Frick Pittsburgh is observing ALL Government, State, and Local guidelines and protocols for COVID 19 safety including social distancing and mask wearing. We also require applicants to show proof of COVID vaccination and booster.
To Apply: Please submit to HR@TheFrickPittsburgh.org a complete resume or curriculum vitae listing relevant education, experiences, exhibitions, and publications; a cover letter expressing your interest in the position; and a brief writing sample – an article, exhibition labels, or chapter excerpt on a relevant research topic.
Review of applications will begin on October 16, 2022 and will continue until the position is filled.
Candidates from historically underrepresented backgrounds in the museum field are encouraged to apply. Confidential inquiries, applications, and recommendations are welcome.