Assistant Curator of European Decorative Arts and Sculpture at Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco

Job Title: Assistant Curator of European Decorative Arts and Sculpture

Job Status: Full-time

Location: San Francisco, CA

Salary: $68,000 – $75,000

Description

Under the supervision of the Curator in Charge, the Assistant Curator provides support for the day-to-day operation of the European Decorative Arts and Sculpture Department. This position contributes to the care and interpretation of the collection of European Decorative Arts and Sculpture collections. This position works effectively and collegially with a broad range of staff, donors, trustees, curatorial support group members, and the general public. A strong customer service orientation and the ability to achieve and sustain best curatorial practices are essential. 

Typical Duties and Responsibilities: 

  1. Permanent Collection: Manages the maintenance of the permanent collection in the galleries and in storage in consultation with senior staff. Assists with installations. Assists with the day-to-day running of the Porcelain Gallery and its Study Room. 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 European decorative art and sculpture collections, including their contents and art 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 Porcelain Study Room 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 European Decorative Arts Council, and the San Francisco Ceramic Circle. Presents lectures and docent talks, and conducts tours of the collection and temporary exhibitions for donors, trustees, and the general public as the need arises. 
  9. Fundraising: In keeping with Museums-wide curatorial practice, supports the fundraising and public relations efforts of the European Decorative Arts and Sculpture department working with the Museums and its Development department. Actively participates in meetings and programs of the European Decorative 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.  

 

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Training:  Bachelor’s Degree in Art History or related field; Master’s Degree in art history preferred. 

Work Experience: 

  • Specialized knowledge in the history and techniques of the decorative arts and sculpture is required
  • Two years of curatorial experience or similar (including curatorial fellowships) 

Skills and Abilities: 

  • Familiarity with museum collections software (TMS) preferred
  • Art handling skills
  • Intellectual curiosity
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Adherence to deadlines
  • Strong follow through
  • Flexibility in meeting shifting demands and priorities
  • Ability to work simultaneously on multiple projects in a highly demanding and fast paced work environment
  • A high level of initiative and energy
  • Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
  • A desire to function in a team and customer service oriented environment
  • Ability to achieve cross-functional teamwork
  • Ability to achieve and sustain best curatorial practices

Working Conditions:

Physical Requirements: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Environmental Factors: Close office setting.

Work Location: Legion of Honor – Hybrid onsite/remote schedule

This position is full-time, 40 hours a week. The benefits package includes medical, dental, vision and 401(k), and paid time off. 

The annual salary range for this position is $68,000-75,000. The final offer amount within this range will be based on experience and internal equity.

Application Deadline: Open until filled 

If you require an alternative method of completing this application please contact humanresources@famsf.org.

Apply via AAM

All new COFAM employees are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Please contact humanresources@famsf.org with any questions.