Knobloch Family Foundation Research Associate in American Art at the High Museum of Art

Job Title: Knobloch Family Foundation Research Associate in American Art

Job Status: Full-time, 1-2 years

Location: Atlanta, GA

Salary:  $40,000 – $50,000


Description

Woodruff Arts Center employees play an integral role in creating and supporting great art and education initiatives at the nation’s third largest arts center. Comprised of three Art Partners—Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and High Museum of Art—there’s a role for everyone at The Woodruff.

Reports to:

Curator, American Art

FLSA:

United States of America (Exempt)

Employment Status:

Regular/Full time

Position Summary: The High Museum of Art seeks candidates for the Knobloch Family Foundation Research Associate, an 18-monthtermed position within the Department of American Art. The position will be centered on the pursuit of research and logistical support for major exhibitions and collection-based projects in historical American Art, with projects spanning from the early nineteenth to the mid-twentieth centuries. In addition, the assistant will provide support as needed for related acquisitions and collection-based research.

Primary projects include an exhibition reevaluating post-Civil War imagery of women and a second addressing the scope of American immersive art, ranging from illusionistic painting such as trompe l’oeil and panoramas to photographic and cinematic illusion, virtual reality and experiential art of today. In addition, the Associate will conduct foundational investigations for discrete collection-based projects including coordinating a gallery presentation featuring a collection conservation story about an American collection object(s); and targeted research and writing for acquisitions, relevant collection objects, and gallery updates in honor of the Museum’s centennial celebrations in 2026.

Responsibilities will include but are not limited to: 

  • Contributing original research to and writing for relevant scholarly endeavors including an exhibition catalogue or other museum publications.
  • Working with Curator and staff to assist with writing didactic material.
  • Creating and managing a bibliography of relevant primary/archival and secondary scholarships which will shape scholarly productions related to the projects.
  • Coordinate meetings with internal and external colleagues, as needed.
  • Maintaining and managing checklists and database updates and coordinating these tasks with relevant staff in other adjacent departments.
  • Assist with loan letters and other forms of communication with lenders, patrons, collectors, museum colleagues, scholars, gallerists, auction house specialists, etc.
  • Coordinate with Curatorial Administrative Assistant to process all related expenses and maintain project budgets.
  • Assist with the writing of grants, project descriptions, exhibition precis and other summary needs for each project.
  • Assist with the coordination of accessing collection objects in storage for research and review.

Duration: This assistantship is termed for 18 months.

Compensation: A salary of $50,000 plus a generous benefits package.

Necessary Qualifications:  

  • A master’s degree in art history, or other related humanities field
  • At least one year of museum or related research experience 
  • Enthusiasm for historical American art, and a familiarity with the cultural and political history of the United States ranging from 1800 to 1950.
  • Strong writing and research skills
  • Detail-oriented, hard-working, and organized 
  • Ability to work efficiently with minimal supervision  
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and ability to learn and master the Museum’s TMS collection database program

Dates and Compensation:  September 1, 2023 – February 1, 2025

Application:  Please upload the following into your application 

  • cover letter that explains how this research position relates to the applicant’s academic and career goals and desire to learn about the field of American art
  • writing sample
  • resume or CV with relevant coursework, skills, and work experience
  • Contact information for a reference from a current or former professor or employer

Apply via AAM