Mellon Collection Fellow at The Studio Museum in Harlem

Job Title: Mellon Collection Fellow

Job Status: Full-time, one year.

Location: New York, NY

Salary: $45,000

About Our Organization

Founded in 1968, The Studio Museum in Harlem is a cultural leader that champions and preserves the prolific legacy of artists of African descent while simultaneously promoting critical thinking about art, culture, and community. Born out of an urgent need amid the political, social, and cultural ferment of the late 1960s, the Studio Museum was founded to create a new paradigm in which institutionally ignored artists of color would be seen, discussed, rewarded, and made known to the public. Today, the Studio Museum continues to serve as the nexus for Black artists locally, nationally, and internationally, and for work inspired and influenced by Black culture.

Job Summary

The Studio Museum in Harlem seeks a Collection Fellow to work under the supervision of the Registrar’s Office to assist with object research and acquisition documentation of the permanent collection. The Fellow will provide cataloging support for the Collection & Exhibitions Management team and maintain acquisition and loans files for the permanent collection. The role offers hands on data and object management training in permanent collection documentation which includes verifying tombstone information and linking object condition reports, installation information, insurance details, and rights and reproduction notes. The role will provide an opportunity to learn how to navigate our TMS Collections database, prepare artwork for its institutional ingestion, as well as support inaugural exhibition activities. The one-year position will offer an emerging professional insight into collection care decision making.  

Application Deadline: October 25, 2024

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

  • Catalog artwork data in TMS and NetX, including clarifying and updating components, linking installation instructions, conservation notes, rights and reproduction permissions. 
  • Assist with inventorying of non-permanent collection works (ETW, HPC, Study Collection). 
  • Update object locations in TMS.            
  • Audit, update and link identification images to TMS and NetX. 
  • Maintain photography needs and photography completion schedules.
  • Establish permanent collection acquisition, object, and loan files for contracts and correspondence according to Archives records retention policy. 
  • Support Curatorial research on exhibition history and provenance for permanent collection artworks. 
  • Support the activities of the Registrar as needed with regard to inaugural exhibition planning. 
  • Other duties as assigned. 

Skills and Qualifications   

  • Understanding of the purpose and function of databases.
  • Demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Interest in Registrar and Collection Management.

Education and Experience  

  • ​​Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. 
  • ​1–3 years in a museum, gallery, and/or cultural collection with a deep interest in and commitment to collection management. 
  • ​Experience with TMS and/or TMS Collections; Microsoft Office 360, including Excel, Power Point, Outlook, Planner, and Teams; and Adobe. 

Physical Demands 

  • May be seated or on your feet for long periods of time.
  • May be asked to carry/move heavy boxes—up to 25lbs. 
  • Many hours in front of the computer. 
  • Comfort with a shared office space.

Work Environment  

  • This position is considered a non-exempt position for purposes of federal wage and hour law, which means that you will be eligible for overtime pay for hours in excess of 40 in a given workweek.
  • Fast-paced environment with varying levels of guests and employees present.
  • Building Accessibility – office locations are wheelchair accessible, with elevators in the building. Other accessibility accommodations can be further discussed.

Compensation

$45,000 annually

A competitive benefits package is provided, including medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance, a retirement account, and substantial vacation time. 

Application Instructions:   

Please upload your resume, cover letter, and a writing sample to your application. No phone calls or faxes, please.  

Please note that while careful consideration will be given to each submission, the Museum will only be able to contact those applicants whose knowledge, skills, and work experience best fit the requirements of the position.   

Apply Here

The Studio Museum in Harlem is an equal opportunity employer and considers all candidates for employment regardless of race, color, sex, age, gender identification, national origin, creed, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or political affiliation. We celebrate our inclusive work environment and encourage folks of all backgrounds and perspectives to apply. At the Studio Museum, we are committed to having an inclusive and transparent environment where every voice is heard and acknowledged. We embrace our differences, and know that our diverse team is a strength that drives our success.  

Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.