Assistant Curator of the Collection at Harvard University

Job Title: Assistant Curator of the Collection

Job Status: Full-time

Location: Cambridge, MA

Job Summary

The Assistant Curator of the Collection serves as the primary resource for broad collection-based projects and ongoing collection-related activities. This includes organizing and guiding changes in gallery installations and playing a central role in supporting and mediating access to and use of the permanent collection in teaching, learning, and research in various modes and scenarios.

Position Description

Collection Gallery Installations

Contributes to the development and implementation of rotating collection gallery installations (CGIs), as well as long-term (core) changes in permanent collection galleries.

  • Coordinates CGI themes, object choices, recordkeeping with input from and in collaboration with divisional curators and the curatorial assistant for the collection.
  • Is divisional resource and representative for activities, inquiries, and information-sharing related to the collection. Represents division at CGI review meetings.
  • Works closely with colleagues in Collections Management to ensure clear information-sharing and guidance for implementing collections changes.
  • Ensures accuracy and timeliness of TMS input and other recordkeeping activities.
  • Works closely with colleagues in Conservation; contributes to discussions of conservation priorities for divisional objects and may make recommendations.
  • Responsible for timely creation of suitable labels for collection galleries, both rotating installations (CGIs) and one-off or long-term changes in presentations. Coordinates work between divisional curators and Editorial. May write labels, as appropriate.

Loans and Acquisitions
Serves as the primary divisional resource for Collections Management.

  • Manages loan requests for the division; brings requests to divisional curators’ meetings for discussion, attends all PLRs, contributes to discussion and decision about lending; posts results in Basecamp.
  • With input from divisional curators, selects replacements for works going out on loan.
  • Represents division in preparations for acquisition meetings.
  • May represent the division at acquisition and loans meetings as needed.
  • Drafts Director’s thank you letters for new acquisitions.

Teaching and Research

  • Supports curatorial engagement with the Art Study Center programming. Applies content expertise and solicits the expertise of other curatorial staff in the Division to meet this need.
  • Assists, coordinates with, and partners with Division of Academic and Public Programs (DAPP) to support a significant and sustained curricular role for the museum’s collection, especially within the undergraduate curriculum.
    • Reviews syllabi and suggests lists of works for inclusion in classes based on knowledge of collection.
    • Teaches class sessions with faculty in multiple disciplines, both in galleries and Art Study Centers.
    • Working with DAPP and as needed, reviews faculty requests for University Study Gallery and University Teaching Gallery installations; proposes appropriate collections objects.
    • Conducts additional research on works for University Gallery installations; updates TMS.

Programming

  • Supports the division in projects/collaborations with Institutional Advancement (IA), Communications, and DAPP.
    • May assist Divisional curators and IA in developing Fellows’ and other donor-related events (including in areas of expertise).
    • Assists in identifying divisional works to be highlighted in marketing campaigns.
    • Assists divisional curators and DAPP in developing and/or coordinating non-special-exhibition public programs; may present in public programs as needed/appropriate.
    • Writes articles for Index and other museum outlets as needed/appropriate.
    • Conducts VIP tours as needed.
  • May apply and share across divisions areas of special knowledge, such as provenance research, cultural property policies, museum + technology applications, and study center experience.
  • Supervises and manages the work of the Curatorial Assistant for the Collection (CAC)
    • Trains and supervises CAC in division-specific approach to documentation and cataloguing of Asian and Mediterranean works of art.
    • Instructs CAC in fundamentals of object and provenance research.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in art history or discipline relevant to subject area; minimum of 7 years of curatorial experience as curatorial assistant or other curatorial position working with collections in an art museum.

Additional Qualifications And Skills

  • Demonstrated commitment to fostering appreciation and understanding of works of art within a museum context for university audiences.
  • Demonstrated high level of communication skill, both oral and written.
  • Knowledge of a second language as appropriate to specialty preferred.
  • Excellent organizational and project management skills. Demonstrated ability to manage sometimes conflicting priorities.
  • Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with a range of individuals.
  • Knowledge of TMS strongly preferred.
  • Supervisory experience helpful.

Physical Requirements
Physical Requirements: This position is primarily conducted in an office setting. Must be able to lift and carry objects weighing up to 15 pounds. Travel to other local Harvard Art Museums sites may be required.

Additional Information
The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Work Format Details
This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website ( https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards ) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

  • Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
  • Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
  • Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
  • Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
  • Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
  • Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
  • Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
  • Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
  • Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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