The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities, centering the vision of artists and makers. We recognize that all art is made in a particular context, demanding continual, dynamic reconsideration in the present. We are a place of gathering; we foster the exchange of ideas and inspire an expansive, inclusive understanding of human creativity.

Under the guidance of the chair, the assistant curator supports the department in caring for, researching, producing content on, interpreting, and displaying the areas of specialty within the departmental collection. The assistant curator assumes responsibility and connoisseurship for areas of specialty, keeps abreast of the art market, recommends acquisitions and deaccessions to the chair and President and Director in consultation with other curators, and proposes exhibitions for the museum.

The assistant curator supports the chair’s vision of the department; helps to enhance the visibility and reputation of the museum and develop community interest and support for areas of specialty within the departmental collection. The Assistant Curator supports the museum in its commitment to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable institution. As appropriate, the assistant curator consults with other departments on acquisitions, exhibitions, gallery rotations, content production, and programming.

The assistant curator communicates clearly and consistently with the department chair and colleagues about projects and timelines; and collaborates with departmental interns, fellows, and volunteers. The assistant curator engages in a collaborative role with Conservation and Science and Collections and Loans to review treatments and foster best practices for maintaining the areas of specialty within the collection. All of these efforts are supported by the assistant curator’s collaboration with the philanthropy team to cultivate relationships with donors, collectors, and committee members, as appropriate.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Collection growth and care: Under the guidance of the chair, evaluates the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges of areas of specialty within the collection; keeps abreast of the market, current scholarship, and legal and ethical issues in the field; works with dealers; recommends acquisitions and deaccessions; cultivates relationships with donors; supports the maintenance and cataloguing of records, documentation, and research; supports collection management through cataloguing, database upkeep, website publication, and object care and movement; ensures the safety and stability of the collection and loans; consults with Conservation and Science and Collections and Loans on the general physical condition, treatment, storage, and display of the collection; considers loans; and responds to related external and internal inquiries.

Research and scholarship: Carries out original research that results in art historical scholarship; produces collection and provenance research, documentation, and content; actively builds object files, maintains object database records, and publishes new research findings online; liaises with colleagues to develop compelling narratives, programs, and content for broad audience engagement and to determine appropriate medium for sharing content, including digital platforms, in-gallery didactics, or print.* Under the guidance of the chair and as appropriate, pursues opportunities through scholarly publications, conferences, teaching, and lecturing. As needed, responds to external inquiries about the collection.

Philanthropy and stewardship: Under the guidance of the chair, and in consultation with colleagues in External Affairs, assists with the stewardship and cultivation of donors and the museum’s fundraising efforts.* When appropriate, advises collectors and engages them in the museum’s vision; and maintains accurate information on donors’ collections. Cultivates and maintains relationships with dealers, galleries, auction houses, and peers. Assists with the preparation for curatorial advisory committee meetings, including the agenda, supporting materials, research and justifications, and presentations.

Exhibitions: Under the guidance of the Chair and as appropriate, may help to conceptualize and propose exhibitions and plan the research, development, organization, installation, and related publication and interpretive materials for exhibitions and gallery installations according to museum standards, budgets, and guidelines. Under the guidance of the exhibition team, and as outlined in museum procedures, contributes to the relevant curatorial duties required of curatorial departments in the exhibition development process. Maintains relationships with peer museums, institutions, and cultural agencies with the potential for exhibition loans and partnerships.

Visibility and audience outreach: Collaborates with colleagues to create innovative, compelling, and accessible interpretive content and programming to enhance engagement; serves as an expert on the areas of specialty within the collection and acts as a museum representative through lectures, interviews, tours, and conferences.* Supports the chair’s vision to promote international visibility and recognition in the field through contributions to scholarship; may participate in the museum’s robust university and fellowship programs and support the training of fellows and interns through teaching and mentoring. As needed, may review and provide feedback on marketing and communications related to departmental collection. Encourages access to museum resources and collection for historians, scholars, universities, art professionals, and other peers; and responds to external inquiries from scholars, curators, and peers as needed.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer; must be able to remain in a stationary position 90% of the time.
• Occasionally moves about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy machine and printer.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, ability to adjust focus, and the ability to sustain prolonged visual concentration.
• Occasionally handles art.

• Advanced degree in art history or equivalent experience required
• Experience working in museums, galleries, and/or other curatorial capacities required; minimum of two to three years of experience required
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google suites required; ability to learn museum-specific collection database
• Knowledge of foreign languages as appropriate to areas of specialty
• The ideal candidate should demonstrate:

¿A broad art historical foundation;

¿A record of scholarly achievement in area(s) of specialty;

¿Expertise, experience, and interest in pursuing a distinct area or areas relevant to expanding areas of the collection;

¿A willingness to embrace the museum’s commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable institution;

¿An open-minded and collaborative approach to working and communicating with all colleagues across the museum;

¿And outstanding communication skills that demonstrate both scholarly ability and interest in public engagement.

We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package:

• Generous paid time off
• Paid holidays (up to 14 days)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous parental, caregiver, and medical leave benefits
• Competitive retirement plan (up to 9% matching contribution)
• Tuition remission and Tuition Exchange Program
• Great employee discounts
• Complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions

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Becoming vaccinated against COVID-19 is the most important contribution we as individuals can make to ensure our own safety and the safety of our museum and school community. All employees must complete an attestation and provide proof of their vaccination status, or request a medical or religious exemption within the first week of employment.

The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran status or citizenship. The Institute complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at apply_help@artic.edu.