Assistant Curator

Saint Anselm College, a catholic, liberal arts college in the Benedictine tradition, is seeking a creative, dedicated, and motivated Assistant Curator. Reporting to the Director of the Chapel Art Center, the Assistant Curator will assist in planning and curating exhibitions and managing a permanent collection of artworks at the Alva de Mars Megan Chapel Art Center. This is a full-time, salaried position with a work schedule encompassing 10 months during the academic year, from August 15 to June 15. It includes Saint Anselm College administrator benefits.

About the Chapel Art Center:

Founded in 1967, the Chapel Art Center is a fine art exhibition gallery located in a historic chapel on the campus of Saint Anselm College. The chapel retains many original architectural elements, including an elaborate program of ceiling murals painted by Fr. Raphael Pfisterer, an artist and a monk of the Benedictine order. The gallery mounts a series of exhibitions throughout the academic year and maintains a permanent collection of fine and decorative artworks. As a teaching resource for Saint Anselm College students and faculty, the Chapel Art Center plays a vital role in the academic life of the College. Its exhibitions also serve a greater community in the Manchester and Greater Boston regions. Exhibitions often coincide with public lectures, concerts, gallery talks, and other public programs.

Responsibilities:

The Assistant Curator will provide support to the Director with the ongoing operations and development of the Chapel Art Center. Duties in the area of Permanent Collection Management include documentation and research of collection artworks and consultation on possible purchases and gifts; implementing and reviewing collecting policies; and maintaining best professional practices in cataloguing, record-keeping, and collections storage.

The Assistant Curator will also assist in exhibition planning and retain primary responsibility for managing the exhibition floor during all gallery installations. This includes supervising art handling, managing exhibition paperwork (loan forms, condition reports, insurance reports), arranging for art transport and temporary on-site storage, and preparing and installing artworks, wall texts, labels, and other in-gallery interpretive materials. The Assistant Curator will have responsibility for training and directing student workers through all installations.

The Assistant Curator will assist the Gallery Assistant with the logistics of events such as exhibition openings, lectures, gallery talks, and concerts. Working closely with other constituencies on campus, you will supervise the general maintenance of the gallery and exhibition floor, as well as the technical and practical requirements for special events and viewings. The position requires accomplished skills in project management and a willingness to assist in hands-on tasks with resourcefulness and flexibility. There is frequently a public role for the Assistant Curator in the reception of the college’s faculty and their students to the gallery, as well as guests from the general public, for the purpose of introducing exhibitions, touring the gallery, and presenting selections from the permanent collection. Occasional evening hours are required for opening receptions, programs, and events.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the growth of the Chapel Art Center, with opportunities to assist in strategic development, donor relations, and further professional career development. The right candidate will have a demonstrated interest in furthering their career while also contributing to future projects at the gallery, including but not limited to print publications, collection catalogues, organizing symposia and distinguished speakers, and continued engagement with the Saint Anselm College curriculum.

Requirements:

A master’s degree in art history, museum studies, or arts administration is required. At least 1-2 years in a museum or curatorial role is desired.

Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint is required.

Familiarity with design software such as Photoshop and InDesign are a plus.

Experience with museum collection management software is desirable.

Excellent writing skills and strong organizational abilities are essential.

Attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects are crucial.

The candidate must work well under pressure to meet deadlines.

Physical requirements include the ability to bend, stretch, use ladders, and lift up to 40 lbs.

Successful candidates will be able to assist the college to further its strategic goals for institution-wide diversity and inclusiveness.

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