Curatorial Assistant, Contemporary Architecture

The Museum of Modern Art is currently accepting applications for a Curatorial Assistant in the Department of Architecture and Design who will provide support for upcoming contemporary architecture exhibitions, collection-based rotation displays, and acquisitions to the collection. 

The Curatorial Assistant will work with colleagues across the Museum and with external colleagues to provide preparatory assistance and logistical support that ensures that exhibitions, collection care, programs, department operations, and other daily functions are smoothly executed.

Responsibilities:

• Assists senior curatorial staff in all areas of their responsibilities, including administrative work, e.g., taking detailed minutes of meetings, preparing presentations, drafting interoffice and extra-institutional communications, scheduling meetings, etc. Supports research and preparation for exhibitions, collection-based rotations, publications, acquisitions, online content, collections records, bibliographic and biographical records and files, departmental committee meetings, loans, and general curatorial inquiries.


• Assists with preparation of exhibitions and collection-based rotations, including scholarly research and writing. Assists with arranging loans; catalog preparation; preparation of exhibition checklists in CEMS and related platforms; and coordinating and scheduling prep work to be done within the Museum and without in areas such as interpretive materials, conservation, photography, matting, framing, construction, lighting, etc.  Assists with the preparation and installation of wall labels, publication texts images rights and other materials as assigned.


• Communicates closely with living architects and collaborators to support the selection, contextualization and display of models and drawings, as well as other mediums of architectural representation.


• Conducts daily inspection of works on view in the collection galleries and in temporary exhibitions and assists in necessary follow-up arrangements. Answers inquiries and conducts gallery tours. 


• Answers inquiries from the public and scholars with regard to works in the collection.


• Works with curatorial interns and other titles as assigned.


• Keeps informed of current artistic and exhibition activities related to local, national and international architects by visiting galleries and museums, reading publications, conducting architect studio visits, etc., and conveys perspectives and observations to the senior staff.


• Performs any other duties reasonably related to the functions described above.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in architectural history or architecture, or a comparable academic field required. Master’s degree preferred. Relevant work experience and competence within area of departmental interest.  


• Expertise and deep knowledge of contemporary architecture on a local, national, and global scale required.  A keen interest in the history of the display of architecture at MoMA and a curiosity to develop new models for their display strongly encouraged.


• Sufficient flexibility and high level of enthusiasm to work as part of a curatorial team as well as openness to feedback and curiosity for learning and mentorship from colleagues.


• Excellent research, writing, and organizational skills, as well as ability to effectively communicate interpersonally across multiple departments, constituencies and audiences.


• Exceptional attention to detail, professionalism and discretion in handling sensitive situations and matters.


• Ability to prioritize across a fast-paced work environment and manage more than one project at a time while completing assignments on deadline.


• Facility with critical thinking and problem-solving.


• Working knowledge of standard office technology, procedures and equipment.


• Reading knowledge and verbal fluency in one language, in addition to English.


• On-site presence is required four days per week, subject to change at management’s discretion, with the understanding that some weeks on-site presence five days a week will be required.

Reports to: Chief Curator, Architecture and Design and Department Manager 

Salary:   The salary for this position is $74,858 (gross) per annum

Application instructions: To apply, please visit MoMA Jobs.  Applicants should submit a resume and a statement of interest.  Applications without cover letters will not be considered.

Application deadline:  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with a deadline of August 7, 2026 at 5:00 pm Eastern daylight time, after which the job posting will be closed.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement: Equal Employment Opportunity has been, and will continue to be, a fundamental principle at the Museum, where employment is based upon personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, marital and civil partnership/union status, alienage or citizenship status, creed, genetic predisposition or carrier status, unemployment status, familial status, domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking victim status, caregiver status, arrest or conviction record to the extent required by applicable law, credit history, or any other protected category as established by applicable law, including the New York City Human Rights Law (“NYCHRL”).

This is a unionized position at MoMA with covered employees represented by Local 2110, UAW, AFL-CIO.