Curatorial Assistant, Contemporary Art

Reports to: Hoffman Family Senior Curator of Contemporary Art

Department: Curatorial

Classification: Non-exempt, Full-Time, Hourly

Benefits: Full Museum Benefits

Schedule: M-F, 9am-5pm

Salary Range: $25/hour

Mission: The Dallas Museum of Art is a space of wonder and discovery where art comes alive.

The DMA will:

• Place art and our diverse communities at the center around which all activities radiate.
• Pursue excellence in collecting and programming, present works of art across cultures and time, and be a driving force in contemporary art.
• Strengthen our position as a prominent, innovative institution, expanding the meaning and possibilities of learning and creativity.

Scope of the Position:

One of three curatorial assistants across the Curatorial Division, the Curatorial Assistant provides professional administrative and research support to the following positions: 

• The Hoffman Family Senior Curator of Contemporary Art
• The Lupe Murchison Curator of Contemporary Art
• The Nancy and Tim Hanley Assistant or Associate Curator of Contemporary Art
• The Cecil and Ida Green Curator of Asian Art
• The Margaret McDermott Assistant/Associate/Curator of African Art
• The Marguerite S. Hoffman and Thomas W. Lentz Curator of Islamic Art

The Curatorial Assistant will also serve as the interdepartmental coordinator managing the logistics and organizational needs for each Curator as directed. They will liaise with staff throughout the museum to ensure the smooth integration of communications and task management across departments and divisions.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Compose, transcribe, copy, and format correspondence, exhibition checklists, and spreadsheets
• Manage administration of outgoing and incoming loans program and related gallery work
• Coordinate, submit, and schedule work requests for all gallery-related projects and behind-the-scenes collections activities for each curator
• Prepare expense receipts and serve as liaison with accounting
• Make domestic and international travel arrangements including airline, hotel and ground transportation, and compile and verify itineraries for curatorial guests (ie visiting artists, scholars, etc.)
• Reconcile receipts in accounting software as needed
• Organize and maintain calendar schedules, contacts, and files for each curator
• Prepare PowerPoint presentations for all curators for the purposes of, but not limited to, docent training, proposals for new exhibitions and new acquisitions
• Assist in planning special events and facilitate patron visits including processing invitations, guest lists, and RSVPs
• Handle incoming and outgoing telephone calls, email inquiries, and voicemail messages professionally and accurately
• Receive and screen office visitors, and accompany them within the Museum when required
• Serve as liaison to all museum departments on behalf of each curator when required
• Update and improve object records in permanent collection database and for the museum website
• Assist in research on the permanent collection, and for exhibitions, publications, provenance, and new acquisitions
• Coordinate with office of Exhibitions and Interpretation, Education, Marketing and Communications, and Development regarding relevant curatorial projects
• Procure research materials on behalf of curators and outside scholars upon request
• Maintain and archive files (electronic and hard copy) according to museum standards for each curr
• Assist in the administration of the annual Awards to Artists application, jurying, and reception event
• Sort and process mail at least twice a week
• Assist curatorial volunteers and interns with their assigned projects as required
• Maintain and order office supplies as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Education, Experience, and Certifications:

• B. A. in Art History or a related discipline, with a demonstrated interest in global postwar and contemporary art

Desirable but not required:

• M.A. in Art History with a focus on global postwar and contemporary art
• Some research background in Asian art and African art
• Two years administrative work experience in an office environment
• Experience writing and editing a variety of texts, including exhibition texts and labels
• Experience working with TMS (The Museum System)
• Experience conducting object- and primary-source based research, specifically bibliography, provenance, and exhibition history research

Key Qualifications:

• General administrative and project management skills in a team setting
• Ability to perform highly detail-oriented work with accuracy and strong organizational skills
• Ability to multi-task at a fast pace and handle multiple requests from the curators
• Excellent computer skills, including the most recent versions of Microsoft Office applications and Adobe
• Ability to communicate and interact with supervisors, staff, patrons, dealers, artists, and trustees in a professional and considerate manner
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality

Our Core Values 

• Act with Integrity: We are honest and ethical.
• Build Inclusivity: We create spaces where everyone can feel like they belong.
• Communicate Respectfully: We listen intentionally and advocate for diverse perspectives.
• Embrace and Drive Change: We are innovative, creative, and solutions driven.
• Foster Connections: We collaborate around shared goals.
• Maintain Balance: We encourage ourselves and each other to reflect and recharge.
• Remain Curious: We pursue personal and professional learning.

Our Commitment to Equity and Diversity

The Dallas Museum of Art is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The DMA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.