Emerging Professional Fellowship: Museum of Art

Description

The SMC Museum of Art (MoA) is an academic museum at Saint Mary’s College of California in Moraga, CA. The museum acts on the belief that art illuminates our lives and creates a more humane world. The Emerging Professional Fellowship: Museum of Art is an integral one-year program to this mission. The goal of the fellowship is to provide a foundational experience to emerging professionals interested in museums and non-profit-centered work. The fellowship supports recent liberal arts graduates as they navigate the landscape from university to the professional sector. This position reports to the Curator and Executive Director of the Museum and receives one-on-one mentorship. 

Fellows work closely with museum leadership to define their individual learning and professional goals. They develop a flexible plan with clear milestones, expectations, and a timeline. Throughout the year, fellows receive guidance and support through regular meetings, professional development resources, and access to expert staff and materials. The fellowship concludes with a public presentation of a culminating project developed during the program.

Programming and Engagement

Develop and organize museum events corresponding to yearly exhibits.

Responsibilities include: 

• Implementing engagement strategies informs visitors and supports the museum 
• Cultivating and serving as a liaison to other college departments and programs
• Organizing and promoting public programs
• Supporting external museum communication and promoting clear internal communication for marketing and messaging related to exhibitions, programs, and events
• Supporting the MoA website and social media platforms
• Developing in coordination with the museum staff posters, flyers, and promotional materials for events
• Working with museum staff and Saint Mary’s College to generate interpretive materials for diverse audiences 

Curatorial

Works with Curator on various exhibitions, tasks, and projects as assigned. Assists with research and writing for text labels, brochure text, and web text. Specific duties will be developed based on the interest of the fellow.

Collection Management

Work with the Director of Collections and Operations and the Exhibition Manager/Lead Preparator on various collections and museum installation projects. 

Museum Administration

Collaborates with the Executive Director on various projects and initiatives focused on student success and the student experience. Participates in museum team meetings and collaborates with library committees. Specific duties will be developed based on the interests of the fellow.

Professional Development

Explore professional development opportunities in the museum field. Participation in professional organizations, training, workshops, and conference attendance will be supported. 

Library

This position includes opportunities to work with Library staff to gain experience in library services, information systems, and archive management. A wide range of assignments and responsibilities is available and will be assigned based on the fellow's areas of interest pertaining to their culminating project.

Requirements

The successful candidate will have excellent communication, creative, and interpersonal skills; a demonstrated ability to communicate with museum staff, faculty, students, and the public in a knowledgeable, professional, and kind manner; a demonstrated ability to connect with diverse collaborators and audiences; a demonstrated ability to take initiative and anticipate actions needed; experience presenting live programs (both virtual and hybrid) on Zoom Webinar and developing digital content using Adobe Creative Cloud or comparable software programs; and a commitment to fostering a culture of DEIA/B. 

Requirements

• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• Organization skills
• Experience working in the Museum of Art 
• Able to follow written directions and integrate constructive feedback
• Interest in the professional field of museums
• Self-motivated and proactive

Preferred

• Experience with Canva or other design tools
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule 
• Active participant in student groups and campus life