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Professional Aide

Back to search results Apply now Job no: 1135030
Work type: Support Staff
Pay Grade: 05
Major Administrative Unit / College: University Arts And Collections
Department: Art Museum 10050506
Sub Area: AP- Professionals
Salary: Pay Commensurate with Experience
Location: East Lansing
Categories: On-Call

Position Summary(Basic Job Function)

This is a temporary or an on-call position. Provides professional support. Responsibilities may include general business, science, medical, agricultural or other professional support functions. Term: Temps can work two (2) nine (9) month terms with a week break in service in between and at the end of the second term terminate for three (3) months or switch to an on-call. On-Call allowed to work 1039 hours in any twelve (12) month period.

Unit Position Summary

Duration And Compensation

Employee would start August 1, 2026. Working 10-15 hours per week at $15/hr. This is an ongoing position. This work will be conducted during the museum’s regular weekly operating hours, from 8:30am-5pm, Monday through Friday. Occasional evening or weekend responsibilities may be required.

 

Position Description

Working collaboratively, the Curatorial Research Assistant is an integral part of the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum’s (MSU Broad Art Museum) curatorial team that contributes to exhibition research and development and collection research and interpretation. The Curatorial Research Assistant will report to the Assistant Curator and Senior Curator working collaboratively to engage with the whole curatorial team on select projects. The Curatorial Research Assistant will learn from and contribute to the formation of exhibitions; the maintenance and development of research related to the permanent collection, including artist research; and the development of departmental activities including research, education, and development. They will also assist with a wide range of departmental administrative tasks, supporting the organization of files and documentation. 

 

Duties

General Curatorial and Clerical Support 

  • Answers routine correspondence 

  • Attends meetings and keeps track of action items and to-do lists 

  • Prepares and updates exhibition checklists 

  • Maintains file organization for department and those related to exhibitions, collections, and committees coordinated by Curatorial 

  • Supports the development of grant applications 

  • Other administrative duties as requested 

Exhibitions Planning 

  • Works with curators and registrars in locating and selecting objects for exhibitions 

  • Researches and writes about objects or artists in exhibitions 

  • Prepares labels for permanent collection galleries and loan exhibitions 

  • Collaborates with museum staff across departments. 

Collections Management 

  • Works with registrar and curators to maintain accurate records in database 

  • Assists in researching and writing about permanent collection and new acquisitions 

Publications 

  • Assists in identifying images for reproduction whether for web purposes or brochure content 

  • Collaborates with MSU Broad Art Museum’s staff to obtain proper permissions for reproductions 

  • Collaborates with MSU Broad Art Museum’s staff to provide feedback on different exhibition texts and brochures 

 

Work Environment

Work will primarily take place in the museum’s shared offices, but will also include offsite collection storage spaces, museum galleries, other university buildings, and occasional off-campus excursions.

 

Learning Outcomes and Benefits

Curatorial Research Assistants can expect to develop basic proficiency in writing for a wide range of museum publics; learn how to apply their humanities-based research skills to new fields and projects; and acquire a deeper understanding of the logistics and processes informing exhibitions, acquisitions, and museum collections. 

Desired Qualifications

  • Applicants should have an interest in the arts 

  • Excellent research and writing skills 

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills  

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office and Teams 

  • Interest in contemporary art and/or museums 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Resume

Cover Letter (1-2 pages) outlining your interest in curatorial work, your relevant experience, and how you envision your specific skill sets supporting the work of the curatorial team.

Writing Sample relevant to the field of art and/or art history. (Examples:portions of a class/seminar paper, a thesis/dissertation, biographical writing, and/or journalistic writing.)

Work Hours

ON-CALL

Website

https://broadmuseum.msu.edu/

Advertised: Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Eastern Daylight Time

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