Research Associate in American Art

Job Title:  Research Associate in American Art
Department:  Curatorial Affairs
Reports To:  Curator of American Art
FLSA Status:  Exempt
Job Status:  Full-Time
Please submit applications directly on the Toledo Museum of Art website http://www.toledomuseum.org/jobs
Since our founding in 1901, the Toledo Museum of Art has earned a global reputation for the quality of our collection, our innovative and extensive education programs, and our architecturally significant campus.
And thanks to the benevolence of its founders, as well as the continued support of its members, TMA remains a privately endowed, non-profit institution and opens its collection to the public, free of charge.
SUMMARY
The Toledo Museum of Art seeks a Research Associate who will provide support for the Curator of American Art and the rest of the curatorial team with scholarly and administrative tasks in preparation for a pilot project on broadening American art historical narratives. The candidate will also participate in the planning of an upcoming museum-wide reimagining of TMA’s collections.
The Research Associate will provide critical support by participating in an assessment of the Museum’s collection of American art, with particular focus on understudied parts of the collection, such as works on paper and decorative arts, and aid in developing didactics that advance the institution’s mission that foster a culture of belonging. The role is best suited to a candidate with strong research skills, attention to detail, and a generalist’s knowledge of American art across all media.
The Research Associate will join a collaborative curatorial department and Museum, working closely with other departments across the institution, including but not limited to Conservation, Collections, Learning & Interpretation, and others outside the Museum.
Research demonstrates that individuals from underrepresented backgrounds tend to apply to jobs if they meet 100% of the qualifications. Since we recognize meeting all qualifications is highly unlikely, if much of the below appears to describe you, we encourage you to apply for this position.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
  • Researches works of art in the collection and updates the museum’s collections database, as needed.
  • Provides support with drafting gallery didactics.
  • Provides project management support for American curatorial projects and assists in the tracking and execution of interpretive plans related to American art curatorial initiatives.
  • Liaises with other Museum departments to communicates updates and key information about curatorial projects in a timely manner.
  • Travels, on occasion, as a museum courier, as well as for research, conferences, and professional development.
  • Develops content for social media updates, website content, etc.
  • Performs other duties as assigned or required.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
  • Master’s degree in art history or related field with major coursework in American art, American Studies, American History, Material and Visual Culture Studies, etc.
  • 2+ years of research experience required
SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE, COMPETENCIES, AND ABILITIES
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage several projects simultaneously.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and basic office functions.
  • Familiarity with The Museum System (TMS) or related collections database is preferred.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
Standard open office work environment shared with co-workers, with related phone, computer and printer noise.  Position requires ability operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, printer and phone system; May occasionally lift up to 25 pounds; Support given to various departments across campus may result in occasional exposure to uncomfortable weather conditions.
BENEFITS
  • 25 Days of Paid Time Off Annually
  • 6 Paid Holidays Annually
  • 2 Paid Floating Holidays Annually
  • 3 Paid Volunteer Days Annually
  • Birthday Paid Day Off
  • Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
  • 403b Retirement Savings Plan
  • Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Term Life and AD&D Insurance Plans
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Pet Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Plan
  • Museum Family Membership
  • Employee Discounts in the Museum Store, Café, Studio Art Classes, & More!
The Toledo Museum of Art provides equal opportunity for employment and promotion to all qualified employees and applicants. No person shall be discriminated against in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status or condition protected by applicable federal or state statutes. The Museum is committed to maintaining an environment in which all employees are treated equitably and given the opportunity to achieve their full potential in the workplace. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Human Resources at [email protected] or (567)-666-0387.