Research Associate, Creative Design ​/ Digital Art, Digital Media ​/ Production

137 W. 25th Street, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10001

Jan 22, 2026

The Research Associate contributes to the Joan Mitchell Foundation’s mission of cultivating research, scholarship, and exhibitions on the work and life of artist Joan Mitchell. This position plays a key role in the Foundation’s stewardship of her legacy through research, exhibitions, publications, the Foundation’s website, and public programs. This role assists with all aspects of the research and documentation activities of the Joan Mitchell Foundation, with an emphasis on supporting the work of the Senior Director of Curatorial Affairs and the Archives.

The position reports to the Senior Director of Curatorial Affairs (SDCA), and is based in New York City with responsibilities that require working in office three days each week.

• Conduct research, create research files, and communicate findings in support of internal projects.
• Provide support remotely and in person to internal and external researchers, including members of the Joan Mitchell Catalogue Raisonné team.
• Supervising researchers in the Archives on-site reading room, providing researchers access to materials, and fulfilling reference scan requests.
• Conduct in-depth cataloguing of artworks, with a focus on works on paper: object description; provenance, exhibition, and publication histories.
• Work closely with the SDCA, Director of Archives and Research, database manager, and other staff members to accurately assist in updating and maintaining the Foundation’s database (File Maker Pro) and internal files, including consistently entering notes and data in accordance with JMF Style Guidelines and the Chicago Manual of Style.
• Support publications and special projects through scanning and photography of Archival materials; format, edit, name and file digital images.
• Assist with administrative tasks related to Legacy team projects and programs, including, but not limited to, meeting minutes, correspondence, spreadsheets, and calendars.
• Assist with preparations for loan of archival materials to exhibitions; create facsimiles of materials as appropriate.
• Maintain accurate inventory of Archives library; catalogue and shelve new titles; coordinate with Joan Mitchell Catalogue Raisonné on cataloguing as needed.
• Actively participate in departmental and Foundation-wide planning and initiatives.
• Develop and maintain reference resources on Foundation website in collaboration with Design & Media Manager and Communications Manager.
• Generate content related to Joan Mitchell and her work for publication on Foundation website and social media platforms.
• Collaborate with Legacy colleagues to plan and implement programming for both the general public and academic audiences via open houses, class visits, and other events.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Compensation: $60-72k
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Short- and Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance
• 401k + Employer contribution
• Generous PTO, Sick time, and Floating Holidays
• Commuter benefits (parking and mass transit)
• Pet insurance, group accident insurance, Met Life Auto and Home Insurance, Legal Insurance
• Behavioral Health Employee Assistance Program

Note:

The salary range is based on the Foundation’s approach and commitment to providing competitive and equitable compensation. The range shared is a guideline for the salary offered, which will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, special licensing or qualifications, unique skillsets, and other factors which will impact their contribution to the role and Foundation as a whole.

In addition, the Foundation completes regular compensation analysis which aligns with their equitable compensation philosophy.

The Joan Mitchell Foundation cultivates the study and appreciation of artist Joan Mitchell’s life and work, while fulfilling her wish to provide resources and opportunities for visual artists. As the chief steward of Joan Mitchell’s legacy, the Foundation manages a collection of Mitchell’s artwork and archives containing her personal papers,…