Curatorial and Project Assistant

Overview

UCR ARTS seeks a Curatorial and Project Assistant for a 24-month, part-time position (approximately 20 hours per week) with the possibility of extension beyond the initial two-year period. Reporting to the UCR ARTS Exhibitions Manager, the Curatorial and Project Assistant will support the curatorial team in researching and liaising with artists, outside curators, institutions, vendors, and other collaborators and stakeholders. The Assistant will establish and maintain detailed exhibition files, draft and edit exhibition texts, assist with budgets and expense tracking, maintain outward-facing exhibition-related information, schedule meetings, respond to general and press inquiries, aid with all facets of the development of upcoming exhibitions, and other duties as assigned.

Individual must be able to work occasional weekends and evening hours within the approved hours available. UCR ARTS is the California Museum of Photography (CMP) and the Culver Center of the Arts, which also houses the Sweeney Art Gallery. The California Museum of Photography has more than 500,000 photographs, photographic artifacts, and apparatus. This collection serves to promote the understanding of photography and visual media by providing access and context to one of the largest and most comprehensive photographic resources in America.

Collection projects have regularly been funded by the NEA, NEH, corporations, and foundations.

Applicants selected for interview will be required to submit a writing sample (2 pages maximum, derived from a research paper or published essay) as part of the selection process.

The full salary range for the Curatorial and Project Assistant is $27.74 - $33.10 per hour. We base salary offers on a variety of considerations, such as education, licensure and certifications, experience, and other business and organizational needs.

Applicants must have current work authorization when accepting a UCR staff position. Currently, we are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for staff.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

• Support the curatorial team in researching and liaising with artists, outside curators, institutions, vendors, and other collaborators and stakeholders.
• Establish and maintain detailed exhibition files, draft and edit exhibition texts, and assist with budgets and expense tracking.
• Maintain outward-facing exhibition-related information, schedule meetings, respond to general and press inquiries, and aid with all facets of the development of upcoming exhibitions.
• Perform other duties as assigned and work occasional weekends and evening hours within approved hours.
• Submit a 2-page writing sample as part of the interview process if selected for interview.

• Minimum of 2 years experience in a museum, gallery, or non-profit setting.
• Knowledge of art historical research and methodology; knowledge of academic research practices; excellent oral and written communication skills.
• 1-2 page writing sample required (derived from a research paper or published essay).

• Demonstrated interest in curating, curatorial practices, working with artists, and/or museums.
• Thorough grounding in art historical research and methodology, knowledge of academic research practices, and excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Familiarity with museum operations, standards, practices, and procedures (preferred).
• Expertise in contemporary art and/or photography history (preferred).
• Administrative coordination experience (preferred).
• UCR graduate (preferred).

• Driver License (preferred).

• Occasional travel for university related business meetings, conferences and/or professional development (required).

• Priority Final date to receive applications is 02/03/2025