Project Curatorial Assistant, Hillman Photography Initiative

The Hillman Photography Initiative connects Carnegie Museum of Art (CMOA) with audiences to exchange new ideas about photography. By collaborating with individuals in and beyond CMOA, the Initiative provides opportunities to experience innovative photography onsite and online.

With the Curator of Photography, the Project Curatorial Assistant helps with planning and implementation of the fourth cycle of the Hillman Photography Initiative. The candidate coordinates program activities and works with relevant museum departments to ensure their effective and timely implementation. Programs for this cycle will revolve around a single theme or question and include an exhibition, a podcast, and a publication.  The Project Curatorial Assistant may contribute to the visibility of these programs through social media efforts and website content. The candidate is responsible for all administrative aspects of the Initiative, including but not limited to organizing meetings; scheduling; logistics; financial administration; liaising with external facilitators; and recordkeeping.

This position is a fulltime temporary position. The museum anticipates the Project Curatorial Assistant will be retained for approximately 24 months.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field required; Master’s preferred.
• 3 years of work experience, including familiarity with the development and implementation of programs (e.g., exhibitions, educational programs, podcasts,, and publications) within a museum or comparable organization required.
• Project management experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledgeable about the history, practice, and evolution of photography in a broad context, as well as current trends in the field, especially as they relate to museums.
• Must have strong research and analytical skills.
• Ability to work with individuals from different backgrounds and levels of experience.
• Must be well-organized, intellectually curious, and versatile enough to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to initiate complex tasks and see them through to timely completion.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills are essential.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, PowerPoint, and SharePoint as well as with Internet-based research.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Work is primarily sedentary in nature; no special demands are required. Some out-of-town travel and work on occasional weekends and evenings may be required.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Coordinate with external collaborators of the Initiative; apprise them of progress and developments and keep them informed and engaged through all stages of the program.
• Organize in-person and virtual meetings with the external collaborators and other museum staff, including scheduling, travel and logistical arrangements; preparation and dissemination of materials; and coordination with external facilitator, as needed.
• Observe and record discussions, meetings, and decisions about possible activities, analyze results, and identify items for follow up. Collect, evaluate, and make available information emerging from the planning team meetings, as appropriate.
• Interface with museum departments such as Collections and Exhibitions for work related to the exhibition, Department of Education for programs and podcasts , and Department of Design and Publishing for publication and related published content.  Collaborate with these departments to evaluate proposed activities by determining cost and outcome projections and understanding scheduling, space, and human resource constraints.
• With the Curator of Photography, work with relevant departments to implement chosen theme and associated activities within established museum protocols and budget guidelines while simultaneously remaining flexible enough to realize ambitious projects on a potentially tight timetable.
• Organize regular meetings to keep senior leadership involved in and informed about all development.
• Help increase the visibility of the Initiative through contributions to the website and social media including, but not necessarily, Facebook and Instagram,.
• In consultation with the Curator of Photography and the Financial Director, manage contracts and financial recordkeeping for the Initiative.  This includes tracking expenditures, processing check requests and reimbursements, paying external vendors and collaborators, and ensuring compliance with all budgetary parameters and museum procedures.
• Collect and maintain data on participation in Initiative activities and otherwise evaluate the effectiveness of the Initiative’s activities. Make recommendations for improvements and mid-course corrections as needed.
• Contribute to grant reports and other briefings regarding the Initiative’s activities.
• Maintain beneficial relationships with donors. Liaise with the museum’s Advancement and Community Engagement department to seek opportunities for engaging other funder/sponsors as appropriate.
• Create and maintain beneficial professional contacts and keep up-to-date on emerging trends in museums and the field of photography.
• Other duties as assigned.