Organizer Information
The opportunity is offered by the Brooklyn Museum, a major cultural institution based in New York City, United States. The Brooklyn Museum is internationally recognized for its extensive collections spanning global art histories, with a strong focus on American art, Arts of the Americas, and Indigenous art. Its mission centers on using art as a catalyst for social connection, dialogue, and transformation. The institution actively positions itself as a civic space where diverse communities can engage with art, history, and contemporary cultural discourse. Through exhibitions, educational programming, and curatorial research, the museum plays a key role in shaping public understanding of art and its societal relevance.
Title & Description
Museum Instructor / Curatorial Assistant at Brooklyn Museum – American Art and Arts of the Americas
This position is a hybrid curatorial and administrative role within the Arts of the Americas and Europe Curatorial Department. It supports curatorial work related to American Art, Arts of the Americas, and Indigenous Art collections. The role combines research, writing, collections management, and exhibition development support.
The Curatorial Assistant contributes to both permanent collection work and temporary exhibitions, assisting curators in developing exhibition concepts, managing object data, producing scholarly research, and drafting interpretive materials such as wall texts and didactics. The position also involves engagement with researchers, donors, and the public, as well as participation in collection-related programming and institutional collaborations.
The role is designed for individuals interested in curatorial practice, museum scholarship, and the operational infrastructure behind exhibitions and collections management in a major museum setting.
The Role Overview
- Position Title: Curatorial Assistant, American Art and Arts of the Americas
- Department: Curatorial – Arts of the Americas and Europe
- Reports to: Curator of American Art
- Salary: $51,034 per year
- Contract Type: Full-time, Non-Exempt
- Working Hours: 35 hours per week (Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; occasional evenings/weekends)
- Union Status: DC37 Local 1502
- Work Arrangement: On-site in Brooklyn, NY (with partial hybrid eligibility: 3 days on-site / 2 remote where applicable)
Position & Tasks
- Providing administrative and curatorial support to department staff
- Acting as a primary liaison for collection and exhibition inquiries
- Maintaining and updating collection records in The Museum System (TMS)
- Managing departmental files and documentation for objects, artists, and exhibitions
- Conducting scholarly research for exhibitions, acquisitions, and deaccessions
- Drafting exhibition texts, labels, and interpretive materials
- Assisting in exhibition development, including checklists, installation planning, and scheduling
- Supporting object loans, acquisitions, and collection rotations
- Organizing visits for researchers, donors, and educational groups
- Writing social media content related to museum collections
- Collaborating across departments, including Conservation, Education, Exhibitions, and Design
- Conducting gallery tours and contributing to public-facing programming
- Supporting curators in donor and lender relations
- Performing additional assigned duties related to curatorial operations
Categories
- Museum Studies
- Curatorial Practice
- Art History
- Visual Culture
- American Art
- Indigenous Art
- Arts of the Americas
- Cultural Heritage Management
- Archival & Collections Research
- Exhibition Development
Eligibility
- Bachelor’s degree in Art History, Museum Studies, Visual Culture, or related humanities field
OR 2–3 years of relevant museum or cultural institution experience - Strong interest or background in American Art, Indigenous Art, or Arts of the Americas
- Strong research and academic writing skills
- Excellent organizational and communication abilities
- Experience working in collaborative institutional environments
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and standard office systems
- Familiarity with museum databases (especially TMS) is preferred
- Some foreign language ability is considered an asset
The position is open to candidates with emerging-to-mid-level professional experience in museum or curatorial work.
Program Benefits
- Annual salary of $51,034
- Full employee benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
- 401(k) savings plan and pension eligibility
- Paid vacation, sick leave, and 13 museum holidays
- Short- and long-term disability coverage
- Flexible spending and health savings accounts
- Employee assistance program
- Free admission to NYC museums and cultural institutions
- Early access to exhibitions and staff-only programming
- Discounts (40% museum shop, 20% café)
- Professional development within a major international museum environment
- Hybrid work flexibility (where applicable)
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Updated CV or résumé
- Cover letter (recommended)
- Academic and/or professional background in relevant fields
- Writing samples or evidence of research experience (if available)
- Portfolio or documentation of relevant curatorial or museum work (optional but beneficial)
- Personal and contact information
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: Ongoing
- Start Date: Not specified
- Work Schedule: Full-time, ongoing position (35 hours/week)
Location
Brooklyn, New York, United States
Additional Details
This role sits at the intersection of curatorial research, museum operations, and public engagement. It is particularly suited for candidates seeking long-term careers in museum curation or collection management. The position demands high organizational precision and scholarly rigor, as well as the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects in a fast-paced institutional environment. The museum emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and collaboration, encouraging applicants from varied academic and professional backgrounds to apply even if they do not meet 100% of the listed qualifications.