Organizer Information
The Joan Mitchell Foundation was established following Joan Mitchell's death in 1992, under a mandate in her will to "aid and assist" working artists while stewarding her artistic legacy. Since its founding, the Foundation has developed a range of programs supporting living artists, including grants and the Joan Mitchell Center, a residency facility in New Orleans. In February 2015, the Foundation established the Joan Mitchell Catalogue Raisonné as an independent research project (structured as a limited liability company) dedicated to documenting the complete body of Mitchell's paintings on canvas for an eventual scholarly publication. The project is based at the Foundation's New York office and maintains a small dedicated research team, including a Project Manager and Researchers based in New York and Paris, who conduct painting examinations, archival research, and photography coordination on Mitchell's works held in public and private collections worldwide. The Foundation does not authenticate artwork or issue opinions on authenticity as part of the Catalogue Raisonné's work.
Title & Description
Researcher, Joan Mitchell Catalogue Raisonné
The Joan Mitchell Catalogue Raisonné (JMCR) is seeking an experienced Researcher to conduct archival and object-based research as the project moves from its research phase toward preparing material for an initial publication. The Researcher's initial focus will be on collecting, verifying, and updating information related to Joan Mitchell paintings held in public collections in the United States and abroad. This includes developing relationships with holding institutions, arranging and conducting painting examinations, coordinating new photography, managing color correction of photographs, and consulting relevant public and restricted-access archives. The Researcher will also process archival materials and respond to institutional queries directed to the JMCR. As the project progresses, the role's focus will expand to include authoring catalogue entries and conducting research — including examinations, photography, and color correction — on works in private collections.
The position requires meticulous data entry into the project's FileMaker database in adherence with the Chicago Manual of Style and the JMCR style guide, as well as maintenance of complex digital and paper filing systems. The role is based in the Foundation's New York office on a hybrid schedule and involves collaboration with the JMCR team and the wider Foundation, alongside independent, self-directed research work.
The Role Overview
- Position Type: Full-time, Non-exempt
- Salary: $80,000–$90,000
- Reports To: Program Manager, Catalogue Raisonné
- Department / Programme: Joan Mitchell Catalogue Raisonné
Position & Tasks
- Public Collection Outreach
- Cultivate relationships and access paintings, archives, and other secondary source materials related to Joan Mitchell in museums and institutions across the US and abroad
- Painting Examinations
- Schedule and conduct examinations of Joan Mitchell paintings in public collections worldwide
- Document paintings carefully and thoroughly following JMCR guidelines and the Exam Form format
- Photography
- Coordinate with photographers, museum staff, art handlers, and storage facilities to arrange or obtain new photography (recto/verso) of paintings in public collections
- Hire photographers and, where needed, art handlers, including negotiating contracts and processing invoices
- Color Correction
- Order, review, annotate, and manage photographic proofs of Mitchell's paintings in collaboration with the JMCR's external digital image specialist and the Foundation's Digital Asset Manager
- Check proofs against the paintings themselves to ensure color and material accuracy for publication, and file proofs and digital files appropriately
- Data Processing
- Enter data sourced from primary and secondary source materials into the JMCR database (FileMaker) and file in digital and paper files, including information from submission forms, examinations, fact sheets, correspondence, and archives
- Queries
- Respond to inquiries from auction houses, galleries, art advisers, and collectors on behalf of the JMCR, in collaboration with the Project Manager
- Administrative
- Maintain meticulous paper and digital files; track and file expenses; plan travel; collaborate on and adhere to budgets
- Strategic Planning
- Provide the Project Manager with timelines, updates, and proposals related to research, writing, editing, and publishing milestones
- Research Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing
- Collaborate with the Legacy team to strategize and coordinate research, documentation, and communication; report relevant findings in group meetings
Categories
- Art History
- Curatorial Practice
- Archival Research
- Museum Studies
- Photography
- Collections Management
- Catalogue Raisonné Studies
- Arts Administration
Eligibility
- M.A. required in Art History or a related field, with a demonstrated specialization in 20th-century art; Ph.D. preferred
- 5+ years of hands-on object cataloguing, museum curatorial work, high-level appraisal/auction house experience, or Catalogue Raisonné research, specifically handling 20th-century paintings
- Several years of significant, scholarly, post-graduate research experience
- Familiarity with current catalogue raisonné best practices
- Expertise with FileMaker or similar relational databases
- Strong proficiency in digital photography workflows, including image editing software such as Adobe Photoshop
- Ability to work in Google Suite
- Reading proficiency in French highly preferred
- Exceptional diplomatic skills
- Ability to multitask and work independently, with great attention to detail
- Willingness to travel frequently (car, train, and air)
- Awareness, comfort, and ability to handle sensitive and confidential information
- Excellent writing, organizational, and communication skills
- High level of personal and professional integrity and trustworthiness, with a strong work ethic
- Commitment to the Joan Mitchell Foundation's mission, vision, purpose, and core values
- Ability to communicate clearly and professionally and maintain collegial relationships with peer artist-endowed foundations, scholars, auction houses, galleries, artists, and other arts professionals
- Physical requirements: largely sedentary role requiring the ability to sit, stand, lift up to 20 pounds, speak, and hear, sometimes for extended periods
- Ability to use a computer and general office equipment
- No geographic or nationality restriction stated in the source
Program Benefits
- Salary: $80,000–$90,000
- Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
- Short- and Long-Term Disability insurance
- Life Insurance
- 401(k) with Employer contribution
- Generous PTO, Sick time, and Floating Holidays
- Commuter benefits (parking and mass transit)
- Pet insurance
- Group accident insurance
- MetLife Auto and Home Insurance
- Legal Insurance
- Behavioral Health Employee Assistance Program
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Applications should be submitted via email to jobs@joanmitchellfoundation.org
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 19 September 2026
Location
New York, NY, United States
Additional Details
- Selected candidates will meet with prospective peers, leaders, and stakeholders as part of the interview process
- All offers of employment are subject to successful completion of reference and background checks
- By submitting a resume, applicants affirm that their submission is true and accurate and that they understand the Foundation's recruiting process and benefits offered
- The Joan Mitchell Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and states it does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, religion, race, color, creed, national origin, alienage or citizenship, disability, marital status, partnership status, veteran status, gender (including gender identity), sexual orientation, or any other factor prohibited by law
- The Foundation encourages candidates to apply even if they do not meet 100% of the listed qualifications
- Reasonable accommodations are available in all aspects of the employment process; requests can be submitted to HumanResources@joanmitchellfoundation.org
- This job description is not intended as a contract for a specific period of employment; employment is at will
- The Foundation conducts regular compensation analysis aligned with its equitable compensation philosophy; the stated salary range is a guideline that may vary based on candidate experience, licensing, qualifications, and other factors