Curatorial Assistant

Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation

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Summary

The Exhibits & Programs Department at the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation is seeking a Curatorial Assistant. This position supports both historic and contemporary exhibitions and special projects including assisting with the research, development, production, and management of 5 – 7 rotating exhibitions/installations annually; and supporting programming staff on the development and execution of programs related to exhibitions and arts and cultural initiatives.

This position is an opportunity for an emerging cultural worker to develop their career within the museum field, acquire a wide range of both creative and analytical skills in a non-profit setting, and to develop knowledge and expertise in programming for audiences of varied backgrounds and interests.

About the Brooklyn Navy Yard

The Brooklyn Navy Yard (the Yard) is a mission-driven industrial park that is a nationally acclaimed model of the viability and positive impact of modern, urban industrial development. The Yard is now home to over 450 businesses employing more than 10,000 people and generating over $2B per year in economic impact for the City. Building on the Yard’s history as the economic heart of Brooklyn, the 300-acre waterfront asset offers a critical pathway to the middle class for many New Yorkers.

The Exhibits & Programs Department plays a vital role in celebrating the Yard’s past, present, and future through a series of exhibitions, programs, and special events. Focused on highlighting the talent, innovation, and diversity that makes the Yard unique, the Exhibits & Programs Department aims to personalize the Yard’s story, create opportunities for the public to engage with the Yard and its workforce, and position the Yard as a community and cultural hub.

Responsibilities

Curatorial – 60%

  • Collect and organize exhibition-related content such as images, artist bios, contracts, proposals, loan forms, etc.

  • Draft and manage checklists, schedules, and timetables

  • Assist with researching, writing, editing, and preparing of didactic and interpretive materials, including object labels, wall text, catalogue entries, etc.

  • Provide onsite support during installations/deinstallations; Act as point of contact for exhibition design staff and consultants

  • Oversee maintenance of exhibition spaces between opening and closing

  • Participate in site visits

Programs – 15%

  • Assist with development of programs related to exhibitions such as talks and workshops

  • Oversee opening receptions for exhibitions including preparing invitations and catering

  • Work with Visiting Artist Program on orientation and 2-3 programs/visits annually

  • Work closely with ED to develop programs highlighting arts and cultural businesses at the Yard

Administrative – 25%

  • Assist with preparing outreach and engagement materials for tenants and the public (preparation of newsletters, open calls, submission forms, flyers, social media posts)

  • Liaise with Archives team as needed to review and prepare archival information for exhibitions

  • Monitor workflow of exhibitions including communicating with artists and exhibition staff on deadlines, deliverables, and due dates

  • Assist with drafting, tracking, and maintenance of budgets

  • Manage curatorial calendar

  • Respond to general calls and inquiries related to exhibitions and programs

  • Source and acquire gallery equipment and supplies

  • Organize, attend, and take minutes at exhibitions meetings

Requirements

Required Skills and Abilities

  • Demonstrated skill in organization with rigorous attention to detail

  • Ability to multitask and create effective systems for follow up

  • Excellent communication skills, both written and oral

  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse groups of people and artists

  • Ability to be proactive, take initiative, and creatively problem-solve

  • Confidence working independently

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree in museum studies, arts administration, public history, archives, or related fields from an accredited college or university required (Master’s Degree preferred)

  • 1 – 2 years of work/internship experience in curatorial capacity

  • 1 year of work/internship experience developing or assisting with programs in a cultural setting

  • Demonstrated knowledge of and/or interest in the Brooklyn Navy Yard

  • High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Photoshop, Illustrator)

How to Apply

BNYDC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex (including actual or perceived sex, gender, gender identity, self-image, appearance, behavior or expression) sexual orientation, genetic trait, actual or perceived status of a victim of domestic violence, or as victim of sex offenses or stalking, unemployment status, age, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, marital or domestic partnership status, military status, handicap, disability, or any other legally protected classification.

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Posted on August 1