Curatorial Fellow, Temporary

Carnegie Museum of Art creates experiences that connect people to art, ideas, and one another. We believe creativity is a defining human characteristic to which everyone should have access. CMOA collects, preserves, and presents artworks from around the world to inspire, sustain, and provoke discussion, and to engage and reflect multiple audiences. Carnegie Museum of Art is arguably the first museum of contemporary art in the United States, collecting the "Old Masters of tomorrow" since the inception of the Carnegie International in 1896. Today, the museum is one of the most dynamic major art institutions in America. Our collection of more than 30,000 objects features a broad spectrum of visual arts, including painting and sculpture; prints and drawings; photographs; architectural casts, renderings, and models; decorative arts and design; and film, video, and digital imagery. Through our programming, exhibitions, and publications, we frequently explore the role of art and artists in confronting key social issues of our time, combining and juxtaposing local and global perspectives.  With our unique history and resources, we strive to become a leader in defining the role of art museums for the 21st century. Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh is interested in candidates who, through their experience and collaborations, will contribute to diversity and excellence of the Carnegie Museums community.

This Temporary Full-Time position is eligible for the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh’s many Benefits.  

Please scroll to the bottom of this page to see information on the starting pay rate.

At the intersection of architecture and design, the Curatorial Fellow intends to foster research within the museum field on material culture and the built environment. Carnegie Museum of Art aims to create professional museum pathways for recent graduates, PhD Candidates, and early-career curators through its Curatorial Fellow opportunities by introducing them to a full spectrum of curatorial experiences at the Museum. The Fellow will work as part of a curatorial team with expertise in Architecture, Decorative Arts & Design, Modern and Contemporary Art, Photography, European and American Art, and in addition to interacting with colleagues across museum departments to support the development and implementation of Carnegie Museum of Art’s artistic program. The Curatorial Fellow will support the research and development of exhibitions and acquisitions as well as participate in special projects and initiatives, such as internal workshops, artist site visits and residencies, and education programs that advance the Carnegie Museum of Art’s mission. The Curatorial Fellow may have the opportunity to conduct their own independent research as an individual contribution to one of the Museum’s exhibition or public programming.

The Curatorial Fellow is a temporary, full-time (37.5 hours per week), benefits-eligible position. The term of the position is 24-months.

 Expected starting pay range, based on experience, $20-23/hour.

About Carnegie Museum of Art

Carnegie Museum of Art creates experiences that connect people to art, ideas, and one another. We believe creativity is a defining human characteristic to which everyone should have access. Carnegie Museum of Art collects, preserves, and presents artworks from around the world to inspire, sustain, and provoke discussion, and to engage and reflect multiple audiences.

About Heinz Architectural Center

Heinz Architectural Center is a dynamic forum for the presentation, research, and incubation of architectural ideas. Since its inauguration in 1993, it has created and hosted critical exhibitions and served as a vital resource for scholarly research and public display of architecture.  Through its evolving program, the Center aims to be a welcoming and provocative space for issues pertaining to the built environment and ecology—reexamining history, investigating the present, and imagining possible futures.

QUALIFICATIONS:                                                                                                                                                            

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Requires a master’s degree in art history, architecture, design, architectural history, planning or comparable degree in a related field. The position is intended for recent graduates who demonstrate a passion for researching the complexities of the built environment and a desire to pursue professional curatorial and educational work in a museum setting.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Must have initiative to undertake and complete tasks and projects as they arise, to contribute intellectually to the content of exhibitions and permanent collection installations, and to coordinate and make recommendations for improving the overall functioning of the department. Requires strong research and analytical skills as well as the ability to work collaboratively and collegially with staff and to interact with professionals in the field. Outstanding written and oral communication skills are essential. Must be proficient in Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, as well as with Internet-based research. Expected to gain familiarity with KE Emu, CMOA’s collection management system, and Asana, the museum’s project management system.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Work is primarily sedentary in nature. Some out-of-town travel and occasional evening and weekend work may be required as projects require.

PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Works with Curators in all phases of exhibition and/or project development from research to implementation and stewardship. 
• Works with Curators in all phases of the acquisitions process, as assigned.
• Works closely with Curators to write various types of exhibition and/or project texts for internal circulation, in the galleries, and public-facing platforms such as curatorial presentations and the museum’s websites.
• Works closely with Curators, Director of Education and Public Programs, and Manager of Public Programs to support the development and implementation of educational initiatives and public programs.
• Assist with Gallery Associate and Docent training for the collection and temporary exhibitions.
• Conducts tours of the collections and temporary exhibitions, as assigned, and facilitates internal and public-facing tours and/or art chats with visitors.
• Participates in public and community engagement by attending museum public programs and events.
• Provide administrative support to Curators as needed.
• Other duties as assigned by the curator(s) and Director.

The following PA Act 153 clearances, or proof of application of clearances, are required beginning employment and as a condition of continued employment: Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check FBI Fingerprint Criminal Background Check Obtaining the required clearances is completed as part of the new hire process.

Carnegie Museums is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer – Minorities / Females / Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity

The above job description reflects the essential functions and qualifications for the position identified, and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the position. The job description does not constitute an employment contract and does not alter the at-will relationship between CMP and the employee.   

*GUIDANCE ON ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:   The Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) requires employers to consider and accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities.  An individual is qualified if he or she can perform the essential functions of a job with or without reasonable accommodation. An essential job function is any task that is a fundamental part of the job.  When considering essentiality, one must focus upon whether the function is essential to this particular job and not to the department as a whole. Some additional guidance on essential functions follows below.  Please note that the following guidelines are non-exhaustive.  If you have any questions or need additional guidance, please contact Human Resources. A. Is the function required to be performed on a regular basis? If the function is rarely performed, it may not be essential. B. Is the function highly specialized? Is the incumbent hired for his/her expertise or ability to perform the function?  The need for special expertise is an indication of an essential function. C. Does the position exist, at least in part, to perform the function?  If so, the function is more likely to be essential. D. How much time is spent performing the function and how often?  Note that even functions performed 10% of the time could be essential if they are required on a regular basis. E. Would elimination of the function fundamentally alter the job?  If so, the function is more likely to be essential. F. What are the consequences of not requiring the incumbent to perform the function? If they are significant, the function is more likely to be essential.  G. Are there a limited number of employees among whom the performance of the function could be distributed if the incumbent could not perform it?  If so, it is more likely to be essential.