The Assistant Curator of Contemporary Art at The Contemporary Jewish Museum (The CJM) serves as an integral member of the team that originates contemporary art exhibitions of specific Jewish and contemporary art interest and presents traveling exhibitions from other institutions that advance the mission of The CJM: to welcome all to explore the evolving, dynamic Jewish life of today through art, culture, and dialogue. The CJM aspires to combat intolerance of all kinds, celebrate cultural diversity, and enrich our communities. The Assistant Curator of Contemporary Art supports the work of departmental colleagues and on occasion, may take the lead on exhibition projects while working collaboratively with the Senior Curator, Chief Preparator, Director of Exhibitions, Registrar, and other Museum colleagues. 

Reporting to the Senior Curator, the Assistant Curator of Contemporary Art assists developing plans for exhibitions often up to three years in advance, providing essential support, research, and often interfacing with other institutions on behalf of The CJM.

The successful individual in this role will thrive in a creative and collaborative environment with experienced professionals who work closely together on exhibition planning and development, conducting research critical to mounting world class exhibitions, and representing The CJM to the artistic and cultural community of the Bay Area, nationally, and internationally. The ideal candidate will demonstrate superb research and writing skills, knowledge of curatorial best practices, knowledge of contemporary art, art history, history, and familiarity with and interest in Jewish culture.

For all positions, The Museum expects an interest in the programming and commitment to the mission and core values of The CJM, including its beliefs in anti-racism, diversity, equity, access, and inclusion.

• Assist department in the research, organization, development, and installation of Museum exhibitions and related processes, including planning of exhibitions calendar
• Project manage selected exhibitions and/or commissioned artwork production
• Provide general curatorial administrative support including assisting with report writing, maintenance of exhibition files, spreadsheets, and departmental correspondence
• Initiate and confirm loans of art and artifacts including communication with lenders as needed, in coordination with the Registrar and Director of Exhibitions
• Assist with writing, editing, and production of exhibition labels and supplemental texts
• Review unsolicited artist submissions with Curatorial team and draft responses for review
• Prepare presentations of planned exhibitions and occasionally present to staff
• Provide exhibitions-related information and materials to Education, Marketing, and Development teams
• Speak publicly on occasion representing The Museum and exhibitions for tours and public programs
• Develop relationships with contemporary artists, galleries, and institutions of interest to The Museum.
• Assist in the sourcing and licensing of images, writing, and production for exhibition publications and website, including brochures, newsletters, blog posts, and catalogs
• Update and maintain exhibition records and files on shared server
• Liaise with and host artists and guest curators, as needed
• Develop and manage occasional non-exhibition artist opportunities including possible studio program and residencies
• Contribute to and help coordinate exhibition installation
• Collaborate with design staff on graphic identity design for exhibitions, creative briefs, and preparation and review of object labels, wall texts, and publications
• Manage and assist in preparing assignments for curatorial interns and Teen Art Connect fellows when applicable
• Assist with special administrative curatorial projects and departmental workflow, as needed

Education and Experience

• 3–5 years curatorial experience in museum, arts space, or gallery; contemporary art experience preferred
• Advanced degree in Art History, Curatorial, Jewish, or Museum Studies preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word), database management, and Photoshop
• Informed understanding of a museum’s responsibilities to serve the public and its communities
• Demonstrated success in writing, communications, and editorial ability

Skills and Abilities

• Intellectual curiosity for contemporary art, Jewish philosophy, ideas, and history, Jewish visual culture, and comparative cultures
• Proven project management, research, and organizational skills
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to work well in a team and across departments
• Ability to perform detailed tasks accurately, manage multiple projects, and to meet deadlines and budget requirements

• Prolonged periods working on a keyboard and computer