Curatorial Research Specialist

RESPONSIBILITIES

Conducts research for exhibitions, curatorial projects, and publications related to Museum collections
Exercises judgement and independent discretion while conducting online and in-person archival research with local, national, and international repositories to provide a recommendation to the Curatorial Department
Uses expertise in art history or related field to perform object research on culture and style, place, object use and context, materials, provenance to provide a recommendation to the Curatorial Department that will influence decision making for exhibitions and potential acquisitions
Conduct related research to expand artist and object information for research files, including compiling maker biographical information, gathering artwork tombstone details, and developing records regarding date and place of publication (if known)
Interface with The Museum System (TMS) database to enter compiled research in accordance with standards and guidelines
Serves as a liaison between the Museum and archivists, advisors, scholars, curators, artists, and artists’ designated representatives regarding research on artists’ careers and practices, as well as specific works of art
Drafts research-based texts on works in the collection as well as loans that may serve a variety of content purposes, such as object files, the Museum’s website, materials for the Learning & Engagement division, publications, and forms of gallery interpretation
Builds and organizes research files to support recommendations for the Curatorial Department
Contributes in team meetings, as well as multiple working sessions with project advisory committees and inter-departmental Museum working groups based on expertise
Manages, tracks, and contributes to exhibition development, including exhibition and loan checklists; provides logistical and administrative support for exhibitions
Contributes to and supports catalogue research and development
Contributes to and supports Curatorial department planning and initiatives, as assigned
Works with technical teams at the Museum to realize required Curatorial aspects of the museum’s inaugural planning
May work with specialized consultants and outside scholars on collections related initiatives
May require some travel as necessary for specific exhibition, project, and collections research
Special projects and other duties as assigned

CORE COMPETENCIES

Analytical Rigor: Simplifies complex problems by using critical thinking to evaluate problems, gathering information, incorporating multiple perspectives, understanding causes, and identifying best-possible solutions. Invests time in planning, discovery, and reflection to drive better decisions and more efficient implementations. Adopts an audience-centric approach, understanding the needs of the audience and incorporating them, as appropriate, into the decision. 

Courageous Communication: Intentionally works well with others both on the team and cross-functionally to achieve individual, team, department, or organizational goals. Values diverse input and working with others as a way to achieve the best output possible. 

Collaborative Excellence: Displays courage when handling difficult conversations and genuinely and intentionally communicates. Relays key messages effectively, targeted to specific audiences. Identifies others' communication styles and perspectives, adjusting language and approach accordingly. Employs active listening to understand, rather than reply. Asks for, integrates, and values feedback from team, peers, and leaders. 

Adaptive Resilience: Thrives and grows in a rapidly changing and complex environment. Displays flexibility, activates networks, and adopts a continuous growth mindset to learn from mistakes and bounce back from adversity. 

Inclusive Interaction: Actively contributes to an environment in which all employees feel a sense of belonging, valued for their differences and empowered to participate and contribute freely. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, up to 8 hours per shift. 
• Ability to move throughout multiple Museum locations, including galleries, theaters, outdoor spaces, and other public areas. 
• Ability to maintain an active and visible presence while providing exceptional guest service. 
• Ability to work in a high-volume, public-facing environment with large groups of guests, including school groups, tours, special events, and peak attendance periods, while maintaining professionalism, situational awareness, and composure. 
• Ability to frequently bend, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, and climb stairs as needed. 
• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, and pull items weighing up to 25 pounds, including wheelchairs, stanchions, signage, guest service equipment, and other operational materials. 
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with guests and colleagues in person, by telephone, and over two-way radio. 
• Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in varying environmental conditions. 
• Ability to maintain awareness of guest activity and surrounding conditions while monitoring galleries, queues, and public spaces. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

Master’s degree from an accredited institution in history, art history, media studies, cinema studies, or related field required; Ph.D. preferred

Minimum of three (3) years of cumulative experience in a museum or other arts institution context required

Skills

Exceptional research skills including archival and digital research methods and tools

Proficiency in the use of computers and Microsoft Office software

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, and sound judgment

Proven skill in managing databases and records

Knowledge

Broad knowledge of art history spanning the pre-modern era through nineteenth-century visual culture, 20th-century popular culture, and modern and contemporary art preferred

Familiarity with best practices in provenance research preferred

Knowledge of The Museum System (TMS), including data entry in TMS to create constituent records, object records, and capture rights information

Reading knowledge of two or more languages required

Knowledge of basic museum processes and procedures

Deep passion, alignment, and commitment to the Lucas Museum’s mission

Abilities

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

Ability to understand and follow complex, detailed instructions

Research ability sufficient to gather information about works of art or other materials

Ability to follow professional museum standards, collection care principles, and museum policies

Collaborative team player with proven ability to build relationships and work effectively and positively with Museum leadership and staff, a diverse set of external partners, and the general public

Ability to engage with a wide variety of stakeholders, including Museum colleagues, industry experts, and other external partners

Comfort with ambiguity, and an ability to envision the new and different, and a commitment to developing and working with diverse audiences

Ability to thrive in an entrepreneurial, creative, collaborative, and nimble environment