The Terry and Eva Herndon Assistant Curator position at the Fitchburg Art Museum (FAM) is a two-year contract position designed to launch an emerging curator into a rewarding career in the arts by providing an immersive educational and practical experience in the Curatorial department of a regional art museum.

The Assistant Curator will participate in the full range of curatorial practice around exhibition planning, design, and management. This position works with historical and contemporary art, helping develop exhibition concepts, conduct research, and participate in studio/museum/gallery visits.

The Assistant Curator will help manage exhibition logistics and administrative work. Interpretive responsibilities include writing wall labels and essays and giving tours for special exhibitions and the permanent collection. The Assistant Curator will have the opportunity to act as lead curator for one or more exhibitions. In addition, they will take full ownership of organizing the annual Regional Exhibition of Art and Craft. The candidate will also jointly teach a catalog production class at Fitchburg State University.

The Assistant Curator participates in the stewardship of FAM’s permanent collection. Collections responsibilities include assisting with object care, storage, and database upkeep, as well as acquisitions research and presentations before the Collections Committee.

The Assistant Curator will act as a core collaborator across the museum, working with FAM’s Marketing, Education, Development, and Events departments for promotional and programming initiatives.

The Assistant Curator will have a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of their work. With its small staff size and ambitious programming, FAM embodies a culture of collaboration throughout the organization, as outlined in the FAM Strategic Plan.

Benefits

The Terry and Eva Herndon Assistant Curator will be paid a stipend of $40,000/year, plus full health coverage with an option to purchase additional family coverage. The start date is June 3, 2024.

The position reports directly to Curator Emily Mazzola and will work closely with Director Nick Capasso and other members of the FAM team.

Qualifications

• • MA degree or equivalent years of experience
  • The ability to independently manage competing projects, a good sense of organization and the ability to prioritize.
  • Clear, accessible writing and good editing skills
  • Some knowledge of historical and/or contemporary art practices, concepts, and techniques
  • The ability to maintain open and responsive lines of communication with fellow staff, board members, artists, vendors, students, and the public.
  • Experience working with living artists helpful.
  • A commitment to furthering equity efforts within the department and the organization.
  • An interest in expanding community outreach and helping foster community partnerships.
  • Spanish language fluency is a plus.

To Apply: 

• • See full job description.

  • Interested candidates should send a CV, writing sample and the names of 3 references to Curator Emily Mazzola () by April 19, 2024. In lieu of a cover letter, please send responses to the following questions (a paragraph is fine):

1. What do you know about the Fitchburg Art Museum’s values, and how do they align with your own?
2. How would this position fit into your overarching career plans?