Curatorial & Exhibitions Assistant at the Highline

Reporting to the associate curator of High Line Art, the curatorial & exhibitions assistant is responsible for supporting the curation and production of High Line Art projects and live events.

The curatorial and exhibitions assistant provides the High Line Art department with logistical, administrative, and operational support, including but not limited to scheduling; processing invoices, conducting research;organizing and archiving photos, videos, and contacts; and producing presentations and other support materials for internal and external use. The curatorial & exhibitions assistant is the primary liaison to the High Line’s communications team, in addition to fielding inquiries from across departments and outside of the organization.

This is a full-time non-exempt role. The curatorial assistant will work five days a week (10AM – 6PM, Monday through Friday), as well as select evenings and weekends, as needed.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Curatorial (50%):
* Assist the associate curator and chief curator in curatorial research, as well as maintain the research archive.
* Assist in the production of printed publications (brochures, calendars, magazines) by managing the assets and timelines and related exhibition and fundraising materials, including internal department overviews, PowerPoint presentations, signage, website pages, press releases, etc.
* Maintain an archive of photo and video assets related to upcoming, current, and past projects and events (download, edit, and organize digital files, captions, and credits).
* Maintain up-to-date copy related to upcoming, current, and past projects and events.
* Write copy on current and upcoming projects for external and internal communications.
* Work closely with the communications department to update active website pages, maintain website archive, and provide images and text for digital communication (enews, social media, blog posts, etc), signage, and brochures (including images, text, captions, photo credits, etc).
* Liaise with artists and galleries to collect communications materials (biographies, images, catalogues, overviews, presentations, event printed programs, etc).
* Answer external inquiries from artists, galleries, and institutions and conduct tours as necessary for volunteers, colleagues, and supporters.
* Support events including performances, public programs, and fundraising events, as needed

Production (50%):
* Assist Production Director with research, estimates, renderings, and installation planning.
* Coordinate logistical details for receiving, staging, and installing artworks.
* Act as a liaison to exhibiting artists and their representatives, including arranging travel and accommodations.
* Serve as High Line point of contact for outside installation crews, and manage on- and off-site logistics.
* Create and monitor project schedules to ensure on-time installation.
* Organize and maintain safe and clean on- and off-site storage and production spaces, and develop an inventory of tools and equipment.
* Coordinate event and performance set-up and breakdown, including sourcing and set-up of A/V equipment, permitting, and liaising with internal departments.
* Work with outside resources on sign language interpreters, as well as special needs requests, as needed
* Update project budgets in consultation with the production director and chief curator.
* Prepare and coordinate loan forms, contracts, permits, insurance. Compile, submit, and archive invoices, contracts, payments, and track reimbursable expenses for department members.

Requirements

Required:
* One-three years’ administrative-related work experience in the nonprofit sector
* Bachelor’s degree in art history or related field or comparable work experience
* Interest in modern and contemporary art
* Experience and fluency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google G-Suite (Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides)

Preferred:
* Experience working in a cultural institution such as a museum or library
* Familiarity with Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and Asana

Abilities:
* Excellent organizational skills with a high level of attention to detail and ability to support several colleagues and projects
* Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
* Self-starter, able to work independently as well as be a team player
* Creative thinker
* Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
* Sense of humor
* Willingness and ability to work occasional weekends and weeknights, as needed
* Willingness and ability to work in an outdoor environment
* Willingness and ability to traverse the High Line on a regular basis
* Willingness and ability to work in a flexible work environment

Benefits:
* 20 vacation days, 6 sick days, 9 paid holidays, and 2 floating holidays
* Paid primary and secondary caregiver leave
* Medical, dental, and vision insurance
* Supplemental short-term disability insurance and paid life insurance
* Commuter benefits
* Flexible spending accounts
* Contribution in a 403 (b) retirement plan
* Discounted Citi Bike membership
* Discount on High Line merchandise
* Employee Assistance Program

Application Instructions

Apply via this link

ABOUT
The High Line is both a nonprofit organization and a public park on the West Side of Manhattan. Through our work with communities on and off the High Line, we’re devoted to reimagining public spaces to create connected, healthy neighborhoods and cities.

Built on a historic, elevated rail line, the High Line was always intended to be more than a park. You can walk through the gardens, view art, experience a performance, enjoy food or beverage, or connect with friends and neighbors—all while enjoying a unique perspective of New York City.

Nearly 100% of our annual budget comes through donations. The High Line is owned by the City of New York and we operate under a license agreement with NYC Parks.