Research Assistant

GRADE/STATUS: Full Time, Non-Exempt
REPORTS TO: Project Manager, Mitchell Catalogue Raisonné
EFFECTIVE DATE: August 17, 2026
HIRING SALARY RANGE: $60,000 – 65,000
LOCATION: New York, NY / Hybrid (3 days/week in office) / Some local travel required
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: September 19, 2026

POSITION SUMMARY
The Joan Mitchell Catalogue Raisonné (JMCR) seeks an experienced and enthusiastic Research Assistant to support on-going research related to Joan Mitchell’s paintings. The Joan Mitchell Catalogue Raisonné (JMCR) was established by the Joan Mitchell Foundation (JMF) as a limited liability company to research and produce a definitive art historical record documenting the complete oeuvre of paintings on canvas by Joan Mitchell (1925–1992). The catalogue raisonné is currently in the research phase, moving towards readying material for an initial publication. Working in collaboration with the Project Manager and JMCR research team, the Research Assistant will be responsible for outreach (to institutions and private individuals), sourcing and retrieving archival and other secondary source materials, maintaining digital and paper filing systems, data entry (FileMaker) and monitoring the JMCR’s email account. The Research Assistant will also provide administrative support related to the examination, photography, and cataloguing of paintings.
The Research Assistant position requires great attention to detail, focusing heavily on data entry, fact-checking, and administrative support. The Research Assistant will also have opportunities to see and examine Mitchell’s paintings in person. The ideal candidate possesses an academic background in 20th-century art history and has scholarly and/or professional research experience. Training will be provided, and this is a position with room for growth. Readiness to learn on the job is essential.
A successful candidate will have excellent communication skills and a great ability to multi-task and prioritize. This position requires independent work as well as collaboration within the JMCR team and the wider Joan Mitchell Foundation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Data entry: Regularly and accurately update and verify artwork records in FileMaker (with information from submission forms and other documentation) in accordance with JMCR Style Guidelines and the Chicago Manual of Style.
• Research: Initiate and accomplish targeted searches in museum libraries, online auction databases, and digital archives to locate missing citations and/or verify research findings; Assist with documenting and cross-referencing information from various sources(archives, libraries, online databases, and JMF/JMCR’s internal files); Monitor Google Alerts and other news aggregators for information about Joan Mitchell and track/report findings for the JMCR team; Digital image management: Organize research images, including uploading and tagging exam photographs in FileMaker Pro
• Outreach to auction houses: In collaboration with the JMCR team, prepare bi-annual letter campaigns for auction houses to encourage submissions and track provenance.
• Administrative support: Assist the research team pre- and post-painting examinations (includes: correspondence with registrars, collection managers, and private collectors); Process/file exam notes and tag photographs in FileMaker; Assist with travel planning; Check info@joanmitchellcr.org inbox regularly and address necessary items in coordination with the Project Manager; Additional administrative support will include updating spreadsheets and calendars, filing, scanning, xeroxing, sending/receiving packages, as necessary
• Research collaboration & knowledge sharing: Collaborate with the Legacy Team to strategize and coordinate research, documentation and communication. Report out relevant findings in group meetings.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
• Salary: $60,000 - 65,000/ year
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Short- and Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance
• 401k + Employer contribution
• Generous PTO, Sick time, and Floating Holidays
• Commuter benefits (parking and mass transit)
• Pet insurance, group accident insurance, MetLife Auto and Home Insurance, Lega Insurance
• Behavioral Health Employee Assistance Program

Note: The salary range is based on the Foundation’s approach and commitment to providing competitive and equitable compensation. The range shared is a guideline for the salary offered, which will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, special licensing or qualifications, unique skillsets, and other factors which will impact their contribution to the role and Foundation as a whole. In addition, the Foundation completes regular compensation analysis which aligns with their equitable compensation philosophy.

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION
The Joan Mitchell Foundation cultivates the study and appreciation of artist Joan Mitchell’s life and work, while fulfilling her wish to provide resources and opportunities for visual artists. As the chief steward of Joan Mitchell’s legacy, the Foundation manages a collection of Mitchell’s artwork and archives containing her personal papers, photographs, sketchbooks, and other historical materials. Fulfilling Mitchell’s mandate to “aid and assist” living artists, over the past 30 years the Foundation has evolved a range of initiatives that have directly supported more than 1,200 U.S.-based visual artists at varying stages of their careers. The Joan Mitchell Fellowship gives annual unrestricted awards of $60,000 directly to artists, with funds distributed over a five-year period alongside dedicated and flexible professional development. The New Orleans-based Joan Mitchell Center hosts residencies for national and local artists and presents public programs that encourage dialogue and exchange with the local community. The Creating a Living Legacy (CALL) initiative provides free and essential resources to help artists of all ages organize, document, and manage their artworks and careers. Together, these programs actively engage with working artists as they develop and expand their practices. Learn more at joanmitchellfoundation.org.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY / REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
The Joan Mitchell Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a strong commitment to equity and inclusion in the organizational culture and hiring practices. The Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, religion, race, color, creed, national origin, alienage or citizenship, disability, marital status, partnership status, veteran status, gender (including gender identity), sexual orientation, or any other factor prohibited by law. The Foundation believes that commitment to principles of fairness and respect for all help create a climate that is favorable to the free and open exchange of ideas.

The Foundation proactively seeks to reach out as widely as possible in order to attract the best candidates to join the team. If you believe that you could excel in this role, they encourage you to apply even if not sure you meet 100% of qualifications. Employment decisions are made based on an individual’s qualifications to contribute to meeting the Foundation’s objectives and its organizational needs. In addition, the Foundation will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals in all aspects of the employment process. If accommodations are needed for the role, they can be submitted to Humanresources@joanmitchellfoundation.org.

This description and potential offer shall not be construed as a contract of any sort for a specific period of employment as the Foundation recognizes employment is at will.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS REQUIRED

• Education: B.A. required, M.A. preferred in Art History with coursework or a declared focus on 20th-century Modernism
• 1–3 years of work experience in a museum, gallery, archive, catalogue raisonné or academic research environment
• Proficiency in FileMaker Pro; Google suite, Excel, PowerPoint and Photoshop.
• Reading proficiency in French strongly preferred, to parse and extract metadata from French exhibition checklists and correspondence
• Familiarity with auction house and gallery records
• Attention to detail, patience for repetitive data-heavy tasks, and a positive collaborative mindset
• Awareness, comfort and ability around handling sensitive and confidential information
• Excellent writing, organizational, and communication skills.
• High level of personal and professional integrity; trustworthiness with a strong work ethic
• Commitment to the Joan Mitchell Foundation’s mission, vision, purpose, and core values
• Ability to communicate clearly and with professionalism, and to establish and maintain collegial relationships with peer artist-endowed foundations, scholars, auction houses, galleries, artists, and other arts professionals
• While largely sedentary, this position requires the ability to sit, stand, lift up to 20 pounds, speak, and hear, sometimes for extended periods of time
• Requires the ability to use a computer and general office equipment.

Application Instructions

APPLICATION / INTERVIEW PROCESS
All applications should submit resume and separate a cover letter inclusive of salary requirements to jobs@joanmitchellfoundation.org. Submissions must be received by September 19, 2026.

As a part of the interview process, selected candidates will meet with prospective peers, leaders, and stakeholders. All offers of employment are subject to successful completion of reference and background checks. By submitting your resume for this role, you are affirming your submission is true and accurate and understand the recruiting process and the benefits offered by the Foundation.