Research Associate

POSITION SUMMARY

The Research Associate contributes to the Joan Mitchell Foundation’s mission of cultivating research, scholarship, and exhibitions on the work and life of artist Joan Mitchell. This position plays a key role in the Foundation’s stewardship of her legacy through research, exhibitions, publications, the Foundation’s website, and public programs. This role assists with all aspects of the research and documentation activities of the Joan Mitchell Foundation, with an emphasis on supporting the work of the Senior Director of Curatorial Affairs and the Archives. The position reports to the Senior Director of Curatorial Affairs (SDCA), and is based in New York City with responsibilities that require working in office three days each week.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

● Conduct research, create research files, and communicate findings in support of internal projects.
● Provide support remotely and in person to internal and external researchers, including members of the Joan Mitchell Catalogue Raisonné team
● Supervising researchers in the Archives on-site reading room, providing researchers access to materials, and fulfilling reference scan requests
● Conduct in-depth cataloguing of artworks, with a focus on works on paper: object description; provenance, exhibition, and publication histories
● Work closely with the SDCA, Director of Archives and Research, database manager, and other staff members to accurately assist in updating and maintaining the Foundation’s database (FileMaker Pro) and internal files, including consistently entering notes and data in accordance with JMF Style Guidelines and the Chicago Manual of Style.
● Support publications and special projects through scanning and photography of Archival materials; format, edit, name and file digital images
● Assist with administrative tasks related to Legacy team projects and programs, including, but not limited to, meeting minutes, correspondence, spreadsheets, and calendars.
● Assist with preparations for loan of archival materials to exhibitions; create facsimiles of materials as appropriate
● Maintain accurate inventory of Archives library; catalogue and shelve new titles; coordinate with Joan Mitchell Catalogue Raisonné on cataloguing as needed
● Actively participate in departmental and Foundation-wide planning and initiatives.
● Develop and maintain reference resources on Foundation website in collaboration with Design & Media Manager and Communications Manager.
● Generate content related to Joan Mitchell and her work for publication on Foundation website and social media platforms
● Collaborate with Legacy colleagues to plan and implement programming for both the general public and academic audiences via open houses, class visits, and other events
● Perform other duties as assigned

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
● Compensation: $60-72k
● 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, Legal 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 the 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

● Bachelor’s Degree required, Master’s degree preferred, in Art History or related field with relevant experience.
● Demonstrated two to three years’ practical experience conducting in-depth, object-oriented research in museum or university setting
● Excellent research skills in libraries, archives, and online databases, preferably with a 20th-century modernist focus
● Experience in physical handling of delicate materials and knowledge of best practices
● Outstanding analytical skills, with methodologies to maintain and communicate relevant findings effectively
● Proactive, curious, and driven to answer questions and solve problems
● Detail-oriented and organized, capable of managing multiple long-term projects simultaneously
● A collaborative, flexible mindset with the ability to self-direct and work independently.
● 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 maintain collegial relationships with peer artist-endowed foundations, scholars, auction houses, galleries, artists, and other arts professionals.
● Working knowledge of Microsoft Office; experience with FileMaker Pro helpful
● 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.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. The Foundation reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary.

Application Instructions

All applications should submit resume and separate a cover letter inclusive of salary requirements to jobs@joanmitchellfoundation.org. Submissions must be received by February 9, 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.