Researcher, Joan Mitchell Catalogue Raisonné

JOB TITLE: Researcher, Joan Mitchell Catalogue Raisonné
GRADE/STATUS: Full Time, Non-Exempt, 35 hours/week
REPORTS TO: Project Manager, Mitchell Catalogue Raisonné
EFFECTIVE DATE: August 17, 2026
HIRING SALARY RANGE: $80,000 – 90,000
LOCATION: New York, NY / Hybrid (3 days/week in office) / Requires domestic and international travel
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: September 19, 2026.

POSITION SUMMARY
The Joan Mitchell Catalogue Raisonné project (JMCR) seeks an experienced Researcher to conduct archival and object-based research. 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. The Researcher’s initial focus will be collecting, verifying and updating information and materials related to Joan Mitchell paintings held in Public Collections in the US and abroad. Developing close relationships with these institutions, the Researcher will arrange and conduct painting examinations, coordinate new photography of paintings, manage color-corrections of new and existing photographs of paintings, and consult any relevant, or potentially relevant, public and restricted-access archives. The Researcher will process archival materials and handle queries directed to the Catalogue Raisonné from public institutions. As the project continues, focus will shift to authoring catalogue entries and conducting research (including exams, photography and color correction) on works in private collections.

The Researcher is responsible for meticulous data entry (FileMaker, in adherence with the Chicago Manual of Style/JMCR style guide) and the maintenance of complex digital and paper filing systems. Knowledge of 20th-century art history, painting materials and techniques, standard art-handling protocols and prior experience working on a Catalogue Raisonné project (print or digital) are prerequisites.

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
• Public collection outreach: Cultivate relationships, access paintings, archives and other secondary source materials related to Joan Mitchell in museums and institutions across the US and abroad.
• Painting Examinations: Schedule and conduct examinations of Joan Mitchell paintings in public collections worldwide; Document the paintings carefully and thoroughly following the guidelines and format established by the JMCR and dictated by the Exam Form.
• Photography: Coordinate with photographers, museum staff, art handlers, storage facilities, etc. to arrange or obtain new photography (recto/verso) of paintings in public collections. This will often require hiring a photographer and sometimes art handlers (in both cases, contracts will need to be negotiated and invoices processed.)
• Color Correction: In collaboration with the JMCR’s external digital image specialist and JMF’s Digital Asset Manager: order, review, annotate and manage photographic proofs of Mitchell’s paintings. This requires checking proofs against the paintings themselves to ensure color and material accuracy for publication and filing file proofs and digital files appropriately.
• Data processing: Enter data sourced from primary and secondary source materials into the JMCR database (FileMaker) and file in digital and paper files. (Including, but not limited to, information from submission forms, examinations, fact sheets, correspondence, archives, etc.)
• Queries: Respond to inquiries from auction houses, galleries, art advisers, and collectors, on behalf of the JMCR, as needed and in collaboration with the Project Manager.
• Administrative: Maintain meticulous paper and digital files; track and file expenses; plan travel, collaborate on and adhere to budgets
• Strategic planning: Provide the Project Manager with timelines, updates and proposals related to the completion of research, writing, editing and publishing milestones
• 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: $80,000 - 90,000
• 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.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS REQUIRED
• M.A. required, Ph.D. preferred in Art History or related field, with a demonstrated specialization in 20th-century art
• Demonstrated 5+ years of hands-on object cataloguing, museum curatorial work, high-level appraisal/auction house experience, or Catalogue Raisonné research, specifically handling 20th-century paintings. Several years of significant, scholarly, post-graduate research experience
• Familiarity with current catalogue raisonné best practices
• Expertise with FileMaker (or similar relational databases); Strong proficiency in digital photography workflows, including experience with image editing software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop); Ability to work in Google suite
• Reading proficiency in French highly preferred
• Exceptional diplomatic skills
• Ability to multi-task and work independently, with great attention to detail
• Willingness to travel frequently (car, train and air)
• 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 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

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

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.

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.