Curator of Art I (Collection Assistant) - Jane Addams Hull-House Museum

Hiring Department: Hull House Museum

Location: Chicago, IL USA

Requisition ID: 1025374

Posting Close Date: May 24, 2024

About the University of Illinois Chicago

UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

This is a full-time and benefits eligible position. Hybrid and flexible work schedules are available. UIC offers competitive salaries commensurate with experience. In addition all full time benefits eligible positions include a comprehensive benefits package which include; Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability & AD&D insurance, a defined benefit pension plan as well as paid leave which includes; Vacation, Holiday and Sick. In addition we offer tuition waivers for employees and dependents. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.

Description:

The Curatorial Assistant is responsible for ensuring high standards of exhibitions and collections management at Jane Addams Hull-House Museum. The Curatorial Assistant will report to the Curatorial Manager and assist the staff and public with tasks related to the Museum's permanent and rotating exhibitions, including planning, organizing, and preparing collection material, installation and de-installation of exhibitions, and working with outside artists, contractors, and collaborators.
Duties & Responsibilities:

• Support the Director & the Curatorial Manager in identifying items appropriate for loan, accession, de-accession and display for upcoming exhibitions and programs.

• Create and maintain systems, policies and long-term plans for collections-related projects.

• Maintain relationships with community partners, repositories, museums and other cultural institutions.

• Process collections items as they are selected for display or loan including entering detailed, consistent, appropriate and accurate data into the Museum’s database, Past Perfect 5.

• Perform routine inventories of collections on display and in storage areas, providing condition reports when necessary.

• Manage Museum’s Digital Asset Management System (DAMS).

• Orchestrate orderly unpacking or packing of collections items as needed.

• Develop plans to support access to the collection for scholars, artist, researchers, institutional and community partners.

• Work with University of Illinois Richard J Daley Library Special Collections and University Archives staff when necessary for research and potential loans.

• Secure and manage collections permissions, photographic and usage rights.

• Supervise graduate students in collection tasks.

• Conduct occasional collections workshops for staff, partners and University of Illinois Museum and Exhibition Studies students.

• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications Required:

1. Any one or any combination totaling three (3) years (36 months) from the following categories:

A. college course work in art history, studio art or a closely related field as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent:

• 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months)
• Associate’s Degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months)
• 90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months)
• Bachelor’s Degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months)

B. work experience that provided knowledge of art history and the techniques used in the preservation, restoration, and/or exhibition of museum collections.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in a field related to the position
• Minimum of two years of collections experience in a museum or library
• Background in art history or museum studies
• Demonstrated interest and enthusiasm in history, art, and social justice
• Strong organization skills and ability to work independently
• Demonstrated experience managing projects
• Creative approach to thinking about collections and museums
• Experience with or interest in community engagement
• Technical literacy
• Candidate must be able to maneuver through narrow passageways, climb up/downstairs and move heavy collections objects with assistance.

To Apply: For fullest consideration click on the Apply Now button, please fully complete all sections of the online application including adding your full work history with specific details of your duties & responsibilities for each position held. Fully complete the education, licensure, certification and language sections. You may upload a resume, cover letter, certifications, licensures, transcripts and diplomas within the application.

Please note that once you have submitted your application you will not be able to make any changes. In order to revise your application you must withdraw and reapply. You will not be able to reapply after the posting close date. Please ensure the application is fully completed and all supporting documents have been uploaded before the posting close date. Illinois Residency is required 180 days of employment.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation