What are the responsibilities and job description for the Volunteer Research Assistant position at Copley Society of Art?
Organization: CoSo (The Copley Society of Art)
Location: Washington, DC (on-site research at the Smithsonian Institution)
Commitment: Flexible; project-based (Spring - Fall 2026 preferred)
Compensation: Volunteer; college credit may be arranged
Founded in 1879, CoSo (The Copley Society of Art) is the oldest nonprofit arts association in the United States dedicated to supporting emerging artists. Throughout its distinguished history, CoSo has exhibited works by renowned artists including Claude Monet, Auguste Rodin, Marcel Duchamp, Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, Winslow Homer, and John Singer Sargent.
Today, CoSo continues its mission by providing artist members with critical resources, exhibition opportunities, and a vibrant creative community to advance their careers.
As we approach our 150th anniversary, CoSo is producing a commemorative art book publication that will celebrate significant milestones in our history, showcase the work of past and present artists, and reflect on the broader evolution and impact of arts nonprofits from 1879 to today.
Position Overview:
CoSo is seeking Volunteer Research Assistants based in or near Washington, DC to support archival research at the Smithsonian, where a substantial portion of CoSo’s historical records are housed.
This is a unique opportunity to contribute directly to a major publication project while gaining hands-on experience with archival research, art history documentation, and nonprofit arts administration.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct on-site archival research at the Smithsonian Institution
- Locate, review, and organize relevant historical documents
- Summarize archival materials for editorial use
- Identify key historical milestones, artists, exhibitions, and correspondence
- Collaborate remotely with CoSo leadership and editorial team (Boston & New York-based)
Ideal Candidates
- Undergraduate or graduate students or professors or individuals in Art History, Nonprofit History, Museum Studies, History, Archival Studies, Arts Administration, or related fields
- Detail-oriented with strong research and writing skills
- Comfortable working independently in archival environments
- Ability to over-communicate and collaborate with team based in Boston/NYC
- Based in or able to travel regularly to Washington, DC
Faculty members interested in supervising students for independent study or practicum credit are also welcome to connect with us.
What You’ll Gain
- Hands-on archival research experience at a major national institution
- Credit acknowledgment in a major commemorative publication
- Potential college credit (to be arranged with your institution)
- Professional mentorship and networking within the arts nonprofit sector
- A meaningful role in preserving and interpreting nearly 150 years of American arts history
How to apply
- If this opportunity is of interest to you, we would be delighted to discuss it further. Please send a brief statement of interest, a historical writing sample, and resume to paige@copleysociety.org. We look forward to connecting with you and sharing more about this exciting milestone project.