MAAM Catalyst Fellow

About MassArt:

Founded in 1873, having celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2023, Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt), is the nation's first and only independent, free-standing public college of art and design in the country. MassArt is an inclusive community of thinkers, doers, makers, educators, innovators and leaders striving to shape the future through art and design. We've spent 150 years demonstrating the truly amazing things that happen when a world-class art and design education is an option for every deserving student. Located in Boston's hub of arts and culture along the Avenue of the Arts, MassArt enrolls 2,000 students and offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate degrees in 18 disciplines, as well as continuing education and youth programs.

MassArt strives to be a model of diversity and inclusion; the campus community reflects the layers of cultural and self-identity that proudly make up our region, nation, and world. We build effective partnerships with co-workers throughout the College by freely sharing appropriate information and providing assistance to all and maintain an environment that is welcoming to persons of all backgrounds, nationalities, and roles.

Job Description:

In 2023, MassArt Art Museum (MAAM) established the Catalyst Fellows initiative to address the systemic lack of diversity in the museum field. Designed for first-generation and/or low income students at MassArt, the Catalyst Fellows initiative educates, trains, and empowers the next generation of arts and museums professionals to change our field and help realize a more equitable art world.

Catalyst Fellows positions will begin in September 2024 and conclude in May of 2025. The position will be paid an hourly wage in addition to a scholarship of $2,500, distributed in two installments at the end of each semester. During their time at MAAM, Catalyst Fellows will work with museum staff to realize our exhibitions and programs, participate in a mentorship program with BIPOC arts leaders, and have special opportunities for additional leadership and professional training.

In preparation for the 2024-2025 academic year, MAAM will hire three Catalyst Fellows (one each) in the following areas:

• Museum education
• Museum exhibitions
• Museum outreach

Catalyst Fellows will explore, learn, and reflect on various aspects of museum work. The primary responsibilities of the Catalyst Fellow are to:

• Participate in our orientation training at the beginning of the fall semester.
• Attend seminar sessions to discuss topics in the museum field, unpack readings, and critically reflect on museum practices.
• Work closely with an area supervisor to maintain a weekly departmental work schedule and accomplish assigned tasks.
• Participate in practicums (hands-on, low-pressure demonstrations to practice skills).
• Support staff in executing our education programs, exhibitions, and museum operations.
• Meet periodically with a Mentor* over the course of the program.
• Work closely with an area supervisor to develop, implement, and evaluate a final project.

Museum Education Catalyst Fellow: The Museum Education Catalyst Fellow at MAAM is an essential part of the education department's mission. The Education Fellow works to create a welcoming and accessible experience for the public and MassArt community. They gain hands-on training in object-based teaching, dive into pedagogical approaches to access and inclusion when considering public programming, and progress toward potential museum educator, public programming, and arts-based teaching careers.

Museum Exhibition Catalyst Fellow: The Museum Exhibition Catalyst Fellow at MAAM is a vital member of the museum team, ensuring the safety of exhibited artwork through careful installation and maintenance of exhibitions. The Catalyst Fellow will receive ongoing training in professional art handling and installation techniques and gain experience toward potential museum and gallery preparator, collections, or exhibitions careers.

Museum Outreach Catalyst Fellow: The Museum Outreach Catalyst Fellow at MAAM supports the marketing team in achieving its goals of operational efficiency and marketing success. The Fellow will work with staff to promote the Museum's events and programs (through print, digital, and social media), support the successful implementation and facilitation of museum events, and inform engagement strategies that resonate with priority audiences, including, but not limited to, MassArt students. The Fellow will gain experience towards a potential career in marketing, communications, and/or design.

• A Catalyst Fellow Mentor is a BIPOC individual working in the arts and culture field whose professional practice resonates with the interests, aspirations, and goals of the Catalyst Fellow. Catalyst Fellows are paired with one mentor during the fellowship experience.

Requirements:

MassArt students who meet the following qualifications are eligible to apply for the Catalyst fellowship:

• You must be enrolled as a full-time MassArt student in an undergraduate program
• You must identify as a first-generation college student or have demonstrated financial need.

Ideal candidates for the Catalyst opportunity are responsible, reliable, and willing to continually learn throughout the full academic year. Students with an interest in museum work are strongly encouraged to apply. Ideal candidates will be entering their sophomore or junior year at the start of the 2024-2025 academic year, however this is not a requirement.

Additional Information:

Learning Outcomes

Over the course of the Catalyst Fellows' time at MAAM, they will gain valuable, hands-on, professional experience specific to their core area and learn transferable skills in Boston's only free museum of contemporary art, preparing them for future work in museums or related spaces within the arts and culture field. Specifically, Catalyst Fellows will gain knowledge through the following structure:

• Experience working in a professional setting as an integral part of a small, dynamic museum team and forming strong bonds as a cohort.
• Learn a broad range of transferable skills that provide a strong foundation for future employment, regardless of career choice.
• Engage in professional development that emphasizes a continued path to employment, including resume and cover letter workshops, review of job applications, and networking opportunities.
• Active involvement in developing and setting professional goals for time spent at MAAM based on areas of interest and personal preferences.
• Practice and perform skills in a low pressure space to gain experience and feedback from peers and museum professionals.

Additional Benefits:

• Structured orientation and onboarding program that prepares individuals to successfully execute the duties as a Catalyst Fellow.
• Opportunities to take field trips to other cultural institutions and collaborate with the Museum Attendant student staff.
• Access to the Museum's Student Recharge Area.
• Potential to pursue additional paid opportunities at MAAM.

Please note MassArt does not provide the following:

• Employment-based visa sponsorship or non-student exchange visitor visa sponsorship.
• E-Verify.
• Reimbursement for travel.

Selected candidates must complete all onboarding tasks including a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) background review and verification of the Form I9, Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. You are required to show proof of your identity and employment eligibility within three (3) days of the start of your employment. You will not be authorized to work in any capacity until all paperwork has been completed.

Comprehensive Benefits:
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Please click here to view MassArt Benefits.

MassArt provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, genetic information, pregnancy or a pregnancy-related condition, or membership in any other legally protected class. MassArt complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the college operates. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.

Application Instructions:

Submit a resume and cover letter by Friday, May 10, 2024. Review of applications will begin after May 10.

In your cover letter, please specify which MAAM Catalyst Fellow area of concentration you are interested in (museum education, museum exhibitions, museum outreach).

Applications received without a cover letter will not be reviewed.