Curatorial Assistant

Appalachian State University

$38,266-40,766

United States, North Carolina, Boone

287 Rivers Street (Show on map)

Mar 13, 2025

Position Summary Information

Classification Title	Curatorial Specialist
Working Title	Curatorial Assistant
Location
Job Category	5
Position Number	069021
Department	Turchin Center for the Visual Arts - 540400
Minimum Qualifications	Graduation from a four-year college or university with a major in the area related to the area of assignment and one year of experience, which demonstrates the attainment of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Special Note: This is a generalized representation of positions in this class and is not intended to reflect essential functions per ADA. Examples of competencies are typical of the majority of positions, but may not be applicable to all positions.
License/Certification Required
Essential Job Functions	The Turchin Center for the Visual Arts presents exhibition, education, and collection programs that support Appalachian State University's role as a key regional educational, cultural, economic and service resource. The Curatorial Assistant reports directly to the Senior Curator at the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, part of the Office of Arts Engagement and Cultural Resources. This position will also work with the Lead Preparator, Collections Manager, Visitor Services Coordinator, and staff in Arts Education. The essential function is to aid the Senior Curator in all aspects of the Turchin Center, including exhibitions and related programming, artist management,and visitor services. Primary Responsibilities Include: Supporting the Senior Curator with day-to-day administrative and research tasks Working with the Senior Curator and finance staff to complete university contracts for visiting artists Assisting exhibiting artists with payment and paperwork, and other requests as directed by the Senior Curator Assisting in the installation of exhibitions, including the physical installation, painting, art handling, and shipping, as well as the paperwork components such as receipt submissions and shipping monitoring Assisting the Senior Curator and Preparator with maintaining strong organization of the galleries and exhibitions. Fully participating as a team member of the Office of Arts Engagement by working closely with staff colleagues in the curatorial, education, outreach, marketing, development, visitor services, administrative and financial areas of the center's operations Assisting with development of educational activities Assisting with visitors, donor events, and public events at the Turchin Center Working with the Senior Curator to develop, implement, and maintain an art based education program for the Gallery Ambassadors Assisting the Visitor Services Coordinator and Senior Curator with the training of Gallery Ambassadors to ensure the Turchin Center is appropriately staffed for events and visitors Assisting the Visitor Services Coordinator in communicating with other university departments, understanding policy compliance at the Turchin Center, and completing expenditures. Assisting the Preparator and Visitor Services Coordinator to monitor the Turchin Center, to know the building well, be aware of damages or needed repairs, and maintain knowledge of the security systems Performing administrative duties for the processing of student employees HR paperwork, payroll, and time management Aiding department staff, as requested and approved by the Senior Curator, with the scheduling of internal and external event and event requests. Leveraging technology, specifically working with Microsoft and Adobe Suite software including Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and related Acrobat programs. Working in Canva or similar programs and formatting documents for professional printing. Engaging with audiences and visitors to the Turchin Center, Schaefer Center, App Summer, and any Office of Arts Engagement supported event with hospitality, customer service, and respect. The Curatorial Assistant is a vital member of the Turchin Center's exhibition team. The Curatorial Assistant also participates in larger staff meetings, planning sessions, and staff retreats as necessary. This position will be required to assist with additional projects as needed and is expected to work special events throughout the year during receptions and other programming alongside other staff members in support of the exhibitions and related public programming hosted by the Turchin Center.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position	Knowledge of Museum Studies, Arts Administration, Art History, Communications, Public Relations, Education or other discipline related to arts administration obtained through the completion of an undergraduate degree. Strong customer service skills obtained through 1-2 years of direct experience. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to be flexible, communicative, and work collaboratively in a team environment. Leadership and supervision skills; the ability to provide mentorship and support for a team of 10-12 Gallery Ambassadors comprised primarily of student employees in coordination with the Visitor Services Coordinator. Accuracy and attention to detail. Excellent time management skills. Proficiency with the use of Google Suite, which includes programs used by the Turchin Center to organize its most critical functions.
Preferred Qualifications	Customer service experience in a museum or gallery setting. Strong background, interest, and experience in the visual arts. Experience using Canva or similar programs is a plus, as is experience formatting documents for professional printing
Type of Position	Permanent Full-Time
Staff/Non-Faculty	Staff/Non-Faculty
Appointment Type	1.0
Work Schedule/Hours	40 hour flex-time schedule, to include the following: Five days per week (Monday through Friday) from 8:30am to 5pm most days, with flexibility to allow for after-hours duties such as art instillations, exhibition openings, and student training.
Number of Hours Per Week	40
Number of Months Per Year	12
Mandatory Staff	No
Physical Demands of Position	The range of physical demands for this position is broad. The position requires stationary desk work, and also time spent moving, traversing, lifting, ascending and descending to manage events. The position also requires light to medium lifting and installation related to event management and daily office chores. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
Overall Competency Level	Contributing
Salary Grade Equivalency	GN04
Salary Range
Anticipated Hiring Range	$38,266-40,766
Required Functional Competencies to Successfully Perform Job Duties.	Program Management Ability to develop and manage assigned programs from the planning stage to implementation and program evaluation. Ability to prepare daily, weekly, seasonal and annual plans to maintain and develop programmatic and operational goals. Ability to prepare budget/purchase requests within limits set by variable funding as determined by a combination of foundation and department allocations. Ability to maintain production/program schedules. Managing Work and Performance Ability to plan and direct the daily/weekly work schedule to coordinate labor with supplies and equipment to accommodate short-term and ongoing projects and account for routine upkeep of all collections. Ability to provide orientation and ongoing training to work-study students, grounds workers, interns and volunteers assigned to the institution. Ability to supervise full-time and part-time employees including recruitment/selection, development of work plans, conducting employee evaluations, counseling and disciplining employees, and resolving grievances. Professional Knowledge Considerable knowledge of program area; i.e., natural science, art, history, etc. Considerable knowledge of standard museum methods regarding conservation, collection, exhibition, design and interpretation. Considerable knowledge of curriculum development and teaching methods.

Pay will be commensurate with applicant competencies, budget, equity and market considerations.

Posting Details Information

Posting Date	03/13/2025
Closing Date	03/19/2025
Competency Level Statement	Management will only consider applicants who meet the required competencies.
Special Instructions to Applicants	Please attach required documents: Cover Letter Resume List a minimum of 3 professional references with contact information included in the application.
Search Chair Name	Mary Anne Redding
Search Chair Email	reddingm@appstate.edu
Applicant Pool Preference	External (Post on the Web)

Departmental Information

Quick Link	https://appstate.peopleadmin.com/postings/50117
Posting Number	201502844P