The Des Moines Art Center is a world-class museum in the heart of the Midwest. With a focus on contemporary art, it has amassed an important collection exhibited in three major buildings, on the grounds, and downtown in the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park. In addition, the Art Center presents thought-provoking exhibitions, educational programs and hands-on studio art classes.

The Des Moines Art Center seeks an Assistant Curator to research, plan and execute exhibitions.

Essential Functions

Assist with development and realization of exhibitions, providing project management support by managing deadlines, milestones, checklists, correspondence, and deliverables
Serve as a point person for exhibitions with external collaborators and internal colleagues in order to streamline communications and manage deliverables
Write and edit content for exhibition descriptions and curatorial texts, including catalogues, gallery guides, training documents, communications and marketing materials
Prepare and manage loan requests
Work closely with the registration and installation teams on all aspects of artwork installation and exhibition design
Collaborate with colleagues across departments to execute all aspects of exhibition production and implementation
Other Responsibilities

Scholarly research on artists, the permanent collections, and upcoming exhibitions
Assist with the creation of exhibition-related publications including fact checking, proofreading, gathering images and credit information, and tracking drafts of edited essays
Contribute to education and public programming
Act in ways that reflect favorably on the Art Center and maintains professional standards in the quality of performance and demonstration of concern for the Art Center’s collection, programs, and facilities. Adheres to Des Moines Art Center Code of Ethics, Employee Handbook and other organizational policies.
Qualifications (work experience, education, certification) including KSAOs

Master’s degree in art history, and/or curatorial studies
Focus on modern and contemporary art with an emphasis on works on paper
Knowledge of basic museum procedures and exhibition preparation procedures
Some experience in organizing exhibitions and managing permanent collections
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail is required
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Able to engage diverse audiences
Decision Making

Participate in day-to-day operational decision making under the guidance of Senior Curator
Reporting/Contacts

This position reports to the Senior Curator and has frequent contact with peers and managers in Curatorial, Registration, Installation, and Education departments.
Special Considerations (Work Environment, Schedule, Required Travel, etc.)

Work is performed largely in an office environment during normal business hours, however, evening and weekend hours may be required for lectures or events
This position may require a small percentage of travel (less than 5%) for the purposes of research or courier work
Physical Factors

Work is mostly sedentary
Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
This position is eligible for full benefits including health, dental, vision, life, short- and long-term disability, flexible spending, employee assistance program and 403(b) retirement. Starting wage negotiable based on skill and experience.

Position will remain open until filled.