Under the supervision of the Curator in Charge, the Assistant Curator provides support to the curatorial staff for the day-to-day operation of the Prints and Drawings Department, known as the Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts. This position contributes to the care and interpretation of the collection of more than 90,000 works on paper. This position works effectively and collegially with a broad range of staff, donors, trustees, curatorial support group members, and the general public. A strong customer service orientation and the ability to achieve and sustain best curatorial practices are essential.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities:

Permanent Collection: Manages rotations for the permanent collection galleries in consultation with senior staff. Works with conservators and other staff to ensure the conservation and care of the Achenbach collection. Keeps informed of current activity in the areas of departmental interest through museum and gallery visits and publications, and conveys observations and information to department colleagues.
Research: Researches and catalogues the collection and related archives; answers related inquiries from the public and scholars, making the collection accessible to diverse audiences. Performs research for exhibitions including research on artists, periods, styles, and specific works.
Documentation: Works closely with the Registration department to ensure proper documentation of the collection. Assigns and expedites work / technician / photo services requests as required to ensure the appropriate care and maintenance of the collection in gallery and storage areas.
Exhibitions: Assists with and/or executes loan exhibitions and installations based on the permanent holdings in the exhibition spaces at the de Young (Gallery 17 and Herbst Gallery) and the Legion of Honor (Gallery 22, Logan Gallery, and Rosekrans Galleries). Proposes and assists the development of exhibition concepts and of new and engaging ways of displaying the permanent collection and the new acquisitions.
Publications: Assists with and/or executes the preparation of catalogues, checklists, wall and gallery labels, and other exhibition graphics. Participates in and contributes to social media promotions related to collection awareness.
Outside Requests: Corresponds with scholars or members of the public regarding objects in the collection. Coordinates appointments for the Roberts Seminar Room and hosts classes/groups as necessary.
Supervision: Manages activities of volunteers and interns, as necessary.
External Relationships: Builds and maintains departmental relationships with critics, dealers, museum colleagues, institutions of higher learning, and collectors. This also involves patron and collector development. Presents lectures and docent talks, and conducts tours of the collection and temporary exhibitions for donors, trustees, and the general public as the need arises. Represents FAMSF at public and private functions that further the FAMSF mission and institutional objectives.
Fundraising: In keeping with Museums-wide curatorial practice, supports the fundraising and public relations efforts of the Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts in correspondence with the Museums and its Development department. Actively participates in meetings and programs, including fundraising programs, of the Achenbach Graphic Arts Council and its board.
Administrative: Prepares documentation for meetings of the Acquisitions Committee of the Board of Trustees. Helps with the implementation of department policies and procedures, educational programs for the public, and storage management procedures. Collaborates on budget preparation. Prepares documents, manages departmental files including exhibition and object files, and manages database records.
Courier: Subject to the approval of the Curator in Charge and Director of Curatorial Affairs, serves as FAMSF courier for loaned works of art from the collection.