The Museum of Modern Art is currently accepting applications for a Collection Specialist in the Department of Media and Performance. Focused on collection management of time-based media and performance, the Collection Specialist works with colleagues in Media and Performance and across the Museum to catalog, maintain, and logically support the collection.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Maintains standards for cataloging time-based art in accordance with the department’s Collection Manual and Museum standards.
• Performs work in relation to care of the collection and arranges for custodial and preparation work as required in the maintenance of the collection in gallery and storage areas. Coordinates and schedules collection work to be done internally and externally, working closely with such areas as Conservation, Imaging and Visual Resources, matting and framing, construction, lighting, etc.
• Coordinates requests for images and matters of image reproduction rights for works in the collection.
• With Associate Curator, coordinates inter-departmental and outgoing loan programs.
• Assists Associate Curator and Department Manager with acquisition program, researching works, artists, and capturing information for master collection files. Provides additional assistance with research for collection-related exhibitions and publications.
• Assists with collection displays in the Museum’s galleries and public spaces and works closely with colleagues in Curatorial, Media Conservation, and Registrar to prepare test installations and viewings for curatorial consideration. Conducts necessary research on past iterations of artworks and constructs exhibition histories, reviews and shares installation specifications when appropriate, and consults with artists, estates, galleries, distributors, and other representatives. Assists in the documentation and archiving of all works for master collection files.
• Routinely updates collection records (physical object files, digital object files, The Museum System (TMS), online collection listing) with pertinent information and status changes.
• Maintains and updates locations in TMS in concert with Registrar and Media Conservation.
• Manages Media and Performance Study Center. Assists visiting researchers and colleagues with Study Center requests.
• Maintains and updates records in the Digital Asset Management system and online holdings on MoMA.org.
• Assists Department Manager, Registrar’s office, and General Counsel with preparation and gathering of information for meetings of the Committee on Media and Performance and the Board of Trustees, and other Committee Meetings as needed.
• Participates in daily collection gallery checks and assists with follow-up arrangements in the event of damage, technical issues, etc.
• Performs any other duties reasonably related to the functions described above.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in art history, media studies, or similar, master‘s degree preferred, and two or more years related experience in an art world setting.
• Deep knowledge of areas of departmental interest and with modern and contemporary art is essential.
• Strong interest in media and performance, with expertise in cataloging and archiving, media formats, media conservation, and developments in the digital field required, some background in performance studies preferred.
• Strong writing, research, and organizational skills are essential.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Working knowledge of The Museum System (TMS) or similar CEMS.
• Fully vaccinated with a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and/or the World Health Organization authorized vaccine (or approved for an exemption as a reasonable accommodation due to a qualified disability or sincerely held religious belief or other legal basis).

Reports to: Associate Curator and other titles as assigned.

Salary: The salary for this position is $74,370 per annum

Application instructions: To apply, please visit MoMA Jobs. Applicants should submit a resume and a statement of interest by no later than January 20, 2023.

Equal Employment Opportunity has been, and will continue to be, a fundamental principle at the Museum, where employment is based upon personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, marital and civil partnership/union status, alienage or citizenship status, creed, genetic predisposition or carrier status, unemployment status, familial status, domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking victim status, caregiver status, arrest or conviction record to the extent required by applicable law, credit history, or any other protected category as established by applicable law, including the New York City Human Rights Law (“NYCHRL”).

This is a unionized position at MoMA with covered employees represented by Local 2110, UAW, AFL-CIO.