Description
The Menil Collection - Employment Opportunity
Title: Administrative Assistant/Associate, Menil Drawing Institute
Department: Menil Drawing Institute, Curatorial Department
Reports to: Chief Curator, Menil Drawing Institute
Status: Full-time, exempt from overtime
Work location: Onsite
Salary range: $45-50,000/annually
About the Menil Drawing Institute
The Menil Drawing Institute program was established in 2008 in recognition of drawing’s centrality in the lives of artists and its crucial role in modern and contemporary artistic culture.An integral part of the Menil Collection, the program aims to foster scholarship and the public appreciation of drawing as an art form. An annual site-specific commission, theWall Drawing Series,began in 2018 as part of the Menil’s commitment to exploring new approaches to the form and language of drawing.
The Drawing Institute has an international profile as an important center for the collection, display, study, conservation, and storage of modern and contemporary drawings.The Menil’s drawing collection comprises some 3,500 works. The museum is actively expanding its holdings, which range from the 16th- century to today, although they focus largely on 20th- and 21st-century drawings.
General Responsibilities
The Administrative Assistant/Associate, Menil Drawing Institute serves as the administrative point of contact for the Curatorial Department at the Drawing Institute and provides direct administrative support to the Chief Curator, Menil Drawing Institute. The Assistant/Associate manages the Menil Drawing Institute's fellowship program, departmental budgets, curatorial office, and calendar. The Assistant/Associate also helps coordinate acquisition committee meetings, curatorial projects such as exhibitions and publications, and events.
The Administrative Assistant/Associate role at the Menil Drawing Institute (MDI) is a three-year appointment, with the possibility of extension.
Specific Duties
Assist and support the Chief Curator with basic administration, including task and schedule management, correspondence, filing, expense report reconciliation, presentation preparation, photocopying, managing incoming/outgoing mail, invoicing, and general office tasks.
Assist the Chief Curator, Associate Curator, and Assistant Curator with all aspects of exhibition administration, including correspondence, travel arrangements, database and checklist development, and publication image management.
Serve as the administrative liaison to and help prepare for quarterly Collections Committee meetings, including acquisition justifications, Committee correspondence, and presentations. Compile the Collections Committee materials packet, as well as the Collections Committee Report and the Curatorial Report for the Board of Trustees meeting materials. Draft Accession Letters for living artists.
Assist with expanding access to the drawing collection by ensuring object images and descriptions are uploaded to the website.
Assist with compiling the Menil Drawing Institute Annual Report and help prepare the annual meeting for the Menil Drawing Institute Committee.
Manage the administration of the MDI fellowship program, overseeing and organizing the fellowship program's promotional materials, applications, scholars' bungalow, and onboarding activities, and serving as fellows' administrative point of contact while in residence.
Manage departmental finances, from drafting the MDI Curatorial budget with the MDI curators to reconciling expenditures and closely monitoring departmental spending.
Manage the MDI calendar (schedule meetings, tours, classes, and room usage) and help prepare meeting agendas.
Prepare art move requests for tours and events as needed.
Manage the curatorial office, including ordering office supplies, furniture, and office equipment and assisting with the implementation of organizational systems and workflows.
Support the planning and execution of the Drawing Institute's seminars, study days, and symposia, and other public programs as needed.
Assist with exhibition and acquisition research, as needed.
As needed, proofread and provide basic editing support for articles, essays, gallery guides, wall labels, and publications.
Requirements
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree, with specialization in art history, preferred, along with administrative experience, preferably in a cultural institution.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion and interact with colleagues and constituents at all levels.
Excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
Ability to work independently and be a dependable team player.
Excellent computer skills, including Outlook and PowerPoint. Experience using TMS (The Museum System) and SharePoint is a plus.
A valid driver's license and reliable transportation are required.
Benefits
The position includes a comprehensive benefits package with paid vacation and sick time, medical and dental insurance, life insurance, AD&D, and LTD coverage. Employees may also participate in the Menil's 401(k) plan and receive an employer contribution equivalent to 5% of wages earned after one year of full-time employment.
How to Apply
Please send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references, which may be submitted electronically here: https://tally.so/r/3y12ZB
The Menil Collection is an Equal Opportunity Employer and seeks diversity in its workforce. The Menil is committed to attracting, retaining, developing, and promoting the most qualified employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
