MISSION The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities, centering the vision of artists and makers. We recognize that all art is made in a particular context, demanding continual, dynamic reconsideration in the present. We are a place of gathering; we foster the exchange of ideas and inspire an expansive, inclusive understanding of human creativity. We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package: * Generous paid time off * Paid holidays (up to 14 days) * Medical, dental, and vision insurance * Generous parental, caregiver, and medical leave benefits * Competitive retirement plan (up to 9% matching contribution) * Tuition remission and Tuition Exchange Program * Great employee discounts * Complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions * Want to stay abreast of the latest job openings at the Art Institute and the School of the Art Institute? Sign up for our Employment Opportunities E-announcements. Salary Grade 5 OUR VALUES * All staff members are expected to embrace the museum's commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable institution and to adhere to the museum's shared values. * Our museum reflects and deepens our collective humanity; the arts are integral to an inspired and just society. * We respect and acknowledge each of our colleagues' contributions and expertise across all roles within our organization. * We share in the responsibility to create an antiracist culture built on equity, inclusion, and justice for all, acknowledging that these efforts are intersectional and ongoing. * We encourage and advance a culture of hospitality, empathy, and gratitude for each visitor, supporter, and member of our staff. * We embrace innovation and foster change with a progressive understanding of-and obligation to reconsider-our past. * We sustain an open and dynamic civic platform, inviting and advancing the diverse perspectives of our city, staff, visitors, and supporters. ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT: Formally established in 1921, the department of Arts of Asia holds one of the largest Asian art collections in North America, consisting of nearly 30,000 objects that span five millennia and represent all artistic traditions of the entire continent. Distinguished artworks include Hindu and Buddhist sculpture; Chinese jades, bronzes, ceramics, and paintings; Japanese screens and woodblock prints- one of the finest assemblages in the world; Korean celadon; and Indian and Persian miniature paintings. The department employs five full time curators, a collection manager, a specialist, a technician, and an administrative coordinator, as well as training fellows, interns, and volunteers. ABOUT THE POSITION Under the direction of the Collection Manager, the Curatorial Assistant supports the organization of departmental exhibitions, collection rotations, gallery reinstallations, and projects; provides administrative, curatorial, collection, and research support for the department; and conducts art historical and art market research about and related to works in the permanent collection, loans, and acquisitions. The curatorial assistant composes website content, updates museum database records for publication to the website, and provides occasional administrative assistance to the department. RESPONSIBILITIES * Researches ownership, publication, and exhibition histories for the permanent collections, loans, acquisitions, and deaccessions * Assists in departmental efforts to maintain object, artist, dealer, donor records and files * Aids in documenting and updating object records for online publishing * Handles inquiries (mail, telephone or e-mail) about collections, exhibitions, appraisals, selling or donating works of art to the museum * Helps create, coordinate, and edit gallery descriptions and didactic materials such as wall texts and labels * Manages the imaging process for objects needing new photography * Supports the preparation of materials for advisory committee meetings * Supports the processing of incoming and outgoing loans for the department * Assists with visitors and education programs * Works with the Collection Manager on gallery projects as assigned * Assists curators with special projects as needed PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS * Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer; must be able to remain in a stationary position 90% of the time. * Occasionally moves about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc. * Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy machine and printer. * Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, ability to adjust focus, and the ability to sustain prolonged visual concentration. QUALIFICATIONS * Master's degree in museum and art history or related subject required * Current or previous work experience in a museum setting preferred * Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google suites required; ability to learn museum-specific collection database systems * Familiarity with or specialization in departmental field preferred * Demonstrate strong research, communication, project management, and organizational skills. * The successful candidate should: * be highly detail-oriented and organized; * demonstrate initiative; * embrace the museum's commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable institution; * have an open-minded and collaborative approach to working and communicating with all colleagues across the museum Closing Statement The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran status or citizenship. The Institute complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at apply_help@artic.edu. Union Info This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Council 31