Chrysler Museum Of Art
Brock Curatorial Research Assistant
Chrysler Museum Of Art, Norfolk, Virginia, United States, 23510
Job Description
Job Description Brock Curatorial Assistant
The Chrysler Museum of Art, located at 1 Memorial Place in Norfolk, VA, is renowned for its extensive collection of over 35,000 art objects displayed across 50 galleries. The Museum offers a diverse range of art, from ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces. A signature attraction is the Perry Glass Studio, the only one of its kind in the Mid-Atlantic, offering visitors glassblowing demonstrations and hands-on classes. The Museum's commitment to accessibility is demonstrated by its free admission policy, making it a welcoming destination for both art enthusiasts and visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
Department: Curatorial Affairs / Curatorial
FLSA Status: Exempt
Supervisor duties: No
Position Type: Full-Time
Reports to: Director of Curatorial Affairs
Benefits Eligibility: Yes, Medical, Dental, Vision, 403 B, STD/LTD, PTO, etc.
Revision Date: August 2025
Primary Purpose: The Brock Curatorial Research Assistant supports the curatorial staff in all areas of their responsibilities, particularly with regard to the research of the Museum’s permanent collection. Additional areas of focus include providing assistance for the development and planning of temporary exhibitions, and associated publications. Further tasks include administrative work related to key curatorial functions such as acquisitions, cataloging, record keeping, loans, and addressing general inquiries.
Key Performance Indicators (KPI): Job Knowledge, Research, Openness, Collaboration, Growth, and Respect
Essential Functions: Job Knowledge Demonstrates familiarity with typical research practices in art history or related fields in the humanities. Utilizes standard art-historical research resources and databases effectively. Understands basic issues surrounding object provenance and cultural patrimony. Experience with academic writing in art history or related fields in the humanities. Research Conduct in-depth research on objects in the collection and potential acquisitions, including compiling catalogue information, bibliographies, and exhibition histories. Investigates the provenance of works in the collection, tracing ownership history, compiling relevant documentation, and providing assessments of the current state of knowledge to the Curators and Director of Curatorial Affairs. Prepares research materials for upcoming exhibitions, including maintaining object lists, research bibliographies, and relevant correspondence. Organizes, maintains, and archives research materials and records to ensure long-term accessibility, continuity, and preservation of institutional knowledge. Openness and Collaboration Assists in exhibition planning, including drafting exhibition-related materials such as loan letters and correspondence. Liaises with other Museum departments regarding exhibitions on behalf of the Curator. Provides targeted research and administrative support to Curators and the Director of Curatorial Affairs for exhibitions, publications, lectures, and public programs. Oversees and/or assists with special research projects as directed by the Director of Curatorial Affairs. Perform other duties as assigned or required. Growth Participate in opportunities to meet artists, scholars, and collectors Engages in professional development activities, including trainings, conferences, and symposia. Takes part in events and activities related to the Museum’s donor cultivation, as directed. May co-curate or curate select installations or exhibitions, as appropriate and depending on experience, available opportunities, and institutional needs. Respect Demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and discretion in all interactions. Maintains the confidentiality of sensitive information and materials. Respects diverse perspectives, cultures, and backgrounds when conducting research, writing, and collaborating with colleagues and stakeholders. Represents the Museum’s mission and values in communications with artists, lenders, donors, and the public.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Master’s degree in art history, or a related field, required Prior experience in a museum or gallery setting is highly desirable Strong background in art history, museum studies, or a related field Ability to conduct object-based research (provenance, exhibition history, bibliography) Understanding of curatorial workflows, including acquisitions and cataloging Excellent written and verbal communication skills Strong interpersonal skills for working with curators, artists, and the public Ability to represent the museum professionally at events and with donor/stewardship groups Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite E
Working Conditions: The is a full-time in-office role, and that may occasionally include evening or weekend events, requiring professionalism, strong communication skills, and flexibility in a fast-paced museum environment.
Physical Requirements: Must be able to lift and carry file boxes and other awkward items weighing up to 25 lbs., including up and downstairs. Requires intermittent standing, walking, sitting, squatting, stretching, and bending throughout the workday. Must be able to see and hear or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately to ensure that the requirements of this position can be fully met.
Job Description Brock Curatorial Assistant
The Chrysler Museum of Art, located at 1 Memorial Place in Norfolk, VA, is renowned for its extensive collection of over 35,000 art objects displayed across 50 galleries. The Museum offers a diverse range of art, from ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces. A signature attraction is the Perry Glass Studio, the only one of its kind in the Mid-Atlantic, offering visitors glassblowing demonstrations and hands-on classes. The Museum's commitment to accessibility is demonstrated by its free admission policy, making it a welcoming destination for both art enthusiasts and visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
Department: Curatorial Affairs / Curatorial
FLSA Status: Exempt
Supervisor duties: No
Position Type: Full-Time
Reports to: Director of Curatorial Affairs
Benefits Eligibility: Yes, Medical, Dental, Vision, 403 B, STD/LTD, PTO, etc.
Revision Date: August 2025
Primary Purpose: The Brock Curatorial Research Assistant supports the curatorial staff in all areas of their responsibilities, particularly with regard to the research of the Museum’s permanent collection. Additional areas of focus include providing assistance for the development and planning of temporary exhibitions, and associated publications. Further tasks include administrative work related to key curatorial functions such as acquisitions, cataloging, record keeping, loans, and addressing general inquiries.
Key Performance Indicators (KPI): Job Knowledge, Research, Openness, Collaboration, Growth, and Respect
Essential Functions: Job Knowledge Demonstrates familiarity with typical research practices in art history or related fields in the humanities. Utilizes standard art-historical research resources and databases effectively. Understands basic issues surrounding object provenance and cultural patrimony. Experience with academic writing in art history or related fields in the humanities. Research Conduct in-depth research on objects in the collection and potential acquisitions, including compiling catalogue information, bibliographies, and exhibition histories. Investigates the provenance of works in the collection, tracing ownership history, compiling relevant documentation, and providing assessments of the current state of knowledge to the Curators and Director of Curatorial Affairs. Prepares research materials for upcoming exhibitions, including maintaining object lists, research bibliographies, and relevant correspondence. Organizes, maintains, and archives research materials and records to ensure long-term accessibility, continuity, and preservation of institutional knowledge. Openness and Collaboration Assists in exhibition planning, including drafting exhibition-related materials such as loan letters and correspondence. Liaises with other Museum departments regarding exhibitions on behalf of the Curator. Provides targeted research and administrative support to Curators and the Director of Curatorial Affairs for exhibitions, publications, lectures, and public programs. Oversees and/or assists with special research projects as directed by the Director of Curatorial Affairs. Perform other duties as assigned or required. Growth Participate in opportunities to meet artists, scholars, and collectors Engages in professional development activities, including trainings, conferences, and symposia. Takes part in events and activities related to the Museum’s donor cultivation, as directed. May co-curate or curate select installations or exhibitions, as appropriate and depending on experience, available opportunities, and institutional needs. Respect Demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and discretion in all interactions. Maintains the confidentiality of sensitive information and materials. Respects diverse perspectives, cultures, and backgrounds when conducting research, writing, and collaborating with colleagues and stakeholders. Represents the Museum’s mission and values in communications with artists, lenders, donors, and the public.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Master’s degree in art history, or a related field, required Prior experience in a museum or gallery setting is highly desirable Strong background in art history, museum studies, or a related field Ability to conduct object-based research (provenance, exhibition history, bibliography) Understanding of curatorial workflows, including acquisitions and cataloging Excellent written and verbal communication skills Strong interpersonal skills for working with curators, artists, and the public Ability to represent the museum professionally at events and with donor/stewardship groups Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite E
Working Conditions: The is a full-time in-office role, and that may occasionally include evening or weekend events, requiring professionalism, strong communication skills, and flexibility in a fast-paced museum environment.
Physical Requirements: Must be able to lift and carry file boxes and other awkward items weighing up to 25 lbs., including up and downstairs. Requires intermittent standing, walking, sitting, squatting, stretching, and bending throughout the workday. Must be able to see and hear or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately to ensure that the requirements of this position can be fully met.