ABOUT THE MUSEO DE ARTE DE PONCE

Through access to art-based experiences, the Museo de Arte de Ponce pursues to promote discovery, stimulate curiosity, and foster dialogue to enhance the life of its community. It was founded by Luis A. Ferré (1904-2003), a Puerto Rican philanthropist, industrialist and governor of Puerto Rico, who started buying works of art for the Museum by first establishing The Luis A. Ferré Foundation, in 1957.

The Museum opened its doors to the public on January 3, 1959, in a colonial house in Ponce, Puerto Rico. In 1965, the building that is home today to the Museum was designed by the renowned architect Edward Durell Stone. An Annex Building was added in 2010 to expand its facilities and services to the community. The collection of the Museum consists of approximately 4,500 works of art and is renowned for its great examples of Baroque, Pre-Raphaelite and Victorian paintings as well as Puerto Rican and Latin American art.

Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums since 1987, the Museo de Arte de Ponce has become an essential institution for the educational development and social transformation of our communities.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Curatorial Research Associate provides support for the Curatorial Department’s daily operations and will have significant involvement in researching and writing about the collection for use in the Museum’s database, website, publications, lectures, development of the collection, exhibition program, and upcoming reinstallation of the collection. In accordance with the curatorial plan, the position handles research, writing, correspondence, and requests for information, database management, and support for exhibition-related programs. The Curatorial Research Associate will work in a team environment with other members of the Curatorial Department and will also work closely with the Registrar, Conservation, Education, and Community Empowerment staff and often with other departments, such as Sustainability, Communications, Finance, and Facilities.

Applicants must have a Bachelor and a Master of Arts in art history and be proficient in spoken and written Spanish and English.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The Curatorial Research Associate is a full-time, exempt position, with an annual salary of $37,000. The specific compensation offered to a candidate may be dependent on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to the candidate’s experience, education, special licensing or qualifications.

BENEFITS

Benefits offerings may differ based on employee status:

• Medical, dental, vision, prescription, and organ transplant insurance.
• Paid time off, including: 15 days of vacation, 12 sick days, birthday day off, funeral leave and 12 museum holidays.
• Short term disability insurance.
• Christmas bonus.
• 10% discount for staff in Museum Shop.
• Free parking space.
• Other benefits may apply.

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Researches the permanent collection, develops object curatorial files, and assists with its preservation, care, and planning for its greater impact and accessibility.
• Assist the Curator with developing, designing, editing, and producing scholarly publications created by and for the museum, including digital and web-based materials.
• Assist the Curator in the research related to the reinstallation of the permanent collection and the development of permanent collection-based and temporary exhibitions and related texts and publications.
• Conducts research for future exhibition projects, including scholarly research on artists and topics for exhibition publications.
• Assists the Curator with producing object labels and gallery guide text, assists in catalogue and program development, and invitation copy for exhibitions.
• Develop exhibition interpretive materials and educational programs in consultation with the Curator and the Head of Education Programs and Community Empowerment, conduct docent training, and participate in public programs as needed.
• Together with other members of the Curatorial Department, will work with the Communications Staff to develop curatorial materials for the press, content for social media, and other communications efforts.
• Assist the Curator in drafting the Museum’s policy regarding display, collection management, and strategic plan.
• Present lectures, gallery talks, and guided tours of the Museum’s collection and temporary exhibitions.
• Assists with general curatorial inquiries.
• Attends and participates in exhibition-related programs.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrated knowledge of art history and the ability to research and write on topics related to both European and Latin American Art.
• Knowledge of curatorial and museum practices, including knowledge of collection management and exhibition development.
• Proficient in research, interpreting, and analyzing diverse data and written information.
• Excellent writing, editing, translating, and proofreading skills in Spanish and English.
• Computer skills (Microsoft – Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) are required.
• Knowledge of TMS – Gallery Systems, InDesign, Sketchup, and Adobe Suite is preferred.
• Extraordinary interpersonal skills: leadership, etiquette, ethical behavior; must also possess tact, vision, patience, perseverance, and diplomacy.
• Highly organized with the ability to implement systems and follow-up processes.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently to achieve institutional goals and tight deadlines.

REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s and Master’s in art history, 1 to 2 years of experience organizing exhibitions in a museum context. A record of scholarly publications is desired. Strong organizational skills and the ability to work effectively as a team member are required.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Applications will be accepted only electronically. Please submit a cover letter and CV. Documentation should be saved as a single document and sent to: ------------ Only qualified candidates will be interviewed. Please reference Curatorial Research Associate position opening. EEO EMPLOYER