Beaumont and Nancy Newhall Curatorial Fellow | Photography Job at The Museum of

Department of Photography at MoMA:

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) began collecting modern photography in 1930 and established the Department in 1940. The Museum’s holdings of more than 25,000 works constitute one of the most important collections of modern and contemporary photography in the world.

Position Summary:

This fellowship assists senior curatorial staff in all areas of their responsibilities, including administrative work in the context of acquisitions, collections records, bibliographic and biographical records and files, and research for exhibitions and publications. Fellow also collaborates on exhibition catalogs and other publications, answers to general curatorial inquiries, and helps coordinate meetings of the Committee on Photography. This is a three-year position endowed by Beaumont & Nancy Newhall.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with relevant staff across the Museum, to support photography curators in their exhibition functions, including: general research, checklist research, catalogue preparation, loan correspondence, wall labels, publication research and production.
• Assist in preparing checklists from compilation to data entry; coordinating and scheduling work to be done within the Museum in such areas as conservation, photography, public information, matting and framing, construction, lighting.
• Participate in meetings of the Committee on Photography, prepare blurbs on acquisitions new to the Museum Collection and present works to the Committee.
• Conduct inspections of collection galleries and assist with follow-up arrangements in the event of damage or deterioration.
• Respond to inquiries and lead gallery tours for visitors as necessary.
• Assist in organizing Public Programs.
• Liaise with other departments within the Museum, including exhibitions, conservation, publications, learning and engagement, graphic design, and the frame shop.
• Stay informed about current developments in the field by visiting galleries and museums, reading relevant publications, and making recommendations to senior staff.
• Perform other duties related to the responsibilities outlined above.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Art History completed, or Master’s degree preferred with a photography history or modern and contemporary art history background.
• Prior relevant work experience, with expertise in a relevant area of departmental interest. Excellent organizational skills with the ability to set priorities while remaining flexible to adapt to new requests and opportunities.
• Strict attention to detail, rigorous approach to tasks, ability to prioritize and multitask.
• Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written.
• High level of enthusiasm to work with a curatorial team and across the Museum’s departments.
• Superior research and writing skills are essential.
• Knowledge of another language, in addition to English, is preferred.

Reports to: Senior curatorial titles as assigned.

Salary: The salary for this position is currently $67,393 per annum, increasing to $70,089 in per union contract agreement in May 2025.

Application instructions: To apply, please visit MoMA Jobs. Applicants should submit a resume and a statement of interest. Applications without cover letters will not be considered.

Application deadline: Priority consideration will be given to applications submitted by March 16, 2025. Additional applications may be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement: 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.