Curatorial Assistant

 

Description:

Summary: The Curatorial Assistant is responsible for assisting with the creation, maintenance, and installation of the Centennial Museum’s temporary exhibitions and permanent displays. This position also serves as the primary graphic designer for the Museum and Gardens, creating most exhibition graphics and publicity material for exhibitions and programs. All tasks are accomplished in conjunction with other staff members, student assistants, and contracted personnel.

Essential Functions

Exhibit Design and Installation

In conjunction with the Director and exhibit team, assists with the following: develops in-house temporary exhibits, researching the storyline, designing new exhibits, and working with outside experts as appropriate.

Gathers and studies information for exhibit design and publicity materials; Illustrates concept by designing rough layout of graphics, images and text panels regarding arrangement, size, font size and style, and related aesthetic concepts; obtains approval of concept by submitting rough layouts to the rest of the curatorial team.

Coordinates the production of design elements within the exhibition according to exhibit schedule. Designs exhibits prior to installation and makes recommendations for overcoming problematic situations.

Coordinates with the Director and/or Curators to install, arrange, assemble, and prepare artifacts for exhibition, ensuring the artifacts' safety, reporting their status and condition, and identifying and correcting any problems with the setup.

Coordinates with outside agencies, art services, and printers, and receives quotes and invoices for processing.

Prepares exhibit gallery for installation, including painting and prepping all exhibit surfaces, for example walls or cases, in addition to creating mounts and other components for display.

Installs exhibitions. Creates and mounts quality didactic material, objects, and images for exhibits.

Manages volunteers, student interns, and work studies during installations. Trains volunteers, student interns, and work studies in proper cutting and dry-mounting techniques in preparation of exhibits. Oversees their contributions to make sure they are working effectively and gives feedback to ensure quality work experience.

Assists with the maintenance and/or repair of exhibit related objects, graphics or signage.

Inspects and maintains temporary exhibits while on display.

In collaboration with the Curator of Exhibitions, plans for traveling exhibits.

Insures adherence to safe workplace practices and procedures in the handling of tools and in all preparation work and workshop spaces for all staff.

Oversees the maintenance and repair of tools and equipment; estimates costs, purchases materials, equipment and supplies.

Graphic Design

Implements design solutions that are creative, appropriate, and consistent with the Museum’s and the University’s brand and vision, while conveying the aims, messages, and themes of the project.

Works with staff and/or exhibit team in the development, refinement, proofing, approval, and delivery of graphic design solutions for print, digital, display, and exhibitions.

Creates and designs all publicity materials for the Museum and Gardens, including posters, flyers, postcards, digital marquees, and other formats. Works with UTEP’s Marketing and Communication (MarComm) Department to ensure design guidelines are being followed.

Coordinates with Administrative Assistant to order and maintain marketing materials such as promotional items, brochures, etc.

Designs or assists with social media graphics.

Works with MarComm, staff, and work study students to update and maintain the Museum and Garden’s website.

Serves as a resource for staff to ensure that they have all marketing items needed for their programs and events.

Manages design files and supports staff in the retrieval and use of files.

Curation and Collections Management

Directs and supervises curatorial, technical, and student staff in .

Assists with the Permanent Collections; photographs and digitizes collections and records; monitors security of building and other collections areas; works with Facilities Services to coordinate work in exhibition and collections areas.

Assists Curator with the maintenance of the database and the handling, mounting, care, and storage of objects in the collection.

Assists University departments such as Heritage House, the Biodiversity Collections, Institutional Advancement, and others as appropriate, with museum-related matters.

Knowledge of all Microsoft Office software and able to learn and use institutional software systems.

Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, primarily Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign and additionally, Canva.

Complies with all State and University policies.

Other duties may be assigned.

Supervisory: Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Will supervise volunteers, students, and student employees.