Overview

This two-year term position would primarily involve assisting the Curator of Paintings and Sculpture with the development of a collections based “highlights” exhibition scheduled for fall 2027 to mark the 50th anniversary of the YCBA. This would include working on a long list of potential artworks to be included; preparing visual materials to aid in the selection of objects; supporting aspects of the development of the layout; undertaking research on the selected works; and drafting interpretative materials. The post-holder would also liaise with the Curatorial Project Manager and, where appropriate, assist with internal coordination and communications, particularly relating to timelines, schedules and art movements, as well as liaising with relevant colleagues to ensure any relevant updates are made to the collections database and website. They would attend all relevant meetings and present updates to staff where appropriate. The Project Specialist would further assist the Paintings & Sculpture Department by progressing provenance work for the Paintings & Sculpture collection as part of the museum’s broader provenance research initiative, following appropriate institutional protocols and processes for documenting research findings and working closely with colleagues in Curatorial and Collections Information and Access to ensure the appropriate updates are made to object files, the collections database and website.

The Project Specialist would additionally: research and collate information for valuing artworks in the P&S collection; conduct research and produce summaries of research findings on prospective acquisitions and gifts; work with the Curator of Paintings and Sculpture and Associate Curator of Paintings and Sculpture to plan modifications to the permanent collection hang on the 4th floor of the museum; assist with the drafting of interpretative texts as needed for P&S collection objects; and assist with research where appropriate for any collections-based general enquiries. In liaison with other curatorial colleagues, they will oversee an evolving spreadsheet or other appropriate document to track current and future outgoing loans and requirements for replacement artworks in the galleries; assist with aspects of the planning and preparation of any other displays and exhibitions based on material from the P&S collection; and assist with collections and exhibition tours where appropriate.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Knowledge of British art and the YCBA’s collection required.
2. Excellent oral and written communication skills; Exceptional research skills; detailed-oriented working methods; knowledge and experience of scholarly editorial protocols.
3. Ability to organize, conceptualize, and complete a variety of projects simultaneously.
4. Knowledge of current provenance protocols and processes and wider due diligence standards for US museums.
5. Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and other Microsoft 365 tools is essential; familiarity with AirTable preferred but not required.

Preferred Education, Experience, and Skills

1. Masters-level qualification preferred. At least 2 years of related experience required.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Manages special projects ranging from academic to financial from inception to completion, which requires quantitative analysis, independent research, and the proposal of resolutions or conclusions. Creates and envisions programmatic initiatives and communication strategies. 2. Designs and develops communications strategies for special projects. Develops and exercises a keen understanding of the multiple audiences and contributing University offices involved in a given project to ensure that individual communications are rolled out within a structure planned in advance and with appropriate communication among key stakeholders. 3. Envisions, creates and authors a wide variety of sensitive and high-level written materials. Serves as coordinator and executor for a range of internal and external committees. May participate in decisions regarding committee work. Advises panelists on precedents and prior actions. 4. Serves as Secretary for committee(s), manages informal and formal resolution processes and voluminous correspondence. 5. May supervise the work of project coordinator and administrative staff. 6. Serves as liaison to other departments on all communications. 7. Contributes to design, organization, and maintenance of department website. 8. May perform other duties as assigned. Required Education and Experience Bachelor's Degree in a related field and four years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Job Posting Date

09/18/2026

Job Category

Professional

Bargaining Unit

NON

Compensation Grade

Administration & Operations

Compensation Grade Profile

Manager; Program Leader (23)

Salary Range

$65,000.00 - $101,000.00

Time Type

Full time

Duration Type

Staff Fixed Duration (Fixed Term)

Work Model

On-site