Curatorial Research Specialist in Los Angeles, California at Lucas Museum of Narrative Art

POSITION SUMMARY

The Curatorial Research Specialist is a member of the Lucas Museum curatorial team tasked with providing in-depth research and organizational support for collections and exhibition development. This position plays a key role in object research, and related historic analysis and cataloguing of the Lucas Museum collections, as well as assisting with specific project-based curatorial initiatives, including the museum’s exhibition and acquisition programs.

The Curatorial Research Specialist, under the direction of the Lucas Museum Curatorial department, will work independently and collaboratively with Museum staff in the essential activities of a curatorial department. The Curatorial Research Specialist will combine advanced research skills and methodologies with a strong background in writing to write research-based texts on works in the collection that may serve a variety of content purposes, such as object files, materials for the Revenue & Engagement division, publications, and forms of gallery interpretation. This role will catalogue all findings utilizing The Museum System (TMS), and will also provide additional departmental administrative support, including the completion of forms, documents, and project budgets.

• Conducts research for exhibitions, curatorial projects, and publications related to Museum collections
• Exercises judgement and independent discretion while conducting online and in-person archival research with local, national, and international repositories to provide a recommendation to the Curatorial Department
• Uses expertise in art history or related field to perform object research on culture and style, place, object use and context, materials, provenance to provide a recommendation to the Curatorial Department that will influence decision making for exhibitions and potential acquisitions
• Conduct related research to expand artist and object information for research files, including compiling maker biographical information, gathering artwork tombstone details, and developing records regarding date and place of publication (if known)
• Interface with The Museum System (TMS) database to enter compiled research in accordance with standards and guidelines
• Serves as a liaison between the Museum and archivists, advisors, scholars, curators, artists, and artists’ designated representatives regarding research on artists’ careers and practices, as well as specific works of art
• Drafts research-based texts on works in the collection as well as loans that may serve a variety of content purposes, such as object files, the Museum’s website, materials for the Revenue & Engagement division, publications, and forms of gallery interpretation
• Builds and organizes research files to support recommendations for the Curatorial Department
• Contributes in team meetings, as well as multiple working sessions with project advisory committees and inter-departmental Museum working groups based on expertise
• Manages, tracks, and contributes to exhibition development, including exhibition and loan checklists; provides logistical and administrative support for exhibitions
• Contributes to and supports catalogue research and development
• Contributes to and supports Curatorial department planning and initiatives, as assigned
• Works with technical teams at the Museum to realize required Curatorial aspects of the museum’s inaugural planning
• May work with specialized consultants and outside scholars on collections related initiatives
• May require some travel as necessary for specific exhibition, project, and collections research
• Special projects and other duties as assigned

Analytical Rigor: Simplifies complex problems by using critical thinking to evaluate problems, gathering information, incorporating multiple perspectives, understanding causes, and identifying best-possible solutions. Invests time in planning, discovery, and reflection to drive better decisions and more efficient implementations. Adopts an audience-centric approach, understanding the needs of the audience and incorporating them, as appropriate, into the decision.

Courageous Communication: Intentionally works well with others both on the team and cross-functionally to achieve individual, team, department, or organizational goals. Values diverse input and working with others as a way to achieve the best output possible.

Collaborative Excellence: Displays courage when handling difficult conversations and genuinely and intentionally communicates. Relays key messages effectively, targeted to specific audiences. Identifies others' communication styles and perspectives, adjusting language and approach accordingly. Employs active listening to understand, rather than reply. Asks for, integrates, and values feedback from team, peers, and leaders.

Adaptive Resilience: Thrives and grows in a rapidly changing and complex environment. Displays flexibility, activates networks, and adopts a continuous growth mindset to learn from mistakes and bounce back from adversity.

Inclusive Interaction: Actively contributes to an environment in which all employees feel a sense of belonging, valued for their differences and empowered to participate and contribute freely.