Assistant/Associate John H. Foster Curator, Pre-Modern Asian Art

Position:             Assistant/Associate John H. Foster Curator,Pre-Modern Asian Art

Location:            New York

Department:       Arts & Culture

Reports to:         Vice President for Arts & Culture and Director, Asia Society Museum

FLSA Status:      Exempt

Job Type:            Full -Time

Compensation:  $65,000 - $95,000

SUMMARY:

To assist the VP of Arts & Culture to develop the strategy and implement the program of innovative and high-quality exhibitions and associated programs of traditional Asian and Asian diaspora art that will further enhance the reputation of Asia Society as a leading presenter of Asian and Asian diaspora arts and culture in the United States and globally. To work with colleagues, both internal and external, to build partnerships to nurture support and widen impact of exhibitions and the collection.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Conceive exhibition and related publication and program strategies for pre-modern Asian art, including collection exhibitions from the Mr. & Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd collection of Asian art, and develop exhibition proposals with an emphasis on new scholarship on Asian arts and culture and with a critical popular appeal.
  • Once an exhibition proposal is approved, help the director and development staff to cultivate supporters of pre-modern Asian art and assist institutional grant writer with exhibitions and collections-related content. 
  • Work and liaise as in-house curator or as co-curator with external curators to organize high-quality exhibitions of pre-modern Asian art—working in tandem with VP of Arts & Culture and the Deputy Director, Operations and Administration, as the main points of contact in order to manage the project in a timely and professional way.
  • Collaborate with the Curator of Modern and Contemporary Asian Art to conceive exhibitions, publications, and associated programs, giving new scholarly light and contemporary resonance to the Asia Society Museum collection.
  • Collaborate with the VP and other staff members to help conceive textual interpretation strategies for exhibition spaces and for learning and outreach programs and to provide appropriate, accessible content.
  • Give public and private lectures and tours on the Asia Society Museum Collection and on exhibitions.
  • Research and identify an artwork for potential acquisition (i.e., gifts and purchases) for the Asia Society Museum collection.  
  • In partnership with Communication department, write and create contents for and interface with social media in relation to the exhibitions and collection (e.g., Instagram, video and Podcast).
  • Assist museum registrars on the documentation, interpretation, and presentation of the Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection.
  • Conceive and support the development and execution of discursive programs that Asia Society organizes, such as the biannual Arts & Museum Summit.
  • Author and edit essays and publications in relation to the exhibitions and museum collection, in print format or online.
  • Travel for research and/or donor cultivation, as needed.
  • Participate after normal office hours in evening public programs and donor engagements and cultivation, as needed.
  • Working with other staff members, respond to questions on Asian and Asian diaspora art from the public and media.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Ph.D. in pre-modern Asian art history.
  • 2–7 years related experience preferred.
  • Wide knowledge of Asian art and culture, including at least one Asian language; proficiency in at least one Asian language is preferred but not required.
  • Familiarity with provenance issues and contemporary museum collecting standards.
  • Interest in a broad range of Asian arts, including modern and contemporary Asian art.
  • Passion and knowledge of Asian arts and cultures across genres.
  • Interest in multidisciplinary work.
  • Outstanding analytical, verbal, written, and overall communication skills, including the ability to express complex ideas in an engaging way to a wide audience while maintaining the highest standards of scholarship.
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills; strong ability to interact with the public and with stakeholders and work collaboratively with diverse constituencies.
  • Proven organizational skills, with a strong ability to set priorities, manage multiple tasks, and think creatively.
  • Ability to work cross-culturally with artists, collectors, and arts professionals from different backgrounds as well as familiarity with both non-profit and commercial arts sectors.
  • A team player with a positive attitude and sense of humor.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

Salary Range: $65,000 - $95,000

Compensation within this range is determined by skills, experience, and organizational equity. 

Asia Society offers a generous benefits package including health, dental, and vision coverage, a 403(b)-retirement plan, numerous paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, self-development hours, and more. Please visit asiasociety.org/about/careers and click on “Employee Benefits” to view our full benefits summary.
 

Benefit package highlights:

  • An HRA plan (fully funded by the Asia Society) supplements our medical plan and covers the full annual deductible.
  • After 1 year of service (1,000 hours), the Asia Society contributes 6% of gross earnings to an eligible employee’s 403(b) account, regardless of whether the employee makes their own contributions.
  • The Asia Society offers Self-Development time off, including Self-Development Summer Fridays between July 4th and Labor Day.

ABOUT ASIA SOCIETY:

Founded in 1956, Asia Society’s purpose is to navigate shared futures for Asia and the world across policy, arts and culture, education, sustainability, business, and technology. We provide a platform for dialogue and encourage a diversity of views as we try to find the most effective ways forward. Headquartered in New York City, the organization has 16 Global Centres around the world.

HOW TO APPLY:

To be considered for this role, all applicants must submit a completed application to: museumjobs@asiasociety.org

A completed application must include:

  • Resume OR CV
  • Cover letter
  • Salary requirements
  • Subject line:  Assistant/Associate John H. Foster Curator, Pre-Modern Asian Art

Only those candidates considered for an interview will be contacted. Please regard your submission as received unless your email is bounced back.

 

Asia Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer who values diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and accessibility in the workplace. Women and persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply.