Employment Opportunities

  1. Assistant Curator
  2. Exhibition Preparator/Installation Coordinator
  3. Security Officers
  4. Maintainer/Porter
  5. Art Director


Assistant Curator    

Reports to: Chief Curator / Associate Director of the Gallery

The Bard Graduate Center (BGC), a division of Bard College located on West 86th Street in New York City, is seeking a full-time Assistant Curator.

Founded in 1993, the BGC is comprised of an Academic Program, Research Institute and Gallery. We offer MA and PhD programs in the study of the cultural history of the material world and are committed to the encyclopedic study of things, drawing on methodologies and approaches from art and design history, history of technology, philosophy, anthropology, and archaeology and cultural history.

The world renowned Gallery organizes four exhibitions during the academic year. Our exhibitions examine the material evidence of cultures extending from ancient world to the present inclusive of Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe. Each exhibition is accompanied by a scholarly book published in collaboration with, or distributed by, Yale University Press.

Job Summary:

The Assistant Curator will support the development and implementation of the BGC’s robust exhibition and publication program; Assisting with catalog production, exhibition organization and general curatorial administration.

Essential Functions:

  • Prepares author contracts;
  • Communicates with authors, copyeditors, typesetters and translators;
  • Assists with exhibition catalogue production;
  • Collates and distributes typeset galleys; formats exhibition checklists; prepares manuscripts for copyeditor;
  • Compiles and maintains photo credit files and acknowledgement files;
  • Researches and fact checks essays, chronologies and bibliographies;
  • Generates loan request and loan agreement forms;
  • Liaises with Registrar, Exhibition Designer and Media Producer;
  • Organizes exhibition meetings; conducts exhibition research; maintains exhibition schedule;
  • Prepares interpretive texts for copyeditor;
  • Provides administrative assistance for Chief Curator; writes and answers correspondence; answers telephone, email  and fax messages; assists with travel arrangements;
  • Maintains and coordinates department database and project files;
  • Assists with departmental bookkeeping; initiates check requests; maintains accounting records;
  • Prepares reports as needed;
  • Develops and maintains contacts with museum professionals, scholars, donors and collectors;
  • Other duties as assigned
 

Minimum Education, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of the decorative arts, design and art history, required, MA, preferred; relevant museum or gallery experience, including exhibition, publication, project management and budget oversight; a passion for research and interpretation; strong verbal and written communication skills; knowledge of foreign languages; excellent computer skills, familiarity with computer scanning equipment, and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and knowledge of FileMaker Pro, a plus.

Other qualifications:

Self-starter; diligent; detail oriented; easily takes direction; works well with a team;  excellent interpersonal skills; and enjoys a fast paced work environment.

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume and contact information for three references to ac@bgc.bard.edu . No telephone calls please. The Bard Graduate Center is an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applications from those who contribute to our diversity. AA/EOE

 

Exhibition Preparator/Installation Coordinator  

Reports to: Exhibition Designer

The Bard Graduate Center (BGC), a division of Bard College, is seeking a full-time Exhibition Preparator/Installation Coordinator.

The BGC offers MA and PhD programs in the study of the cultural history of the material world and is committed to the encyclopedic study of things, drawing on methodologies and approaches from art and design history, history of technology, philosophy, anthropology, and archaeology and cultural history. Founded in 1993, the BGC is located on West 86th Street in New York City.

SPECIFIC AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY INCLUDE:

Assist Exhibition Designer and Registrar in all facets of installation and breaking down of exhibitions - from implementation of design and construction, liaising with art handlers, conservators etc., to disassembly and demolition. Assist Digital Technical Designer in coordinating the installation of digital media, such as projectors and iPad kiosks. Oversee all logistics of incoming/outgoing exhibition materials and loans and off-site storage of such materials and catalogues.

The preparator will be on call for any gallery related emergencies. Must be available to work nights and weekends during production.

Manage gallery: maintain exhibition integrity such as proper lighting and cleanliness; coordinate with Gallery Attendant to ensure gallery retail inventory; work in conjunction with Security and Facilities to maintain gallery safety, climate control and any exhibitions related issues that may arise.

Organize exhibition workshop tools, art storage rooms, incoming artwork and installation materials. Procurement of any conservation, installation, and demolition related tools and supplies.

Other duties include but are not limited to: coordinating events during exhibitions; daily administration activities such as filing related expenses and coordination of team meetings; assist as necessary in development of gallery related budget.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS INCLUDE:

  • B.A. and 3+ years OR 5-7 years experience in museum, gallery or not-for-profit institution.
  • Experience in managing freelance staff.
  • Experience in construction and woodworking.
  • Must be able to read blueprints.
  • Design and lighting experience a plus.
  • Software: Microsoft Office, Adobe Suite, Sketchup.

 

SCHEDULE:

Fulltime position. The preparator will be on call for any gallery related emergencies. Must be available to work nights and weekends during production.

Salary to be commensurate with experience.

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume and contact information for three references to ep@bgc.bard.edu . No telephone calls please. The Bard Graduate Center is an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applications from those who contribute to our diversity. AA/EOE

 

Security Officers

The Bard Graduate Center has full-time positions available for Security Officers.

Requirements:
High School diploma/GED, current New York State guard's license and 3 plus years experience. Candidate must have multitasking skills, strong communication skills, and a professional appearance. Fax resume with 3 references to 212.501.3079. The BGC is an AA/EOE employer.

 

Maintainer/Porter

The Bard Graduate Center Facilities Department is seeking a full-time Maintainer/Porter who will report to the Director of Facilities and receive direction from the Operations Manager and the Facilities managerial team. 

The Bard Graduate Center offers MA and PhD programs in the study of the cultural history of the material world and is committed to the encyclopedic study of things, drawing on methodologies and approaches from art and design history, history of technology, philosophy, anthropology, and archaeology and cultural history. 

The Maintainer/Porter is a full-time staff position with duties in the operations and maintenance areas at assigned institutional properties (18W 86th Street, 38W 86th Street, and Bard Hall).  Duties include regular upkeep and day-to-day maintenance of the Bard Graduate Center’s facilities, including emptying trash, cleaning, vacuuming, sweeping, and other related tasks; instrumental in the preparation for events, meetings, classes, and functions at all BGC properties (room configuration/set-up, lay-out of catering supplies and materials, post-function clean-up, etc.); assist with the painting of walls, minor plumbing work, mechanical repairs and related projects as directed; performs other related duties as necessary, assigned, and/or directed.

The position requires the incumbent to have demonstrated timeliness, exhibit a customer-service orientation, and maintain a neat and professional appearance.  The incumbent must be capable of lifting up to 65 lbs and must able to communicate using e-mail and radio.  Incumbent must be flexible and able to work overtime when necessary.  Some experience in facilities/maintenance related fields, including cleaning, painting, mechanical, plumbing or electrical work.  Experience with facilities-related work in academic institutions and/or arts organizations desirable.  Familiarity with building systems helpful. 

To apply, please submit a brief cover letter and resume to:fmsearch@bgc.bard.edu

The Bard Graduate Center is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from individuals who will contribute to its diversity. AA/EOE.

 

Art Director

The Bard Graduate Center (BGC), a division of Bard College located on West 86th Street in New York City, is seeking a full-time Art Director.

Founded in 1993, the BGC is comprised of an Academic Program, Research Institute and Gallery. We offer MA and PhD programs in the study of the cultural history of the material world and are committed to the encyclopedic study of things, drawing on methodologies and approaches from art and design history, history of technology, philosophy, anthropology, and archaeology and cultural history.

The world renowned Gallery organizes four exhibitions during the academic year. Our exhibitions examine the material evidence of cultures extending from ancient world to the present inclusive of Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe. Each exhibition is accompanied by a scholarly book published in collaboration with, or distributed by, Yale University Press.

Job Summary:

The Art Director oversees the design and production of materials for the BGC. This includes art direction for marketing materials and ephemera across the institution, including the Gallery, Education, Development, and Academic Programs departments, as well as several website and social media channels. Materials range from flyers and brochures to exhibition graphics to ambitious publications. The ideal candidate will have an excellent design and typographic sensibility and an ability to maintain a high level of quality while managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

The Art Director manages the design department including the Digital Content Developer and the Web and Design Assistant. Together, this department manages all facets of the institution’s visual identity, including printed materials, digital projects and initiatives, signage, exhibition graphics, institutional photography, web and social media platforms.

Minimum Education, Skills and Abilities:

The Art Director should have at least four years of experience designing for cultural institutions. Excellent design and communication skills essential. Experience managing projects, working with vendors, a firm grasp of print production techniques, and managing a small team essential. BFA or MFA in graphic design or visual communication. Strong leadership, interpersonal, and organizational skills. Should enjoy collaboration and problem-solving. Experience working in an academic setting or cultural institution preferred, editorial and/or book design a plus. Expert knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite and all aspects of print production required. Knowledge of HTML/CSS preferred. Basic knowledge of photography and video production a plus.

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume and contact information for three references to ad@bgc.bard.edu . No telephone calls please. The Bard Graduate Center is an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applications from those who contribute to our diversity. AA/EOE


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