Employment Opportunities
Museum Assistant
Background
In its first seven years of existence the Cedarburg Art Museum (CAM) has become a community gathering space known for celebrating the arts. The museum is recognized for its original and compelling art exhibitions, fun and educational events, workshops, discussion groups, and the best volunteers in Ozaukee County. Over 11,500 visitors to CAM each year make it a vital part of Cedarburg’s downtown historic district.
Position Summary
The Museum Assistant performs a wide-variety of duties related to museum operations, curation, customer service, and administration. The position requires professionalism, knowledge of museum practices, and effective communication skills. This is a paid, part-time position requiring some nights and weekends, reporting directly to the Museum Director.
Responsibilities
1. Exhibition support (45%)
a. Attend the museum’s Exhibition Committee that meets 5 times annually.
b. Assist Curator with communicating with lenders or artists.
c. Coordinate shipping, pickup, or delivery of artworks and materials for exhibitions
d. Assist Curator with ensuring proper documentation for incoming and outgoing artwork, including photographing and
identification/labelling of artwork images, preparing loan forms and master checklists, and updating and keeping accurate records in museum database as needed
e. Assist with the creation of marketing materials for some exhibitions, with support from the Assistant Director, including possible writing of press releases for exhibitions
f. Assist Curator with exhibition layout
g. Assist with art installation and removal
h. Prepare wall labels and write didactic materials
i. Assist with creating videos or utilizing photo images for promotional or documentary purposes related to exhibitions.
2. Administrative assistance (45%)
a. Respond to inquiries regarding collections, exhibitions, and events from museum visitors and the museum’s general email account;
act as museum receptionist
b. Handle incoming calls and other communications
c. Manage filing system
d. Update paperwork, maintaining documents and word processing
e. Perform general office clerk duties and errands
f. Maintain office equipment as needed
g. Schedule meetings and send meeting invites to attendees
h. Help manage and organize the museum's book project
3. Collection Management (10%)
a. Assist with processing collections including registering, accessioning, cataloging, packing, unpacking, maintaining inventory, and
documentation
b. Assist in setup and assembly of storage areas for collection according to curatorial standards; keep collection and storage area
organized and clean
c. Prepare various reports regarding collection activities and condition of objects as requested
d. Conduct research in identification and interpretation of museum collections
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA) Qualifications
● Art, Museum, or Art History background preferred
● Knowledge of preparing artwork documentation, including loan forms
● Knowledge of practices and procedures pertaining to museum objects, storage, and preparation of exhibits.
● Knowledge of exhibition checklists
● Experience with exhibition organization
● Strong technology skills with Google and Microsoft applications.
● Strong written and oral communication skills
● Ability to work independently and as part of a team with good interpersonal skills
● Strong attention to detail
● Highly organized using technology as organizing tools
Requirements
● Available during nights and weekends
● Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
Working Conditions
Work is performed predominantly within an office setting. Some outdoor attendance at events is required.
Compensation
Compensation is commensurate with experience and qualifications.
To apply, send cover letter, resume, and one writing sample of an art-related topic by November 20, 2020 to: Museum Director, Samantha Landre at apply@cedarburgartmuseum.org.