Project Assistant-J. FriasAt — CSUF - College of the Arts

The Project Assistant supports the gallery’s ambitious exhibitions program, and art collections initiatives. Reporting directly to the Art Gallery Director, the student is responsible for a variety of exhibition-related and administrative tasks including exhibition and programming research; supporting gallery education content, managing contacts and correspondence; assisting with the coordination of catalogs, didactic materials, and exhibition documentation; writing and editing exhibition-related copy; collections management and registration activities, and endeavors that support exhibition installation and design.

POSSIBLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Assisting with Exhibitions
• Conducts research for exhibitions, events and publications
• Works with artists, collectors, colleagues, and the gallery staff to facilitate loans
• Obtains permissions and copyright clearance for images and maintains accurate credit lines
• Assists with the maintenance of accurate exhibition checklists, image files, lenders, and other exhibition details
• Helps create, coordinate, and edit exhibition descriptions and didactic materials such as wall text, labels, and newsletter and website content
• Helps to ensure accuracy of information on all CSUF COTA publications, in-print and online
• Provides general programming support for the Gallery Director
• Assists with educational materials and programming for current/upcoming exhibitions
• Leads tours/conversations on current exhibitions
• Working with the Chief Preparator, provides logistical and administrative support in coordinating exhibitions, including traveling exhibitions
• Assists with photo documentation of exhibitions and individual works
• Assists with gathering information for gallery budget and expenses
• Assists in conducting class and school tours of current exhibitions on view
• Participates in, and assists with, student staff training on exhibitions, education, visitor experience, as required
• Assist in the installation/de-installation of exhibitions

Assisting with Communications
• Occasionally works with Development, and Marketing & Communications staff to prepare and edit materials to promote, publicize, and interpret exhibitions and related public programs
• Assists with gathering and writing exhibition-related information pertinent to grant applications, final reports, and other institutional needs

Assisting with Registration and Collections
• Assists with maintaining collections, publications, exhibitions and loan database
• Assists with incoming and outgoing loans
• Assists in recording condition reports
• Provides photograph documentation for collections digitization projects and exhibition catalogues produced by CSUF COTA
• Assists with distribution and inventory maintenance for publications.
• Other duties as assigned.

Assisting with Administrative Projects
• Assists with mailing lists
• Assists with distribution and inventory maintenance for publications
• Assists with gallery reception desk operations, when needed
• Other duties as assigned

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
• Highly developed writing and copyediting skills
• Strong oral communication skills and confidence in public speaking
• Strong attention to detail, high level of accuracy, and strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to work effectively with staff, students, faculty, artists, arts professionals, and the public
• Computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office, Filemaker Pro, and Adobe Creative Suite
• Skilled in establishing priorities, coordinating multiple complex projects simultaneously, and meeting deadlines
• Strong photograph documentation and digitization skills
• Ability to work independently as well as closely with a small team
• A flexible/versatile approach to ensuring every project’s success
• Passion for contemporary art and culture
• Degree in studio art, art history, museum studies, preferred
• Some experience in the field, either at a similar organization or through independent practice

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
Direct reports: Gallery Director/Curator
Indirect reports: Chief Preparator, Gallery Operations and Projects Coordinator

Learning Outcomes  

1. Demonstrate a critical awareness of how museums and galleries communicate complex ideas to a general audience
   2. Demonstrate research skills that focus on objects preserved at museums and galleries
   3. Develop work habits, attitudes, and a work record necessary for job success at an art institution

Training  

1. Measuring and understanding end goals/deadlines
   2. Tracking progress to determine where the student needs improvement
   3. Guiding the student with gradual steps in navigating the project assigned

Tasks/Duties  

1. Conducting research projects
   2. Presentation or discussion of the completed project
   3. Creating written or visual representation museum/gallery materials for exhibitions, education, collections, etc.