Department Coordinator, Curatorial Affairs

The Walker Art Center empowers people to experience the transformative possibilities of the art and ideas of our time and to imagine the world in new ways. In our over 125-year history, we have become one of the most celebrated art museums in the country and we are known for our innovative presentations and acclaimed collections of contemporary art across the spectrum of the visual, performing, and media arts. 

The Department Coordinator, Curatorial Affairs, provides administrative support to the Manager of Curatorial Affairs and the Chief Curator and Director of Curatorial Affairs by coordinating a wide range of departmental activities and by providing administrative support to all aspects of the Walker Art Center’s touring exhibition program.

WHAT YOU GET TO DO

I. Curatorial Affairs Support:

• Maintain the departmental calendar and exhibition calendar on behalf of the Manager of Curatorial Affairs
• Schedule all internal and cross-departmental meetings; secure meeting spaces in all appropriate registration and tracking systems (Artifax), prepare and distribute required materials, and make any special arrangements
• Establish and maintain the Curatorial Affairs electronic and physical filing systems; maintain Curatorial Affairs contacts in Tessitura and other relevant databases
• Draft all departmental correspondence, reports, memoranda, and other requested communication
• Assist in managing all Curatorial Affairs invoices, purchase orders, and expense reports, and maintain all necessary financial documents
• Arrange travel and accommodations for department leadership as requested, preparing all documents related to authorizations, itineraries and expense reporting.
• Assist Chief Curator on various projects as assigned

II. Traveling Exhibition Support:

• Assists in creating and distributing traveling exhibition proposals
• Coordinates Walker tour offers and borrowed exhibition opportunities with internal teams and external partners
• Coordinates the flow and routing of information between Walker and secured tour venues, including checklists, floorplans, approved press images, exhibition graphics and labels, and other relevant information.
• Assists in creating and maintaining budgets for exhibitions with touring components
• In partnership with registrars and curators, coordinates touring and borrowed exhibitions, and communicates details to relevant internal and external partners
• Coordinates and tracks outside borrowed exhibitions proposal review process
• Organize, maintain, and communicate a summary of exhibition-related information (description, schedule, budgets)
• Provides additional touring exhibitions and administrative registration support as needed

WHAT WE NEED IN YOU

• 2+ years administrative support experience; preferably 1+ years working for senior-level managers.
• 1+ years working in a standard office environment, having experience composing business correspondence, operating common office equipment, and using the full MS Office suite.
• Must be proficient in and quick to learn computer and web technology, database and/or project managing applications preferred
• Demonstrated experience working with budgets and adhering to standard budgetary practices and fiscal controls.
• Demonstrated excellence in organization, prioritization, and time management.
• Proven ability to work independently.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and work with a wide range of constituents (artists, administrators, funders, donors, community partners, patrons, staff), and people across a variety of cultures, generations, and abilities
• Must show resourcefulness, ability to anticipate needs and adapt to unexpected challenges.
• Experience scheduling meetings and arranging travel (international and national) and associated hosting is strongly preferred.
• Experience working in the arts community and/or interest in contemporary art is a plus.
• Must possess a commitment to fostering a culture of radical hospitality with a focus on racial equity, inclusion, and access.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk 
• Prolonged periods of looking at computer or phone screens

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

• This position is considered full-time (35 hours per week), non-exempt. As a non-exempt position, it is eligible for overtime pay.
• The compensation for this role is $24.48 hourly. The Walker offers a wide range of benefits for both part-time and full-time employees.
• This position is covered by the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME) labor contract.
• This role has the potential for a variable schedule that flexes to support the setup and tear-down of events at The Walker. Special events ending after 12:00 am usually occur less than 4 times per year.
• This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.
• All applicants must be eligible to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.

Vaccination Expectation

The Walker Art Center’s COVID vaccination policy requires staff to be fully vaccinated or to supply a negative test every 6 days. We will consider requests for reasonable accommodations based on disability or sincerely held religious beliefs

Walker’s DEI commitment

The Walker is committed to being an employer with a staff who, at all job levels, reflects the rich diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We are dedicated to ensuring inclusion and equity in all our employment practices. We deeply value and welcome all the unique lived experiences in our applicants and encourage anyone meeting the minimum requirements to apply.

Recruitment Timeline

All positions are open until filled