Assistant Curator for Fine Art Collections

The St. Louis Mercantile Library at the University of Missouri - St. Louis

The St. Louis Mercantile Library at the University of Missouri - St. Louis is seeking a highly-motivated, enthusiastic individual for the role of Assistant Curator supporting both the Mercantile Library and the University of Missouri-St. Louis art collections. The Mercantile Library, now in its 178th year, is the only institution in the state whose primary art collecting mission is dedicated to Missouri art, while also holding extensive collections in regional and American art. UMSL is part of the historic land-grant state-wide University of Missouri system and is the region's premier public research university. The University art collection includes modern and contemporary paintings, prints, and sculpture that are installed across campus to enhance the cultural experience for students and visitors.

This full-time, benefit-eligible position reports to the Mercantile Library Curator of Fine Art Collections and assists with the care, cataloging, storage, lending and interpretation of the artwork held by the St. Louis Mercantile Library and by the University of Missouri-St. Louis. This shared position offers opportunities to work with paintings, prints, sculpture, and artifacts ranging from early American prints and drawings to WPA era prints to paintings by historic and contemporary American and Missouri artists.

Specific duties of the position include:

• Maintain and update collection database and curatorial files.
• Accession, catalog and maintain curatorial files on acquisitions.
• Provide exhibition research, planning, and installation support for Mercantile exhibitions.
• Assist the curator with documenting incoming and outgoing loans of Mercantile artwork.
• Coordinate and document the loan and return of university artwork to campus departments.
• Conduct regular inventories of university artwork.
• Oversee conservation and framing needs of university artwork.
• Participate in training the Mercantile Library volunteer docents.
• Assist with research inquiries and image permission requests.
• Assist with Mercantile Library events as needed.
• Effectively communicate with team members and other members of the university community, while contributing to and sustaining a positive and supportive workplace.
• Adhere to the Collected Rules and Regulations of the University of Missouri System.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• M.A. degree in art history with an emphasis in American Art from an accredited college or university, or M.A. in Museum Studies with a BA in Art History; knowledge of Midwest regional or Missouri art a plus.
• Minimum 2 years' experience working with art collections in a museum or related institution, including cataloguing and art handling.
• Experience with object-based, art historical research.
• Proficiency with computerized collection databases.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, as well as strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to build and sustain effective interpersonal relationships with library staff, faculty, students, administrators, and members of the public
• Evidence of analytical, project, and time management skills and demonstrated ability to set priorities, meet deadlines and complete tasks and projects on time and within budget in accordance with task or project parameters.
• Demonstrated proficiency with personal computers and software, the internet, and office applications including the Microsoft Office suite, especially Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams/ SharePoint, and PowerPoint, and other productivity software.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States and pass standard University of Missouri System screenings and background checks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with the equipment and processes of object photography and scanning.
• Proficiency with Adobe Photoshop.
• Experience with PastPerfect Museum Software.
• Experience or familiarity with fine art conservation techniques.
• Experience or familiarity with fine art shipping and/or storage processes.

Application should include cover letter, CV or resume, writing sample, and list of three professional references including name, organization, email address and telephone number. Applications accepted only through the UMSL Human Resources application system https://www.umsl.edu/services/hrs/careers/faculty.html For questions about the application process, please email employment@umsl.edu.

Applications will be reviewed beginning May 16, 2025, but will be accepted until the position is filled.

Visa Sponsorship Information:
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The University will not sponsor applicants for this position for employment visas.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please email the Office of Human Resources at umslhr@umsl.edu.