The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities, centering the vision of artists and makers. We recognize that all art is made in a particular context, demanding continual, dynamic reconsideration in the present. We are a place of gathering; we foster the exchange of ideas and inspire an expansive, inclusive understanding of human creativity.

The Office of the President and Director oversees and supports the day-to-day administration of the museum, with an emphasis on all aspects related to the artistic program; the museum’s business, finances, and governance; as well as on larger, long-term efforts. Guided by the museum’s mission, the Director’s Office—including the President and Eloise W. Martin Director and the Deputy Director and Senior Vice President, Curatorial Affairs, in addition to their teams—advances the museum’s strategic priorities.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Research Coordinator supports the Director’s Office in all aspects of executive communications and centralized research initiatives, including provenance and scholarly documentation of the permanent collection. Under the guidance of the Curator, Provenance and Research, and in collaboration with subject-matter experts and colleagues across the museum’s eleven curatorial departments, the Research Coordinator assists in the advancement of collection care projects, the compilation of research resources and strategic database initiatives, and the enrichment of the Art Institute’s online presence. The Research Coordinator maintains a high level of diplomacy, discretion, and attention to detail.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Communications coordination: Provides research and administrative support for Director’s Office communications, including oral presentations and writing, from lectures to donor correspondence; coordinates responses to external curatorial research queries; participates in project management for internal meetings and gatherings led by the President and Director; schedules guest presentations and rehearsals; develops slide materials in coordination with Imaging, Marketing and Communications, and Philanthropy; assists temporary rotations and schedules art movement in collaboration with curatorial departments, Experience Design, and Collections and Loans.

Collection documentation and research: Assists centralized provenance, scholarly documentation, and permanent collection care initiatives on objects in the Art Institute’s collection using the museum’s databases and Research Center, among other sources; maintains Curatorial Documentation and Research provenance training materials and resources; coordinates AAMD object registry postings; and tracks developments in the field.

Curatorial collaboration: Under the guidance of Curator, Provenance and Research, engages curatorial colleagues to support best practices in provenance research, style, standards, and procedures; assists and occasionally coordinates institutional provenance research efforts; reviews formatting of provenance narratives for committee agendas across the museum’s eleven curatorial departments; and, as needed, collaborates to conduct research on permanent collection objects, loans, acquisitions (gifts, bequests, and purchases), and deaccessions.

General department assistance and administrative support: On occasion, provides administrative support for the Director’s Office; other duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate should demonstrate

• a broad art historical foundation and familiarity with the museum’s collecting areas;
• an open-minded and collaborative approach to working and communicating with all colleagues across the museum;
• the ability to work independently and proactively while maintaining strong collegial relationships;
• and outstanding writing, research, communication, editorial, organizational, and project management skills that demonstrate both scholarly ability and interest in public engagement.

We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package:

• Generous paid time off
• Paid holidays (up to 14 days)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous parental, caregiver, and medical leave benefits
• Competitive retirement plan (up to 9% matching contribution)
• Tuition remission and Tuition Exchange Program
• Great employee discounts
• Complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions

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Vaccination Expectation

Becoming vaccinated against COVID-19 is the most important contribution we as individuals can make to ensure our own safety and the safety of our museum and school community. All employees must complete an attestation and provide proof of their vaccination status, or request a medical or religious exemption within the first week of employment.

The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran status or citizenship. The Institute complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at apply_help@artic.edu.