Malbin Scholar For Research In Modern/Contemp. Art

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Salary Range

$65,000.00 - $101,000.00

Overview

This two-year Fixed Duration position is focused on revitalizing the gallery of modern European art with the inclusion of newly researched and interpreted works from the Yale University Art Gallery's collections. In collaboration with the Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, the Lydia Winston Malbin Scholar for Research in Modern and Contemporary Art will draw from the Gallery's broad array of holdings in modern art to design and implement an innovative installation for the modern gallery, either in a distinct section or distributed across several sections. The primary goals of this installation include:

Developing an art-historical framework for the installation that is complementary yet additive to the existing one; Making research legible and visible to a broad range of visitors; Incorporating novel and accessible ways of presenting collection works into the design plan; Conceiving of the installation as a possible model for future cross-collection displays at the Gallery, with the potential for broader applications.

Additional results of the Winston Malbin Scholar's project may take the form of an article that details the methodology used for the installation; a public program that offers insights into the multidisciplinary approach; and the creation of new audio-guide stops in the Gallery's Smartify app that would highlight research and other content. It is expected that the Scholar would have a two-year appointment, with the first year dedicated to research and development and the second to implementation. Some travel may be required.

This position includes the following responsibilities:

Manages the installation from inception to completion, working cooperatively with museum colleagues on all aspects of the project, including object research, interdepartmental consultation, checklist development, gallery layouts, label and wall texts, program planning and participation, communications documents, and donor relations.

Researches objects in the Gallery's modern collections, which span multiple departments. Considers recent scholarship in the field of modern art, including on works in the Gallery's collection, as well as new and best practices for collection installations developed at other institutions. Consults the Lydia Winston Malbin Papers at the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library for historical context and for possible inclusion of the archival materials in some format, whether physical or digital display.

Serves as liaison between the Department of Modern and Contemporary Art and academic departments. Convenes museum staff and faculty members to discuss curatorial, educational, and technological strategies. Leads the working group in conversations throughout the duration of the project.

Develops the conceptual framework and object checklist for the installation, exercising a keen understanding of the Gallery's multiple audiences and of their levels of engagement. With the assistance of colleagues, uses digital tools to design the physical layout of objects and refines the layouts in response to accessibility standards.

Prepares, writes, and edits various curatorial texts, such as labels, wall panels, Gallery magazine and/or journal articles, and scripts for audio guide stops.

Helps to plan installation-related programs, primarily in consultation with members of the Gallery's programs team, and participates in these events, whether as an interlocutor, or organizer, speaker, or a combination of these responsibilities. Facilitates all communications with other participants. Offers gallery tours, if appropriate.

Contributes to public relations documents with the assistance of the Gallery's communications team. Works with the Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art to engage with the donor through correspondence and in-person meetings, sharing plans and updates on the project.

Provides Gallery Guide and Gallery Teacher trainings on giving public tours in and teaching with the installation. Similar trainings may be offered to other staff members.

Supervises student employees, such as bursaries or interns, who assist with the project.

May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Exceptional skills in art-historical research, curatorial practice, public speaking, and in writing for specialist and non-specialist audiences are essential for this role.

2. Demonstrated ability to lead cross-departmental groups.

3. Strong organizational skills, with the ability to organize a workflow and meet internal deadlines.

4. Computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Office and The Museum System (TMS).

Preferred Education and Experience

Ph.D. in art history, with a field specialization in modern art of the early 20th century; experience with collection-based research and teaching, as well as working with academic faculty, curators, and students is preferred. Experience with museum project management is also preferred.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Manages special projects ranging from academic to financial from inception to completion, which requires quantitative analysis, independent research, and the proposal of resolutions or conclusions. Creates and envisions programmatic initiatives and communication strategies. 2. Designs and develops communications strategies for special projects. Develops and exercises a keen understanding of the multiple audiences and contributing University offices involved in a given project to ensure that individual communications are rolled out within a structure planned in advance and with appropriate communication among key stakeholders. 3. Envisions, creates and authors a wide variety of sensitive and high-level written materials. Serves as coordinator and executor for a range of internal and external committees. May participate in decisions regarding committee work. Advises panelists on precedents and prior actions. 4. Serves as Secretary for committee(s), manages informal and formal resolution processes and voluminous correspondence. 5. May supervise the work of project coordinator and administrative staff. 6. Serves as liaison to other departments on all communications. 7. Contributes to design, organization, and maintenance of department website. 8. May perform other duties as assigned. Required Education and Experience Bachelor's Degree in a related field and four years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Job Posting Date

10/01/2025

Job Category

Professional

Bargaining Unit

NON

Compensation Grade

Administration & Operations

Compensation Grade Profile

Manager; Program Leader (23)

Time Type

Full time

Duration Type

Staff Fixed Duration (Fixed Term)

Work Model

On-site

Location

1111 Chapel Street, New Haven, Connecticut

Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.

Health Requirements

Certain positions have associated health requirements based on specific job responsibilities. These may include vaccinations, tests, or examinations, as required by law, regulation, or university policy.

Posting Disclaimer

Salary offers are determined by a candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education in relation to the position requirements, along with the role's grade profile and current internal and external market conditions.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring department.

The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives. In accordance with this policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual's sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.

Inquiries concerning Yale's Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA).

Note

Yale University is a tobacco-free campus.