Curatorial Assistant

THE MUSEUM

The New Orleans African American Museum is dedicated to preserving the history and elevating the art, culture, and contributions of African Americans in New Orleans and across the African Diaspora. Located in the historic Tremé neighborhood, NOAAM operates as a multi-building campus and cultural hub, producing exhibitions, public programs, and community-centered initiatives that reflect the complexity and richness of Black life.

Curatorial Assistant Location:

New Orleans, LA (On-site) Reports to:

Executive Director & Chief Curator Status:

Full-Time (40 hours/week) Position Overview The Curatorial Assistant at the New Orleans African American Museum (NOAAM) supports the development, research, and execution of exhibitions, collections, and public-facing cultural programming. This role operates at the intersection of curatorial practice, community engagement, and institutional operations, supporting a dynamic, evolving museum environment rooted in Tremé and the African Diaspora. The Curatorial Assistant works closely with the Executive Director & Chief Curator and cross-functional team members to ensure that projects move from concept to execution with clarity, care, and accountability. Core Responsibilities Curatorial Research & Development Conduct research for exhibitions, artists, and cultural themes. Support development of curatorial narratives and frameworks. Assist in drafting wall text, labels, and interpretive materials. Compile and organize research materials, references, and archives. Exhibition Coordination & Installation Assist in planning and execution of exhibitions across the NOAAM campus. Coordinate with artists, fabricators, installers, and vendors. Support the installation and deinstallation of exhibitions. Track exhibition timelines, materials, and deliverables.

Collections & Archival Support:

Assist with cataloging, documentation, and organization of collections. Support implementation of collections management systems (e.g., PastPerfect). Maintain records related to loans, acquisitions, and inventory. Assist with the proper handling and care of artworks and artifacts.

Programmatic Support:

Support the development of public programs, lectures, and cultural events. Assist with the coordination of artists, speakers, and community participants. Help document programs (notes, photos, summaries) for reporting and archives.

Administrative & Operational Support:

Maintain and update shared project documents and agendas. Track assigned tasks and deadlines across curatorial projects. Participate in weekly staff meetings and planning sessions. Provide general support to ensure the timely execution of curatorial work. Work Structure & Expectations Full-time role (40 hours/week) with a mix of: On-site work Scheduled meetings Independent task execution Work is project-based and deadline-driven, requiring: Clear communication Self-management Responsiveness to direction Weekly check-ins and work planning are required to align priorities.

Important Clarification This role is:

Not fully self-directed Not purely academic Not limited to research This is an execution-focused role within an active institution. Tasks and priorities are assigned and evolve based on project needs.

Qualifications Background in:

Art History, Museum Studies, Cultural Studies, or related field. Strong research, writing, and organizational skills. Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines. Interest in African American history, culture, and the African Diaspora.

Preferred:

Experience in exhibitions, galleries, or cultural institutions. Familiarity with collections or archival systems. Experience working in community-based or culturally rooted environments. Core Competencies Attention to detail. Accountability and follow-through. Ability to take direction and execute. Clear communication (written and verbal). Respect for cultural material and community context.

Compensation & Structure Salary:

[Insert Range]

Benefits:

[If applicable]

Schedule:

Full-time, with occasional evening/weekend support for events.

Submit Cover Letter and Resume Job Type:

Full-time Work Location:

In person