The Curatorial Assistant, Carnegie International works closely with the Curator(s) of the 59th Carnegie International (opening in 2026), as a critical member of the core team entrusted to surface the storied initiative’s purpose and possibility through research, dialogue, partnership, learning, commissions, public programs, and exhibition. Founded in 1896, the Carnegie International is one of the longest running exhibitions of international art in the world. Organized every four years by Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Museum of Art, each International makes inquiry into the art and ideas that shape our time. Building on the success of recent editions, the next Carnegie International will move the museum in meaningful and inspired directions that connect its artistic program to the world.

In consultation with the 59th Carnegie International Curator(s), the Curatorial Assistant will contribute to and coordinate the research, development, and implementation of a dynamic, large-format, international exhibition of contemporary art. The successful candidate serves as project administrator and thought partner, and ensures that all aspects of the exhibition are organized in an efficient and intentional manner across institutional functions, including but are not limited to, organizing artist site visits, assisting in the development and maintenance of the exhibition checklist and timeline, facilitating artwork production and presentation, publishing, development, press and marketing, and acquisitions. In addition to gaining the experience of exhibition-making conversant with international contexts, the curatorial assistant will benefit from engagement with colleagues in the museum’s wider curatorial department—with expertise in Contemporary Art, Photography, European and American Art, Architecture, and Decorative Arts and Design—as well as those in education and public programs.

This is a Full-Time, Temporary Position. The term of position ends February 26, 2027.

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Candidate should have a bachelor’s degree (master’s preferred) in art history, curatorial studies, visual and/or aural culture, or comparable degree in a related field or at least two years of administrative experience, preferably in a museum or comparable organization.
Experience with collections work and familiarity with international art contexts are a plus.
Good command of a language in addition to English is also preferred.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

Candidate must be able to initiate, undertake, and complete tasks and projects as they arise in a timely manner and contribute to content development of exhibitions and collection presentations.
Candidate must be a problem solver, have strong research and analytical skills, ability to work collegially across departments, and interface professionally with donors and colleagues in the field.
Candidate must be highly organized and able to work both independently and as a productive member of a team.
Strong written and oral communication skills are essential.
The candidate must be proficient in Microsoft Office programs (SharePoint, OneDrive, Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, and PowerPoint) and is expected to gain familiarity with Asana, an online project management system, and KE Emu, a collection management system.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work is primarily sedentary in nature.
Some out-of-town travel and occasional evening and weekend work may be required.
Ability to drive a car is beneficial.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Conducts research and writes for exhibition and collection-related purposes, including but not limited to in-gallery and catalogue texts, website content, and various reports.
Manages CI59 project timeline; maintains and updates the exhibition’s project deadlines and milestones in museum’s project management system, Asana.
Schedules meetings, books travel arrangements, and creates itineraries as requested; travels with CI59 Co-Curator for research, if necessary.
Drafts meeting agendas, produces meeting minutes, and circulates to appropriate staff.
Manages site visit arrangements for artists, advisors, designers, and other professionals.
Creates, updates, and maintains exhibition checklist. Works with curators, registrars, and participating artists to prepare and track loan requests.
In consultation with CI59 Curator(s), works with the Design and Publishing team to manage exhibition publication(s) as well as in-gallery texts
Organizes files and maintains records, correspondence, and other documents in accordance with museum’s archive and data retention policy. In consultation CI59 Curator(s), implements improvements in accordance with accepted procedures, destroys outdated file materials or transfers them to inactive storage. 
Manages CI59 correspondence and directs inquiries to appropriate colleagues; follows up as required. Handles written correspondence in consultation with the curators.
Assists in facilitation and communication between museum teams and artists as it relates to the development and implementation of the exhibition and checklist.
Develops proficiency with museum’s exhibitions and collections management system KE EMu; inputs and updates information according to museum standards and generates reports and other documents using the system.
Contributes and assists in the planning and implementation of exhibition-related events, as needed.
Prepares and delivers internal and public presentations as needed in consultation with CI59 Curator(s).
Works closely with the Exhibitions team to track the exhibition budget, helping to keep the project within the approved and established budget. Keeps accurate records of all project expenses; checks records against monthly statements; resolves discrepancies; submits invoices, check requests, and wire transfers; and produces reports as required.
Verifies, codes, and processes business credit card payments, invoices, check requests, travel and entertainment reimbursements, and wire transfers in a timely manner.
Contributes to planning and implementation of exhibition-related events as needed.
Performs private and public exhibition tours, as scheduled and requested.
Prepares outgoing mail and interdepartmental correspondence for delivery.
Purchases or sources research materials.
Undertakes other projects and related tasks at the request of the CI59 Curator(s).