• Gallery
• College

Job Opportunities at the Corcoran

Position Announcements:
(Click on the following links to view posting)

 

Coordinator of College Exhibitions

Chief Preparator

Director of Membership

Career Services Specialist

Graduate Admissions Manager

Associate Director of Admissions

Updated 8/18/2010

 

---

Coordinator of college exhibitions
college exhibitions department

 

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Coordinator of College Exhibitions is responsible for facilitating and ensuring the quality of all exhibitions organized by the Corcoran College of Art + Design. This role as liaison between the College and the arts community requires balancing the needs of these groups in order to accurately and effectively present the artistic output, programs, and activities of the College to the general public. Furthermore, this person will need to develop a growing network with members of the arts community in order to invite those individuals who can most effectively generate an accessible dialogue among students, faculty, and the general public to the College to present lectures and participate in related activities. Finally, this person must ensure that all students have the opportunity to learn proper exhibition practices and apply them in a professional setting.

The Coordinator will also have the opportunity to teach one class each semester at the College.

Duties and Responsibilites

• Responsible for coordinating exhibitions in designated areas within the Corcoran College of Art +Design campus and the Corcoran Gallery of Art. These areas include Gallery 31, the College’s dedicated exhibition space; the Corcoran Corridor; and White Walls and White Halls Galleries. 
• In addition to these spaces, the Coordinator of College Exhibitions also maintains aesthetic standards for all public spaces on campus where art is displayed by College departments, students, and administration.
• Coordination and oversight for off-campus student exhibitions organized by the College or in collaboration with community groups.
• Maintaining and improving upon gallery presentation and facilities. This includes renovating gallery spaces, updating presentation methods, and adapting to new demands upon art presentation (e.g., multimedia capability).
• Educating students about the process of exhibiting and how it affects their art. This is achieved both by working directly with them on exhibitions throughout their college experience and being available to aid students and alumni on individual projects outside the College galleries.

Public Relations

• Responsible for writing content for press releases, wall texts, brochures, and the website, as well as targeting specific communities and interest groups for marketing and outreach efforts.

Institutional Collaboration

• Work with all levels of College and Gallery administration—including the Dean’s Office, Department of Institutional Advancement, Admissions Office, Museum Registrar, Student Affairs, Curatorial department, Communications department, and Graphics department—in order to realize projects and activities.

• Consult with administrative chairs and program heads at every stage of program development to ensure effective integration of curricular goals and to schedule events with students.

• Communicate directly with students and faculty to ensure that all students and study areas are effectively represented in exhibitions and related activities.

• Encourage students to actively participate in College exhibitions programming as interns, work-study, and volunteers.

Special + future activities:

• Collaborate with the education department, community groups, and other institutions to broaden the audience for College exhibitions and provide representation for diverse viewpoints in contemporary visual arts.
• Increase the presence of art exhibition within the school while encouraging students to a more active role in creating, installing, and maintaining exhibitions.

qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Art History, Museum Studies, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Experience in the successful coordination of contemporary art exhibitions and related programming in an academic or museum setting. 
• Effective written and oral communication skills. 
• Demonstrated ability in handling multiple agendas and coordinating tasks with various departments within an institution. 
• Previous supervisory experience with museum preparators, freelance contractors, and student volunteers.

EOE
08/10

Return to top

---

chief preparator
museum registrar department

 

POSITION SUMMARY:

In the words of its founder, the Corcoran Gallery of Art is “dedicated to art.” Its museum presents, interprets and preserves the art of our times and of times past; its college of art nurtures and helps shape new generations of artists and designers. Education is a central focus, not just in the Corcoran’s classrooms but in its galleries and throughout the greater Washington region. Though American art is the collection’s emphasis, the art of other nations and cultures is, when appropriate, acquired and exhibited.

The Corcoran has a full-time position open for its Chief Preparator. In this position, the Chief Preparator is responsible for all technical aspects of museum standard art handling related to installation/de-installation, receiving and shipping artwork, packing and storage of art objects working closely with the other highly talented Museum professionals including the Registrar’s office, Conservator and Curators. The Chief Preparator supervises other preparator staff, as well as, contract art handlers on all aspects of museum exhibitions, art storage, and transport. The Chief Preparator is a key team member for exhibition/project planning and implementation.

The Corcoran Gallery of Art provides a competitive salary, excellent benefits and an unparalleled work environment where employees can immerse themselves in the Corcoran’s historic art  collections and become a member of the team that brings emerging art of the time to be accessible and understandable to the broadest possible audience. Through innovative exhibitions and educational programming, systematic research and rigorous scholarship. The Corcoran’s many activities emphasize the combined resources of its museum and college, and are directed toward diverse communities with widely differing educational and socio-economic backgrounds. Though proud of its important place in the international world of art history and scholarship, the Corcoran is ever mindful of its special obligation to serve the greater Washington region, especially its artists and its young people.

Duties and Responsibilites

1. Chief Preparator provides all technical aspects of museum standard art handling practices related to installation/de-installation, packing and storage of art objects under the direction of the Head Registrar, Conservator, and museum curators.
2. Works closely with curators, conservators, registrars, artists, and other museum staff to implement an ambitious schedule of exhibitions and collection displays.
3. Able to organize and schedule the department’s projects, direct daily activities of both staff and contract preparators, set job assignments to meet deadlines and priorities (established in collaboration with the Head Registrar).
4. Serves as a member and leader of exhibition / project teams for exhibits planning, construction and execution.
5. Supervises two Preparators and various contract art handlers; coordinates relationships with suppliers and contractors.
6. Able to work independently and assume direct responsibility for complex tasks.
7. Able to perform detailed work using reasoning and problem solving skills, performing multiple concurrent tasks in a busy environment.
8. Acts as a source of knowledge for proper museum standard art handling practices and display; continually investigates, updates, and implements new methods.
9. Meets regularly and works closely with the Head Registrar and other staff to review and track project deadlines and departmental priorities.
10. Packs and unpacks works of art; documents packing of all incoming and outgoing loans.
11. With registrars, maintains storage inventory and location of art objects.
12. With Head Registrar, determines needs for contract art handling assistance.
13. Maintains supply inventory for installations, exhibit construction, packing and general art preparation as well as necessary tools and hardware.  Recommends to Head Registrar tools, equipment and supplies required during budget preparation.; maintains Preparator’s Studio
14. Assists with maintaining the appearance of exhibition spaces, including dusting, cleaning of plexi, paint touch-up and weeping; care and cleaning of exhibit cases, plexi vitrines and various other exhibition furniture.
15. Able to lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds; ability to work at heights over eight feet.
16. Maintains inventory of empty crates stored on-site.
17. Assists with preparation, fabrication, construction and painting of exhibition furniture.
18. Maintains and continually increases level of professional expertise through professional training, workshops, and contact with colleagues in the field.
19. Performs other related duties as assigned.

qualifications:

Position requirements include:

• Minimum of 4 years museum experience in the technical aspects of museum standard art handling practices, exhibition installation, packing and storage.
• Minimum of 3 years of proven supervisory and management experience.
• Must have excellent communication, interpersonal and management skills.
• Must have demonstrated professional demeanor and proven ability to work on complex projects both as at team leader and major contributor.
• Expertise in safe woodworking techniques.
• Detail oriented, organized and ability to use moderate level of computer applications.
• Flexibility to work during periods of installation and de-installation.

EOE
08/10

Return to top

---

Director of membership
development department

 

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Corcoran Gallery of Art and College of Art + Design, located in Washington, D.C., seeks a dynamic, self-motivated team player to direct and manage its Membership Department, effectively building and sustaining awareness and understanding of the Corcoran by broadening and stewarding the membership.  The Director of Membership is responsible for the development and expansion of a comprehensive membership development program, including new members, retention of current members, the solicitation and contact of previous members, and upgrades, to include the institution’s Chairman’s Guild program. The Director of Membership will demonstrate evidence of having a strong commitment to providing a quality member experience in a team environment and focus on relationship building, resulting in a high membership retention rate and quality service to all Corcoran members.  The Director of Membership will lead, motivate and develop staff focused on membership services and membership growth, supervising the Membership Associate and Member Programs Officer and co-supervising the Major Gifts Officer.

Duties and responsibilities:

• The Director of Membership will develop and execute an annual plan that focuses on membership growth through new member acquisition and the retention of existing members and effective moves management to upgrade members to Chairman’s Guild.  S/he will have experience successfully using direct mail and creative online marketing and social networking to conduct national solicitations and to grow a constituent base of smaller individual donors; oversee the planning and execution of member-related and fundraising events; provide direction and oversight to ensure maximum net financial and institutional development results; manage administration of the Corcoran’s Special Interest Societies (special interest membership groups); and represent and help staff Corcoran at events.

  Specific duties include:

• Develop and implement revenue and sales strategies and goals that target appropriate audiences; increase the membership base through direct mail, personal outreach and meetings, phone, onsite conversions, e-marketing, and online sales.

• Regularly analyze revenue results and suggest changes to improve return on investment; conduct an annual audit of the membership program.

• Create and maintain the Membership Department’s expense and revenue budget.

• Evaluate, develop and execute a Corcoran member benefits plan and benefits delivery schedule; track benefits usage.

• Coordinate the production and distributions of renewal letters, new members solicitation materials, special appeals, board reports, etc.  Also soordinate writing and producing of member communications and promotional materials, such as a monthly E-News, website content, content for the Night + Day newsletter, and membership collateral.

• Oversee membership acknowledgment and fulfillment procedures.

• Contract bidding and management of membership contractors as needed and approved by management.

• Track membership inventory and postage in-house and at mail-house.

• Launch coordinated mail-email campaigns; coordinate annual schedules of mailings and appeals.

• Create and administer membership training for Corcoran personnel who serve the public.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

The successful candidate will have a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five years experience in the nonprofit arena; previous experience in a cultural organization preferred.  S/he will have exceptional project management skills, a proven track record in broadening constituencies within a cultural/nonprofit environment, and the ability to translate the strategic objectives into a high-quality membership program. The candidate must also demonstrate effective people management, project management, customer service, and member relations skills; excellent written and verbal skills; and experience with staffing chapters and/or affinity groups.  Previous supervision experience preferred.  Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Raiser’s Edge (or a similar database), and social networking required. 

Salary:

Salary package is competitive and is commensurate with experience and qualifications.  Benefits include health insurance, paid holidays and vacation.

EOE
07/10

Return to top

---

Career services specialist
dean's office

 

POSITION SUMMARY:

At the Corcoran College of Art + Design, we value individual attention and career opportunities. We are the only four-year, nationally accredited college focused solely on art and design in Washington, D.C. Our 600 students access cultural resources unique to the nation’s capital-including the Corcoran’s own internationally acclaimed museum. Corcoran students form lasting bonds with faculty and staff that only a college of our size and caliber can provide.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Orchestrate networking opportunities with alumni, parents, and local community representatives
• Design and lead workshops on a variety of career and professional development topics and provide professional development opportunities including resume and cover letter critique, job/internship fairs, graduate school fairs, and gallery days.
• Maintain library of reference materials and other resources useful to students
• Counsel undergraduates, graduate students and alumni during individual appointments
• Promote positive messages about careers in the arts to campus audiences
• Represent career development at campus events such as Family + Alumni Weekend, Admissions Events, New Student Orientation, and other major events requiring additional hours on evenings and weekends.
• Participate in Student Affairs division and planning committees, and related programs.
• Coordinate outreach efforts: on-campus interviewing, internships, cooperative education, and optional practical training (for international F-1 students).
• Collaborate with other departments within the institution to build a comprehensive career development operation (office of alumni development, internship coordinator, academic council, professional practices programs, office of educational development, etc)
• Develop and perform other related duties and projects as assigned by the Dean of Students

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required: Master’s Degree in Higher Education preferred with a minimum 3 years previous experience in career services, teaching, advising, Student Affairs, or arts administration.
• Professional background as an artist or a demonstrated appreciation for the arts and the development of student artists.
• Outstanding internal and external communications skills and ability to build professional contacts and relationships.

Salary:

• Is commensurate with experience and is negotiable; includes a full benefits package

EOE
06/10

Return to top

---

Graduate Admissions Manager
Office of Admission

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Graduate Admissions Manager (GAMR) manages programming for the full spectrum of recruitment and initial enrollment activities for graduate programs at the College.  The manager researches, analyzes, plans, and implements graduate admission operations and administrative requirements to meet graduate enrollment goals.  Recruitment activities include, but are not limited to: off-site presentations, special events, college fairs, and targeted email communications and mailings. This position works in consultation with graduate program chairpersons and the Communications Department.  Some weekend and evening work required, as well as out of the area recruitment travel. The GMAR reports to the Senior Director of Admissions and Financial Aid.

The GMAR is also responsible for daily operations of graduate-level admission including processing of applications, meeting with prospective students, managing tours, and all related paperwork. The GMAR generates and distributes statistical reports on admissions activities and ensures timely and smooth notification of admissions decisions and scholarships. This position supervises the Office’s graduate assistants.

Desired Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will have at least two years of higher education admissions experience; Hands-on familiarity with computer applications, databases and electronic marketing; A proven ability to work independently; and Excellent organizational and communication skills. Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.

EOE
05/10

Return to top

---

Associate Director of Admissions
Office of Admissions

The Corcoran College of Art and Design seeks qualified candidates for the Associate Director of Admissions. The ideal candidate will have two years or more of progressive admissions experience including staff supervision and office operations management. The Admissions team is seeking someone with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and who is enthusiastic, well organized, and preferably familiar with art and design institutions. Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree is required, with a BA or BFA in the visual arts highly desired.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Associate Director of Admissions provides support to the Director and the department by ensuring the recruitment plan is supported through smooth office operations. Areas of responsibility include office operations and procedures, inquiry and application processing, execution of communication campaigns, data collection and reporting, evaluation of art, design and photography portfolios, and planning of special events. In addition, the Assistant/Associate Director has an individual territory responsibility as well as recruitment activity planning and participation. He/she acts on the Director’s behalf when called upon in admissions matters, oversees the office assistants and/or admissions counselors. Some travel, weekend and evening work is required.

Additional Desired Qualifications:

• Intermediate data base (SunGard products preferred) and Microsoft office skills
• Familiarity with e-mail marketing and social networking resources
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and ability to lift heavy boxes.

EOE
05/10

Return to top