Curatorial Specialist, Schomburg Center – TEMPORARY – New York Public Library

Title of the Job: Curatorial Specialist, Schomburg Center – TEMPORARY

Location: New York City, NY

Job Description: Curatorial Specialist, Schomburg Center – TEMPORARYDepartment: Research LibrariesEmployment Type: TemporaryLocation: Schomburg CenterReporting To: Novella FordCompensation: $65,000 – $75,000 / yearDescriptionThis position is temporary for two years.Overview
Founded in 1925 and named a National Historic Landmark in 2017, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture is one of the world’s leading cultural institutions devoted to the collection, preservation, and study of materials focused on African American, African Diaspora, and African experiences.Reporting to the Associate Director, Public Programs and Exhibitions (SCH PEX), the Curatorial Specialist will work with the department’s Executive Producer and Exhibitions Manager on administrative and research responsibilities that support the realization of the department’s mission and day-to-day departmental activities. This position is temporary for two years.We are looking for someone we can count on to:Own:

• General administration in support of public programs and exhibition development
• Becoming a collaborative partner in developing engaging programs and publications in support of collections and exhibition-related materials
• Management and distribution of important project materials and assets

Learn:

• From SCH PEX team members and NYPL colleagues involved in public programs and exhibition production (displays and galleries)
• Best practices and innovations within the field and stay informed of the latest cultural activities by visiting exhibitions, performances, and public programs at other institutions

Improve:

• Ways to expand public programing offerings cultivated from Schomburg collections and exhibitions
• Support diversity and inclusion efforts through Library-wide initiatives

Some expectations for this role are that within:1 month, this person will:

• Become familiar with upcoming projects and the Schomburg Centennial calendar
• Meet and liaise with SCH PEX team members, curators across the Schomburg Center and other research library staff involved in production of public programs
• Learn NYPL procurement procedures and exhibition development and production workflow

3 months, this person will:

• Lead development and curation of select Centennial displays, public programs, and other interpretive projects for the Schomburg Centennial
• Provide support for Centennial projects occurring in Spring/Summer 2025

6 months and beyond, this person will:

• Provide support for Spring 2026 Centennial exhibition and projects occurring in Fall 2025 and beyond

Responsibilities

• Assist the Associate Director and Producer with all aspects of research, planning, and organization of Schomburg Center public programs, Schomburg Centennial, and special projects
• Collaborate and lead the development of public programs and education programs related to exhibitions
• Manage procurement process and email responses and announcements for various departmental initiatives
• Assist Exhibition Manager with establishing implementation schedules for all exhibitions, communicate milestones for timely completion, and regularly check adherence to deadlines
• Contribute to public program- and exhibition-related marketing, press, and web materials, including management of exhibition websites, registration pages, and audio guides
• Function as a liaison internally with various departments at the Schomburg Center and NYPL, including Communications, Special Events, Archival Divisions, Facilities, and Procurement and external partners including publishers and program participants

Required Education, Experience & SkillsRequired Education & Certifications

• Undergraduate degree with a specific area of focus in History, Black or African Diasporic studies, Humanities, preferred

Required Experience

• Three to five years of administrative and program development experience at a non profit, preferably in a museum, cultural, and/or educational institution
• Broad knowledge and interest in Black/African Diasporic culture and history
• Special interest in film, literature, visual arts, performance arts, and/or another discipline or academic field
• Demonstrated research skills, including research experience in special collections and archival materials in a library or academic environment
• Experience creating spreadsheets or use of other tools for project management

Required Skills

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Highly organized and detail oriented
• Ability to work independently and in collaboration with others to complete goals
• Proficient computer skills in MS Office, Google products, Canva
• A commitment to diversity and to serving the needs of diverse communities

Managerial/Supervisory Responsibilities

• N/A

More…Core Values
All team members are expected and encouraged to embody the NYPL Core Values:

• Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues
• Be Resourceful in solving problems
• Be Curious in all aspects of your work
• Be Welcoming and Inclusive

Work Environment

• Core work will take place in the Schomburg Center
• Office setting

Physical Duties

• Moderate lifting/moving may be required (up to 25 lbs)
• May require travel within NYC

Pre-Placement Physical Required?

• No

Union/Non Union

• Non-Union

FLSA Status

• Non-Exempt

Schedule

• 35 hours a week, including evenings and weekends as required. This position is temporary for two years

This job description represents the types and levels of responsibilities that will be required of the position and shall not be construed as a declaration of all of the specific duties and responsibilities for the role. Job duties may change if Library priorities change. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description as needed.The New York Public Library Salary StatementAt the Library, we believe that pay transparency and pay equity are important to ensuring we source the best candidates and keep the best employees. When making a determination as to the appropriate salary for a candidate, we consider a variety of factors such, including, but not limited to, the position requirements, the skills, prior experience, and educational background required or preferred for the job, the scope and impact of the role within the organization, internal peer equity, and the candidate’s specific training, experience, education level, and skills. No single factor is conclusive; the Library reserves the right to consider any and all relevant factors and make a decision consistent with its policies.Union Salaries are determined by collective bargaining agreement(s).

Company Name: New York Public Library

Salary: $65000 – 75000 per year

Apply for the job!