Curatorial Assistant, Asian American Art Initiative, Cantor Arts Center
Stanford University is one of the world’s premier academic and research institutions, devoting tremendous intellectual and physical resources toward the betterment of humanity. As a major Silicon Valley employer, Stanford seeks people committed to excellence and improving our world. The university is committed to supporting its employees as they develop their careers and enrich their lives. Stanford’s future success will be shaped by its diverse perspectives, unique experiences, and inclusive culture.
Serving the Stanford University campus, the Bay Area community, and visitors from around the world, the Cantor Arts Center provides an outstanding cultural experience for visitors of all ages and a growing online audience of scholars. The Cantor’s encyclopedic collection spans 5,000 years and includes more than 40,000 works of art from around the globe. An established resource for teaching and research on campus, the Cantor offers free admission and programs year-round. It is consistently one of the most visited university museums in the U.S. It is an exciting time to join the expanding team at the Cantor Arts Center. Join us as we build capacity to achieve the museum’s goals within an equitable, collaborative, and creative work environment.
The Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University seeks a Curatorial Assistant to support the Asian American Art Initiative (AAAI), a research-driven program dedicated to advancing the study, presentation, and collection of Asian American art. Reporting to the Robert M. and Ruth L. Halperin Associate Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art and the Co-Director of the AAAI, the Curatorial Assistant will contribute to exhibitions, publications, acquisitions, and public programs while providing essential administrative and logistical support.
The Curatorial Assistant position is designed as a dynamic entry point into the field. This role offers intensive, hands-on professional development in curatorial practice. The role is intentionally structured to serve as a launching pad, equipping an early-career professional with the robust experience needed to transition into competitive roles across the wider museum and gallery ecosystem. Success in this role requires a dedicated interest in modern and contemporary art, particularly Asian American art, along with excellent research, writing, communication, and organizational capabilities.
The Curatorial Assistant key responsibilities include conducting scholarly research, coordinating communications with artists, lenders, and partners; assisting with exhibition planning and installation; and supporting collection development. In addition, this role will manage calendars and scheduling, coordinate travel arrangements, process reimbursements and track expenses, and support general project management and day-to-day administrative operations. The role involves liaising across departments at the Cantor and Stanford, as well as supporting the Initiative’s expanding national and international collaborations.
In this role, you will:
- Assist curators with the research, development and implementation of changing exhibitions and collection rotations.
- Assist with research, writing and oversight of design and production of various publications.
- Assist with development of educational programming and oversee implementation, presentation of lectures, symposia, and films.
- Assist with cataloging collections, prepare registration materials, and assist in planning rotations in galleries.
- Manage calendars and scheduling for curatorial staff, including coordinating meetings with artists, collaborators, and institutional partners.
- Coordinate domestic and international travel arrangements, including itineraries and logistics.
- Process reimbursements, honoraria, and invoices; track and reconcile project expenses.
- Maintain organized records for curatorial projects, including correspondence, contacts, and financial documentation.
- Provide day-to-day administrative support across AAAI projects.
- Answer routine correspondence and respond to public and scholarly inquiries.
May oversee student interns and assist in the training of docents.
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Please note that this position will be based on the Stanford campus and will be considered a hybrid role with a minimum of 3 days per week on campus. This position will work extended or non-standard hours, weekends and holidays based on business needs.
Qualifications:
In order to be successful, you will bring:
- Bachelor's degree and minimum one year of relevant experience or a combination of education and relevant experience.
- Demonstrated commitment to fostering and supporting an inclusive environment.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with professionalism in working across all levels of an organization.
- Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with database systems.
- Flexible, detail-oriented, and willing to take on a range of administrative and project-based tasks as needed.
- Demonstrated interest in the visual arts; familiarity with modern and contemporary art, and Asian American art, preferred
Eagerness to learn and engage thoughtfully in an academic museum context.
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Certifications and Licenses: None
Physical Requirements*:
- Frequently perform desk based computer tasks, seated work and use light/ fine grasping.
Occasionally stand, walk, and write by hand, lift, carry, push pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.
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Working conditions:
- May work extended or non-standard hours, weekends and holidays based on business needs.
May work in areas with exposure to dust, paint, chemicals and other toxins.
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Don’t meet every single requirement? At Cantor Arts Center and the Vice Presidency for the Arts, we are dedicated to building an inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. Let us know in your cover letter how your experience makes you a good fit for us. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles!
The expected pay range for this position is $30.39 - $38.94 per hour. Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs. At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package.
At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website ( https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards ) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.
Why Stanford is for You
Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:
- Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
- A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
- A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
- Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
- Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form .
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
