Curatorial Assistant, Photography

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary art in the United States and a thriving cultural center for the Bay Area. We cannot imagine life without art; it inspires and connects us every day. Now more than ever, these connections matter and are aligned with our values.

Inclusive: We strive to be a museum of many voices in dialogue.  

Passionate: We believe working with art is more than a job or trusteeship - it's a way of life.  

Brave: We are committed to approaching our work with courage and a sense of adventure, always ready to explore new perspectives.

Empathic: We aim to act like a person, not an institution. 

SFMOMA is a place for the infinitely curious to explore, support, and experience the art of our time. We believe that modern and contemporary art can influence the way we think, view the world, and embrace the many voices and perspectives around us. We aspire to foster an environment that elicits joy, nurtures a sense of belonging and purpose—where difference is seen as a strength, and every one is appreciated for their whole self.

Schedule: Full Time, 35 hours/week, at least three days working onsite

Reporting to the Curator and Head of Photography, the Curatorial Assistant supports all aspects of the work of the Photography Department. The Curatorial Assistant is responsible for various tasks related to the Accessions program, including scheduling, data inputting, correspondence with artists and galleries, preparation of PowerPoint presentations, and other administrative duties, as assigned. The Curatorial Assistant also supports the Department in the management and interpretation of the permanent collection, the organization of temporary exhibitions, and the execution of administrative projects. As a key member of a dynamic team, this junior position facilitates communication and workflow within the department and on behalf of the department with museum staff, donors, artists, and arts professionals.

• Assist with development and production of Accessions Committee meetings. Prepare PowerPoint presentations and defense documents. Attend meetings, prepare and distribute minutes.  
• Assist with duties related to exhibitions, including inputting data, producing checklists, library research, file management, and liaising with other departments. 
• Create artist and object records and maintain database of checklists for exhibitions. 
• Draft correspondence, loan forms, manuscripts, exhibition wall labels, and other material related to the permanent collection and/or special exhibitions. Review finished materials for completeness, accuracy, formatting, compliance with SFMOMA and departmental policies, and proper English usage. 
• Assist in the preparation, coordination, and logistics for special events and programs, including but not limited to, generating guest lists, reserving facilities, procuring required equipment, confirming arrangements, and greeting guests on behalf of the department. 
• Facilitate external communication with artists, collectors, lenders, dealers, scholars, and colleagues from other museums. 
• Oversee department email and inbox. 
• Develop and track master departmental calendar; coordinate weekly departmental meetings.  
• Draft communications from the Photography Department, including newsletters for Photography Accessions and invitations to department events. 
• Process invoices, reimbursements, and expense reports for payment, as needed. 
• Maintain, update, and archive physical and electronic files belonging to the department.  
• Coordinate and manage travel arrangements, including hotel reservations and transportation for curatorial staff and visiting artists, as needed. 
• Assist with collection and exhibition research including, but not limited to, research and compilation of biographies, chronologies, exhibition histories, and documentation of individual works. 
• Provide support for lectures and presentations, including the generation of PowerPoint presentations. 

• Master’s degree in Art History, or related field with an emphasis in Photography.
• Minimum of two (2) years, full-time curatorial or education experience within a museum or cultural institution.
• Knowledge of the history of photography and excellent writing and communication skills. 
• Ability to set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments with a minimum of direction.  
• Knowledge of correct English usage, including spelling, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.  
• Ability to provide substantial office support including maintenance of calendar, database management, word processing, PowerPoint, filing, and email correspondence 
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.  
• Ability to prioritize and organize multiple activities with other staff members around a common project.  
• Ability to communicate effectively with donors, artists, Museum staff, colleagues, and the public, whether in person, on the telephone, or in writing.  
• Familiarity and ease with PC work environments and Microsoft Office software suites. Familiarity with Asana or other project management software preferred. 
• Familiarity with collection, digital asset, donor, and contacts management programs as well as basic a/v equipment (video projectors, digital audio recording devices, photo and video cameras), and image editing software applications preferred.
• Additional language skills, an asset. 

• Must be able to visually inspect artwork.

Job posting open date: 9/17/25

All jobs posted will remain open for at least five business days.

We encourage both internal and external candidates to apply within the initial open posting period as the application close date may or may not be extended beyond that initial period. 

Location: San Francisco, 151 3rd Street. 

Benefits: PTO, Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Accounts, Pet Insurance, Life and AD&D Coverage, Disability Insurance, Mental Health and Wellness Benefits, Discount Programs, Pre-Tax Commuter Benefits, 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan, SFMOMA Membership, and more

At SFMOMA, we do not believe that any applicant can, or should, meet every qualification listed in a job posting. We are committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds and professional paths who are inspired to join a mission-driven, community-oriented organization grounded in inclusivity, passion, bravery, and empathy. 

If this describes you, we encourage you to apply. 

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. 

SFMOMA is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. No person shall be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, age, genetic information, ancestry/national origin, marital status, disability, medical condition, HIV status, sexual orientation, veteran/military status, and any other category protected by federal of state law.

You may request reasonable accommodation if you are unable to or are limited in your ability to access job postings or provide additional information asked in the job posting.

You can request reasonable accommodation by contacting the People Team at [email protected].