Working in museums in New York City can be an exciting and rewarding experience, as the city is home to some of the most prestigious and world-renowned institutions. While the MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) is one of the most well known museums in New York City, it is certainly not the only one that is commonly hiring throughout the year.
In this article, we dive into some lesser known museum jobs you might want to consider for your next—or new—job this year.
Museum Job Summary: About the Roles Out There
Regardless of the institution or area of interest, here's what you can expect when working in NYC museums:
- Variety of institutions: NYC has a diverse range of museums, including art, history, science, and cultural institutions. You could find yourself working at iconic museums like the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Museum of Natural History, or the Guggenheim, among many others.
- Intellectual and cultural environment: Working in a museum can be intellectually stimulating, as you'll be surrounded by art, artifacts, and history. You'll also have the opportunity to interact with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, including visitors, artists, scholars, and colleagues.
- Opportunities for learning and growth: Many museums in NYC provide opportunities for professional development and networking through workshops, conferences, and other industry events. This allows you to stay current with the latest trends in the industry.
- Public engagement and education: As a museum employee, you'll play a vital role in engaging the public and fostering a love for art, history, and culture—regardless of your position. This can be a rewarding aspect of the job, as you see the impact your work has on visitors and the community.
- Unique challenges: Museums in NYC often face challenges related to space, funding, and competition for visitors' attention. As a result, you may need to be creative, resourceful, and adaptable to meet these challenges and create engaging, accessible experiences for the public.
- Competitive job market: Given the prestige of NYC museums and the desirability of working in the industry, the job market can be competitive. It's essential to have relevant education, experience, and a strong network to increase your chances of landing a position.
- Varying schedules: Depending on your role, you may have to work weekends, evenings, or holidays to accommodate museum events or peak visitor times. However, this can also be an advantage if you prefer non-traditional work hours. Some venues also pay overtime wages at a higher rate, which can be a plus for some job-seekers.
Overall, working in museums in New York City can offer a unique blend of intellectual stimulation, cultural enrichment, and the opportunity to make a difference in the community. It can be a fulfilling career path for those passionate about art, history, and culture. Not to mention, it provides a great stepping stone into other arts, culture, and media roles that may not even be directly related to museums like the MoMa.
MoMA Jobs: Uniqueness Everywhere
Museums offer a wide array of job positions, such as curators, educators, conservators, researchers, exhibit designers, security personnel, and administrative staff. Depending on your background, interests, and expertise, you can choose a career path that suits you.
Here are a few roles that were recently posted and/or filled at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City that might fit your interests:
- Curatorial Assistant: This position involves providing research and administrative support to curators in the planning, organization, and implementation of exhibitions and collection management.
- Museum Educator: As a museum educator, you'll develop and deliver educational programs, workshops, and tours to engage diverse audiences, including school groups, families, and adults, in understanding and appreciating modern and contemporary art.
- Visitor Services Representative: In this role, you'll welcome and assist museum visitors, providing information about exhibitions, programs, and museum policies, while ensuring a positive and enjoyable experience for all guests.
- Security Officer: A security officer at MoMA is responsible for safeguarding the museum's artwork, facilities, and visitors by conducting regular patrols, monitoring security systems, and responding to emergencies or incidents. If you have prior experience in security, a museum security job can be appealing because of its consistent hours, predictable schedule, and clean work environment.
- Administrative Coordinator: This position involves providing administrative support to various museum departments, including coordinating meetings, managing schedules, and assisting with the preparation of reports and other documents.
- Digital Media Specialist: As a digital media specialist, you'll create and manage digital content for the museum's online platforms, such as social media, websites, and multimedia installations, to engage with and inform visitors about the museum's exhibitions and programs.
These examples represent a range of potential job opportunities at MoMA, but specific roles available may vary based on the museum's current needs.
In addition, some museums that are not actively hiring right now may allow you to submit your resume directly to their careers email or website. This allows you to be added to their system so that your potential candidacy is on their radar. That way, the next time the MoMA or another museum does want to hire, you’re the first resume they see.
Searching for MoMA Museum Jobs and Other Roles
Museum jobs can be a great starting point for a new career or a jumping pad for your existing one.
Searching for a full-time job with healthcare, paid time off (PTO), and transparent wages at places like the MoMA looking for jobs? Check out Workwise Job Search: the easiest place to find and share high-quality jobs near you.
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