Assistant Preparator
University of Iowa

Join the University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art as an Assistant Preparator (50% Appointment)!

The Stanley Museum of Art is seeking a detail-oriented Assistant Preparator to support our Collections and Exhibitions Team in the preparation, installation, and care of exhibitions and collections. In this role, you will craft display mounts, build exhibition casework, and safely pack and mount art objects for transportation and storage. This position requires strong construction and carpentry skills, providing a unique opportunity to directly contribute to the museum's mission of preserving and showcasing art.

As the Assistant Preparator, you'll also have the chance to:

• Develop exhibitions. May present to various constituencies.
• Assist as directed with loan and acquisition process by managing documents, maintaining data or logistical support.
• Input database information. Review and process material. Prepare digital entry uploads. Track photo records.
• Assist with inventory or maintenance of collections. Assist with environmental survey and management of collection and storage areas as directed.

Click here for a full job description, including all duties and competencies assigned or e-mail the contact listed below.

Visit: Job Opportunities (Org 02 & 35) to see all job opening with the Office of the Provost at the University of Iowa.

About the Department:The University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art (UI-SMA) welcomes the University of Iowa community, all Iowans, and the world to discover and enjoy extraordinary works of art, explore new ideas, and cultivate new insights into history, culture, and the act of creation. We build diverse communities around our collections by fostering creative connections across the university, the state, and the world. Through the wise stewardship and dynamic presentation of the collections in our care, the Stanley encourages transformative encounters with works of art and contemplation of the human story. Established in 1969, the UI-SMA is one of the leading university art collections in the country. Approximately 15,500 objects constitute diverse collections that include paintings, sculpture, prints, drawings, photographs, ceramics, textiles, jade, and silver.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's degree in Studio Art or related field or equivalent combination of related experience and education.
• Some experience (typically 6 months to 1 year) working in a museum or archive and with art preparation.
• Some experience (typically 6 months to 1 year) working in exhibition installation.
• Occasional night and weekend responsibilities
• Must be eligible to drive at the University of Iowa

Competencies Required:

• Demonstrates a WORKING proficiency level in the following competencies:
  • Image editing software such as Photoshop
  • Communicating for effective relationships including application of techniques and skills that develop the ability to work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and collaborative manner
  • Accuracy and attention to detail
  • Basic skill in art handling, photography, exhibition preparation.
  • Basic knowledge of art storage and display methods, techniques, and procedures.
  • Ability to meet UI Fleet Safety Program driving requirements.

Desirable Qualifications:

• A Master's degree in Studio Art, or related
• At least one year working in a museum archive and with art preparation and installation
• Working or extensive knowledge or skill in art handling, exhibition preparation, and/or art storage and display.
• Some direct knowledge of or experience with EmbARK database.
• Some competency with welding or brazing

To Apply:

To be eligible for consideration, applicants must upload BOTH of the following and mark them each as a "Relevant File" to the job submission:

• a current resume
• a cover letter

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the process.

Work Modality:

This position performed fully on-campus and will not be eligible for remote or hybrid work arrangements.

Compensation: $21,000-$25,000 with Competitive Benefits

Reach out to Monica Frank to learn more about benefits, compensation practices, and career development opportunities.

Click here to learn more about why you should join UI!

Additional Information

• Classification Title: Collections/Exhibitions Assoc
• Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
• Schedule: Full-time
• Work Modality Options: On Campus

Compensation

• Pay Level: 2A
• Starting Salary Minimum: 21,000

Contact Information

• Organization: Provost
• Contact Name: Monica Frank
• Contact Email: monica-frank@uiowa.edu

---