Jobs & Internships
Current Positions Available
To apply for a posted position, please follow the instructions at the end of the relevant job description, or click here to access all available online applications. Upon receiving your resume, we will review your credentials and contact you if they are commensurate with the requirements of the position for which you are applying.
Unless otherwise identified, all job opportunities are based in downtown Los Angeles at MOCA's staff offices located at MOCA Grand Avenue. MOCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Thank you for your interest in MOCA.
Director of Marketing
Overview
The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Los Angeles, is seeking an experienced Director of Marketing to play a pivotal role in shaping the museum's profile, fine-tuning its image, and enhancing its public visibility. The Director of Marketing will be responsible for the development and implementation of strategic marketing and communication plans that promote the museum, with its collection, exhibitions, and programs, to a wide variety of audiences.
As the Director of Marketing, the successful candidate will be responsible for leading the planning, development, and implementation of MOCA’s marketing strategies. They will play a pivotal role in advertising, multi-channel marketing, paid social media advertising, and developing marketing plans for our exciting range of exhibitions and programs. In addition, the Director of Marketing will be adept at enhancing audience engagement and ensuring a consistent and compelling brand message.
The Director of Marketing will report directly to the museum’s Chief Communications Officer (CCO) and manage a team of direct reports.
Salary Range: $105,000.00 - $115,000.00
Key Responsibilites
- Develop and execute comprehensive marketing plans for MOCA exhibitions and programs
- Guide marketing, advertising and social media strategy at MOCA in collaboration with CCO
- Oversee the creation and distribution of all marketing and advertising materials
- Utilize various advertising channels, including traditional print media, out-of-home, digital, and paid social media, to promote the museum’s exhibitions and programs
- Conduct market research and audience engagement strategies to broaden MOCA's reach
- Collaborate with various internal and external stakeholders to align on marketing strategies and goals
- Collaborate with the Social Media Coordinator to develop an effective social media strategy engaging diverse audiences
- Supervise the production of marketing campaign materials, media purchases, promotional partnerships, website, and email
- Enhance the museum’s brand in partnership with CCO and other members of senior management
- Collaborate with teams, including Visitor Experience and IT, to improve attendance tracking and visitor satisfaction systems
- Oversee audience research, including development and interpretation of surveys
- Manage marketing budget and a team of direct reports in the design, marketing and social media functions
Key Skills
- Excellent communication
- Ability to manage change and build shared vision
- Emotionally intelligent, motivating, receptive to feedback, promoting positive culture
- Composure under pressure
- Ambitious, detail-oriented, capable of high-level strategy and operations
- Knowledgeable about contemporary art and culture
- Ability to delegate and adapt to changing needs
- Familiarity with PR, advertising, branding, website metrics, social media, videography, photography, email communications, and SEO
Qualifications
- Candidates should have significant marketing and communications experience, preferably in visitor-focused organizations such as cultural, arts, or tourism sectors.
- Bachelor’s degree in the arts and humanities or marketing and communications preferred.
- Proven success in creating and executing marketing campaigns and strategies, particularly in the digital and social media space
- Exceptional interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a team and manage direct reports effectively
Application:
Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.
Please click here to submit your resume and cover letter.
Educator
Overview:
MOCA Education strives to make education more collaborative, inclusive, and learner-centered, to nurture intellectual growth through experiences with contemporary art, and to increase access to the transformative power of art.
The Educator will work primarily within Contemporary Art Start (CAS), the Museum’s year-long partnership program for 3rd-12th grade classrooms across Los Angeles County. Through CAS, MOCA invests in supporting teachers to lead inclusive discussions about contemporary art with their students using Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS).
Within this part-time position (12-20 hours per week), the Educator will primarily assist with the development and implementation of discussion-based tours for students and learner-centered professional development trainings for teachers within CAS, as well as assist with our family programs. Family programs include in-person events that incorporate guided tours and artmaking experiences as well as self-guided project spaces featuring accessible artmaking activities, and more. MOCA is looking for candidates who are interested in developing into highly trained teacher-coaches.
Hourly Rate: $23.5
Essential Functions:
- Assist with the development and implementation of discussion-based tours for 3rd-12th grade students using Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS)
- Facilitate learner-centered professional development trainings for teachers within CAS
- Co-develop creative curriculum and projects for students, families, and adults
- Assist with research, development, and implementation of family programs for all ages and ability levels
- Use social justice as a lens to examine teaching practices
- Occasionally assist with other large-scale community events as well as the MOCA Teen program
- Actively participate in staff reflection and planning
- Work independently and remotely on a variety of projects as assigned
- Engage in VTS training as well as professional-development learning opportunities, research opportunities, and peer-coaching
- Promote MOCA Education programs to help recruit future participants, including at school and community sites
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in art education, studio art, art history or closely-related field strongly preferred
- Ability to reflect upon and examine their own teaching as well as that of others
- Knowledge of and experience in art education
- Knowledge of and experience in anti-oppressive teaching
- Fluency in Spanish strongly preferred
- Strong knowledge of contemporary art
- Experience working collaboratively with diverse team members
- General flexible attitude
- Willingness to pivot between online and in-person programming
- Solution-oriented
- Studio art practice preferred
- Availability to work a part-time schedule that varies according to the academic calendar. Staff hours include up to 14 full days of facilitating professional development for teachers over the summer and four Saturdays each fall and spring; family programs occur on weekends throughout the year.
Application:
Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.
Please click here to submit your resume and cover letter.
Director of Institutional Giving
Overview
The Director of Institutional Giving ensures the organization meets and exceeds its annual financial goals for partnership revenue streams, including corporate, foundation and government support, and principal gifts.
The Director of Institutional Giving serves in a key leadership role that provides forward-thinking guidance with the result of driving revenue growth, improving operational efficiency, and fostering innovation throughout the organization’s various institutional giving programs. This position is responsible for the cultivation and stewardship of all principal gifts. Reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer, this position oversees the Institutional Giving Associate. The position is tasked with assisting the Chief Advancement Officer in creating a sustainable infrastructure and a positive work environment for the Advancement team.
Salary Range: $105,000.00 - $125,000.00
Requirements
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Extensive knowledge of fundraising principles and strategies
- Excellent administrative and leadership skills, including at least 3 years in a supervisorial capacity
- Proven success in building enduring relationships; personal experience in the formation, presentation, and negotiation of high-level gift arrangements, including a track record of involvement in significant institutional gifts from foundations, corporations, and governmental bodies.
- Strong familiarity with the philanthropic and arts communities; experience working with nonprofit boards, committees, and donors.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to effectively and professionally represent MOCA to potential donors, and external organizations.
- Strong analytical skills; strong understanding of budgets and finance, including restricted and unrestricted funds.
- Ability to attend evening and weekend events.
- Team player.
- At least 5-7 years of experience fundraising for a major non-profit organization, preferably in the arts, or comparable career experience.
- Bachelor degree preferred. Interest in art is a major plus.
Essential Functions
- Direct strategic fundraising efforts for institutional support, corporate sponsorship and principal gifts through innovative impact and stewardship by creating a long term institutional giving plan.
- Oversee development of corporate proposals, budgets and events and secure sponsors for MOCA’s various programs. Negotiate terms of agreement and oversee execution for corporate sponsorships, retail projects, and other major collaborations.
- Lead MOCA’s corporate membership program; identify and solicit prospects in collaboration with the museum’s event rental program.
- Prioritize, direct and execute grant program including management of the grants calendar, submission of letters of intent and grant applications, and grant reporting and accounting.
- Lead funder communications for corporate, foundation and principal gifts in alignment with MOCA’s mission, messaging, and branding.
- Create customized stewardship plans and reports for principal gifts at the $250,000 level and above.
- Direct the policies, procedures, and tools that enable and encourage best practices and consistency in acknowledgement, recognition, and reporting for principal gifts, campaign gifts, and other special gifts.
- Supervise institutional giving associate and provide regular written evaluations and reviews; make staffing structure recommendations based on developing needs and goals; take counseling and corrective action with employees when necessary.
- Create a supportive, collaborative, productive, and healthy work environment based on respect, teamwork, and clear expectations and responsibilities. Support opportunities for professional development and be a passionate, visible, and informed advocate for MOCA
- Commitment to diversity and a history of working effectively with all people irrespective of their economic status, ethnicity, gender, educational level, or sexual orientation.
- Oversee all special projects as directed by the Chief Advancement Officer and support departmental needs as necessary including budgeting and event support.
Application:
Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.
Please click here to submit your resume and cover letter.
Preparator (Temporary)
Overview:
Temporary Preparator I is an entry-level position and works onsite under the supervision of the Director of Exhibition Production, the Exhibition Production Managers, and/or Senior Preparators as assigned, to receive, mount, pack and disperse artworks in all exhibitions and the collection. These functions involve working closely with the Registration Department, Curatorial Department, and visiting artists and curators. Primary responsibility is the safe and careful handling of all objects placed within the Museum's care and overall collection stewardship and maintenance.
Because the scope of the MOCA's exhibition program incorporates conventional art forms as well as those which are more experimental in nature, Preparator I will have a variety of tasks and functions to perform, relating to all aspects of construction, fabrication, installation, and maintenance of exhibitions.
Rate: $28.04 per hour
Essential Functions:
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Work well as a team member and interact with a wide variety of staff and non-museum personnel.
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Safely and carefully handle all objects placed within the museums care, using best practices.
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Receive, release, load, and unload shipments of art as assigned.
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Work in a precise and careful manner under stringent deadlines.
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Display creativity in solving technical problems and flexibility in adapting to unusual circumstances.
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Attend all mandatory safety and equipment training sessions. Comply with safety standards on all equipment use.
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Help to foster a collegial and collaborative work environment, contributing to the development of department staff at all skill levels.
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Maintain work spaces, gallery spaces, and artworks on display or in the collection according to standards set by Registrars, Exhibition Production Managers, and Senior Preparators.
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Work closely with other departments, particularly Operations, Facilities, and Security staff as needed to provide continued support to the greater museum.
Requirements:
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Minimum of two years experience working in museums, galleries, or professional artist studios. Contemporary art museum experience preferred.
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Excellent manual dexterity and visual acuity skills.
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Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
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Knowledge of the safe handling, care, and installation of all art objects, installation hardware, and movement techniques.
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Safe use of tools and equipment including, but not limited to: ladders, pallet jacks, non-electrical hand tools, and various portable and stationary power tools.
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Ability to multitask on a variety of concurrent projects.
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Ability to work nights and weekends as needed.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent must be able to do the following:
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Stand for long periods.
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Bend, stoop, reach, lift, and climb to move materials and carefully handle artwork.
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Climb up and down stairs and ladders; comfortably work at heights.
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Reach both above and below shoulder height.
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Be able to lift up to 50 pounds individually.
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Operate manually-controlled equipment and safely handle works of art.
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Ability to visually inspect work; specific visual abilities include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Desired Skills:
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Experience with Microsoft Office, Adobe CS, TMS, Sketchup and/or other relevant exhibition design software.
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Experience with various fabrication, carpentry and construction techniques, and gallery lighting.
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Experience using forklifts, aerial lifts and other motorized equipment.
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Knowledge of contemporary art.
Application:
Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.
Please click here to submit your resume and cover letter.
Curatorial Assistant
Overview
The Curatorial Assistant performs research and project management-oriented duties while working on exhibitions, publications, acquisitions, and other curatorial projects. Duties include performing general art historical research, maintaining exhibition files and collection database (The Museum System), drafting correspondence and other texts, responding to inquiries, and serving as liaison to other Museum departments, museums, galleries, collectors, artists, and trustees. The Curatorial Assistant may also be tasked with organizing smaller exhibitions, when appropriate.
Hourly Rate: $23.08-$26.68 per hour
Requirements
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Must possess the ability to communicate and interact well with others.
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Excellent grammar, writing, and organizational skills.
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Must be able to perform art historical research and effectively aid in managing exhibition projects.
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Knowledge of contemporary art is a must, and possession of an M.A. in art history or related subject is highly preferred, as is previous museum or gallery experience.
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Ability to use Microsoft Office including Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Photoshop, Google Workspace, SketchUp.
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Previous experience with The Museum System (TMS) database preferred.
Essential Functions
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Assist curators with all aspects of exhibition organization and implementation including loans and loan correspondence, artist and gallery correspondence, data entry, image scanning and maintenance of digital image assets, scheduling meetings, making travel arrangements, drafting grant applications, coordinating installation photography, and developing public programming.
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Work closely with Exhibition Production, Registration, Exhibition Management, Communications, Education and Visitor Services, and Advancement staff. Assist curators in developing exhibition planning process timelines and facilitating the flow of exhibition content information (e.g., images, checklists, floor plans, exhibition descriptions, installation plans, technical requirements, web copy, press materials) so that timelines may be adhered to.
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Assist curators with exhibition-related didactics including object label copy,wall texts, and brochures. Coordinate external editors and translators.
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Assist curators with exhibition-related publications including securing copyright permissions, arranging artwork photography, compiling research as directed, and copy editing and proofing. Work closely with external editors, designers, authors and other contributors, and publishers and with MOCA’s Chief of Public Engagement, Learning & Impact and Retail Department.
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Lead exhibition tours and speak publicly about exhibitions, when appropriate.
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Perform internet, library, and archival research for exhibitions, publications, collections, and potential acquisitions.
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Prepare Acquisitions Reports and PowerPoint presentations for potential acquisitions; provide proposed collection information to Registrar, and work with donors and galleries as needed.
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Develop and maintain working relationships and appropriately represent the Museum to outside organizations, collectors, artists, and others.
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Participate in ongoing, general department administrative projects, including collection care and development of best practices and procedures, and administrative work in support of the curatorial vision of the Chief Curator & Director of Curatorial Affairs.
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In select instances, organize modest exhibitions from the permanent collection.
Application:
Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.
Please click here to submit your resume and cover letter.
Gallery Attendant I
Overview
Gallery Attendants create a positive, warm, welcoming, accessible, and enjoyable experience in the museum’s galleries by engaging with visitors and protecting the artwork. Scheduled at either of MOCA’s downtown locations (MOCA Grand and MOCA at the Geffen Contemporary) Gallery Attendants staff the museum, queuing, and entry points during public hours, special events, and public programs; in addition, they handle ticketing admissions as well as membership sales and service. Gallery Attendants help ensure visitor and staff are in compliance with the museum’s code of conduct.
This is a part-time position requiring you to work onsite. Weekend work will be required.
Hourly Rate: $18.97 per hour
Requirements
- Friendly and outgoing disposition; strong communication skills to interact with diverse visitors; understanding of how body language can convey a welcoming yet professional presence.
- Experience dealing with the public in a customer service or hospitality capacity. Hospitality-oriented individuals with strong people skills are preferred.
- Familiarity with museums; strong interest in contemporary art.
- Ability to handle fast-paced events, as well as to remain focused and attentive during quieter times.
- Exercise and demonstrate good judgment consistently.
- In partnership with security personnel, willingness to act as a “first responder” in emergency situations such as earthquakes, power outages, or incidents requiring medical attention.
- Three days per week minimum availability. Flexible on-site schedule; must have weekend availability which is defined as Saturday and/or Sunday, and willingness to work evenings, holidays, and special events including, the annual gala, education events, press event, members events, opening night, opening weekends, and closing events at both downtown locations – MOCA Grand Avenue in Downtown Los Angeles and The Geffen Contemporary in Little Tokyo – as assigned.
Essential Functions
- Proactively engage, greet, and orient visitors while protecting artworks on view.
- All Gallery Attendants will adhere to museum rules and policies including those outlined in the Visitor Code of Conduct.
- Run check-in for special events and public programs, including keeping the line organized and communicating updates with event/program attendees.
- Maintain posts in the museum lobby and galleries during public hours and events.
- Assist MOCA Security with fire/life safety protocols, including medical incidents or emergency situations.
- Participate in daily briefings and additional scheduled trainings, including curatorial walkthroughs of new exhibitions.
- Set up and strike wayfinding devices, ticketing signage, and visitor engagement collateral.
- Use Altru and XTruLink ticketing and scanning systems as trained to accurately capture required visitor information and process transactions for both free and paid admission.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of MOCA’s membership benefits and actively promote MOCA’s membership programs.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of museum information by reading and reviewing all staff communications and attending all staff meetings.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of policies and procedures as outlined in training sessions, staff meetings, written handbooks and the VE Google Site.
- Assist patrons with accessibility aids; use the two questions outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act, to ensure proper access for prospective ticket-purchasers with service animals.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Upon satisfactory completion of a 90-day probationary period:
- Complete training to provide logistical support during Contemporary Art Start hours.
- Run pre-tour check-in and manage the restroom line.
- Observe tours when appropriate offering extra art protection in the gallery.
- Participate in daily debriefing after student tours end.
Application:
Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.
Please click here to submit your resume and cover letter.
Temporary Audio/Visual Technician
Overview
Temporary Audio/Visual Technician works onsite under the supervision of the AV Technical manager to provide assistance for MOCA rental events, exhibitions, film and video presentations, performances, lectures and presentations and various other programs at both MOCA locations (MOCA Grand and MOCA at the Geffen Contemporary). Primary responsibilities include preparing, installing, activating, operating, troubleshooting and breaking down audio visual and other equipment in a variety of contexts as well as the upkeep and maintenance of equipment in the museum’s inventory, collection, and as installed in exhibitions. Because the scope of the Museum's programming incorporates conventional art forms as well as those which are more experimental in nature, Temporary Audio/Visual Technician will have a variety of tasks and functions to perform, relating to all aspects of technical installation and live events. Some evening and weekend work will be required.
Hourly Rate: $23.79 per hour
Essential Functions:
- Responsible for handling, installing and troubleshooting complex artworks, assisting with projection, audio engineering (including live sound), videotaping, and lighting.
- Works with AV Technical Manager and Exhibition Technicians in preparing and installing all AV equipment for exhibitions and with other MOCA staff for programming and events.
- Maintains operations of exhibitions including monitoring all media elements, performing routine maintenance with supervision of AV Technical Manager.
- Assisting in the preparation of exhibitions, including the handling of artworks, light construction and routine maintenance.
- Assists with care, maintenance and tracking of the museum’s A/V equipment.
- In coordination with the AV Technical Manager, provides audio-visual services for live events, including setup and operation of media for museum’s programming, rentals and other functions.
- Must be able to work well as a team member in a professional manner with a wide variety of staff and non-museum personnel in accomplishing projects with high production standards.
- Must be able to work in a precise and careful manner under stringent deadlines.
- Must display creativity in solving technical problems, and flexibility in adapting to unusual circumstances.
- Must be willing to understand and learn new technologies specific to MOCA installs and events
- Partnering with the Rentals Program Manager, Registration Department, Curatorial Department, Exhibitions Department, Education Department, and visiting artists and curators working on museum projects
- And other duties as required
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Film/Video, Theater, Audio Production, Media Arts, Performing Arts or a closely related field strongly preferred. Experience may count towards a degree.
- Minimum experience of two years working with film, video, audio, new media or related production work.
- Computer competency required.
- Basic electrical knowledge required, advanced electrical knowledge preferred.
- Working knowledge of tools and proper application required.
- Must demonstrate safe use of equipment including, but not limited to: media equipment, electrical equipment, personnel lifts, and various portable and stationary power tools.
- Must be ok presenting both conventional and nonconventional art forms that can be experimental in nature.
- Must be willing to follow Injury Illness Prevention Program.
- Ability to follow a number of systems for identifying, evaluating, and preventing occupational safety and health hazards, in addition to initiating Employee Safe Training with all stationary and mobile power tools and in the handling of all relevant materials and substances.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent must be able to do the following:
- Stand for long periods
- Bend, stoop, reach, lift, and climb to move materials and operate equipment
- Climb up and down stairs and ladders
- Reach both above and below shoulder height
- Be able to lift up to 50 pounds
- Manual dexterity to operate manually-controlled equipment and artwork
- Ability to visually inspect work; specific visual abilities include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
This position is covered by MOCA/AFSCME Collective Bargaining Unit Agreement: YES
To submit your resume and cover letter, please click here.
Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.
The Museum of Contemporary Art is an equal opportunity employer. We will extend equal opportunity to all individuals without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military status, veteran status or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local laws. Our policy reflects and affirms the Museum of Contemporary Art’s commitment to the principles of fair employment and the elimination of all discriminatory practices.