Curatorial Research Specialist

ABOUT THE LUCAS MUSEUM OF NARRATIVE ART

Opening in September 2026, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is dedicated to illustrated storytelling. Founded by George Lucas and Mellody Hobson, the museum's collection features works by artists including Norman Rockwell, Kadir Nelson, Jessie Willcox Smith, N. C. Wyeth, Beatrix Potter, Judith F. Baca, Frida Kahlo, and Maxfield Parrish; as well as comic art legends such as Winsor McCay, Jack Kirby, Frank Frazetta, Alison Bechdel, Chris Ware, and R. Crumb; and photographers Gordon Parks, Henri Cartier-Bresson, and Dorothea Lange. The Museum also houses the Lucas Archives, containing models, props, concept art, and costumes from Lucas's filmmaking career.


Designed by Ma Yansong of MAD with a landscape by Mia Lehrer of Studio-MLA, the Museum is in Exposition Park, Los Angeles, on an 11-acre campus that includes new green space and a 300,000-square-foot building with galleries, two theaters, a library, restaurant, café, retail store, and community spaces.


POSITION SUMMARY

The Curatorial Research Specialist is a member of the Lucas Museum curatorial team tasked with providing in-depth research and organizational support for collections and exhibition development. This position plays a key role in object research, and related historic analysis and cataloguing of the Lucas Museum collections, as well as assisting with specific project-based curatorial initiatives, including the museum's exhibition and acquisition programs.

The Curatorial Research Specialist, under the direction of the Lucas Museum Curatorial department, will work independently and collaboratively with Museum staff in the essential activities of a curatorial department. The Curatorial Research Specialist will combine advanced research skills and methodologies with a strong background in writing to write research-based texts on works in the collection that may serve a variety of content purposes, such as object files, materials for the Revenue & Engagement division, publications, and forms of gallery interpretation. This role will catalogue all findings utilizing The Museum System (TMS), and will also provide additional departmental administrative support, including the completion of forms, documents, and project budgets.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conducts research for exhibitions, curatorial projects, and publications related to Museum collections
• Exercises judgement and independent discretion while conducting online and in-person archival research with local, national, and international repositories to provide a recommendation to the Curatorial Department
• Uses expertise in art history or related field to perform object research on culture and style, place, object use and context, materials, provenance to provide a recommendation to the Curatorial Department that will influence decision making for exhibitions and potential acquisitions
• Conduct related research to expand artist and object information for research files, including compiling maker biographical information, gathering artwork tombstone details, and developing records regarding date and place of publication (if known)
• Interface with The Museum System (TMS) database to enter compiled research in accordance with standards and guidelines
• Serves as a liaison between the Museum and archivists, advisors, scholars, curators, artists, and artists' designated representatives regarding research on artists' careers and practices, as well as specific works of art
• Drafts research-based texts on works in the collection as well as loans that may serve a variety of content purposes, such as object files, the Museum's website, materials for the Revenue & Engagement division, publications, and forms of gallery interpretation
• Builds and organizes research files to support recommendations for the Curatorial Department
• Contributes in team meetings, as well as multiple working sessions with project advisory committees and inter-departmental Museum working groups based on expertise
• Manages, tracks, and contributes to exhibition development, including exhibition and loan checklists; provides logistical and administrative support for exhibitions
• Contributes to and supports catalogue research and development
• Contributes to and supports Curatorial department planning and initiatives, as assigned
• Works with technical teams at the Museum to realize required Curatorial aspects of the museum's inaugural planning
• May work with specialized consultants and outside scholars on collections related initiatives
• May require some travel as necessary for specific exhibition, project, and collections research
• Special projects and other duties as assigned

CORE COMPETENCIES

Analytical Rigor: Simplifies complex problems by using critical thinking to evaluate problems, gathering information, incorporating multiple perspectives, understanding causes, and identifying best-possible solutions. Invests time in planning, discovery, and reflection to drive better decisions and more efficient implementations. Adopts an audience-centric approach, understanding the needs of the audience and incorporating them, as appropriate, into the decision.


Courageous Communication: Intentionally works well with others both on the team and cross-functionally to achieve individual, team, department, or organizational goals. Values diverse input and working with others as a way to achieve the best output possible.


Collaborative Excellence: Displays courage when handling difficult conversations and genuinely and intentionally communicates. Relays key messages effectively, targeted to specific audiences. Identifies others' communication styles and perspectives, adjusting language and approach accordingly. Employs active listening to understand, rather than reply. Asks for, integrates, and values feedback from team, peers, and leaders.


Adaptive Resilience: Thrives and grows in a rapidly changing and complex environment. Displays flexibility, activates networks, and adopts a continuous growth mindset to learn from mistakes and bounce back from adversity.


Inclusive Interaction: Actively contributes to an environment in which all employees feel a sense of belonging, valued for their differences and empowered to participate and contribute freely.


QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• Master's degree from an accredited institution in history, art history, media studies, cinema studies, or related field required; Ph.D. preferred
• Minimum of three (3) years of cumulative experience in a museum or other arts institution context required

Skills

• Exceptional research skills including archival and digital research methods and tools
• Proficiency in the use of computers and Microsoft Office software
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, and sound judgment
• Proven skill in managing databases and records

Knowledge

• Broad knowledge of art history spanning the pre-modern era through nineteenth-century visual culture, 20th-century popular culture, and modern and contemporary art preferred
• Familiarity with best practices in provenance research preferred
• Knowledge of The Museum System (TMS), including data entry in TMS to create constituent records, object records, and capture rights information
• Reading knowledge of two or more languages required
• Knowledge of basic museum processes and procedures
• Deep passion, alignment, and commitment to the Lucas Museum's mission

Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Ability to understand and follow complex, detailed instructions
• Research ability sufficient to gather information about works of art or other materials
• Ability to follow professional museum standards, collection care principles, and museum policies
• Collaborative team player with proven ability to build relationships and work effectively and positively with Museum leadership and staff, a diverse set of external partners, and the general public
• Ability to engage with a wide variety of stakeholders, including Museum colleagues, industry experts, and other external partners
• Comfort with ambiguity, and an ability to envision the new and different, and a commitment to developing and working with diverse audiences
• Ability to thrive in an entrepreneurial, creative, collaborative, and nimble environment

$67,000 - $75,000 a year

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND OUR COMMITMENT TO DEAIB

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents and supports a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. The Lucas Museum fosters a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment, whether based on race, national origin, gender, gender expression, religion, ethnic background, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other criterion prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We believe that diversity and inclusion among our team is critical to our success, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the best qualified people from a diverse candidate pool. Applications from traditionally underrepresented communities are encouraged.

The statements in this description represent typical elements, criteria, and general work performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the job.

MISSION AND VISION

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is dedicated to the art of illustrated stories. Our mission is to inspire and connect people through the exploration of visual stories and their influences in society.


VALUES

Our internal and external practices are shaped by the following beliefs and behaviors.

People First : We meet people wherever they are (physically, intellectually, emotionally). Our inclusive practice connects who people are and what they find emotional in works of art.

Inspired: We believe that art can move you to feel, think, reflect, and act.

Collaborative: We believe that nimble thinking and working together yield exponential results.

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

Narrative Art:

Amplify the social impact of storytelling and illustration.


Community:

Connect to a broad and diverse public.

Operational Excellence:

Create a healthy and durable institution.


All staff at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art lead through a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, both within the Museum and with the communities that we serve.

Salary and titles will be assigned commensurate to the successful candidates' education and experience. An attractive compensation package will be offered to the successful candidate(s).