Research Assistant, Joan Mitchell Catalogue Raisonné

The Research Assistant will support ongoing research related to Joan Mitchell's paintings for the Joan Mitchell Catalogue Raisonné project. Status Full-time, Non-exempt Hiring Salary Range $60,000-65,000 Position Summary The Joan Mitchell Catalogue Raisonné (JMCR) seeks an experienced and enthusiastic Research Assistant to support on-going research related to Joan Mitchell's paintings. The Joan Mitchell Catalogue Raisonné (JMCR) was established by the Joan Mitchell Foundation (JMF) as a limited liability company to research and produce a definitive art historical record documenting the complete oeuvre of paintings on canvas by Joan Mitchell (1925-1992). The catalogue raisonné is currently in the research phase, moving towards readying material for an initial publication. Working in collaboration with the Project Manager and JMCR research team, the Research Assistant will be responsible for outreach (to institutions and private individuals), sourcing and retrieving archival and other secondary source materials, maintaining digital and paper filing systems, data entry (FileMaker) and monitoring the JMCR's email account. The Research Assistant will also provide administrative support related to the examination, photography, and cataloguing of paintings. The Research Assistant position requires great attention to detail, focusing heavily on data entry, fact-checking, and administrative support. The Research Assistant will also have opportunities to see and examine Mitchell's paintings in person. The ideal candidate possesses an academic background in 20th-century art history and has scholarly and/or professional research experience. Training will be provided, and this is a position with room for growth. Readiness to learn on the job is essential. A successful candidate will have excellent communication skills and a great ability to multi-task and prioritize. This position requires independent work as well as collaboration within the JMCR team and the wider Joan Mitchell Foundation. This position is based in the Foundation's New York office with a hybrid(3 days/week in office) schedule and some local travel required. Key Responsibilities Will Include Data entry: Regularly and accurately update and verify artwork records in FileMaker (with information from submission forms and other documentation) in accordance with JMCR Style Guidelines and the Chicago Manual of Style. Research: Initiate and accomplish targeted searches in museum libraries, online auction databases, and digital archives to locate missing citations and/or verify research findings; Assist with documenting and cross-referencing information from various sources(archives, libraries, online databases, and JMF/JMCR's internal files); Monitor Google Alerts and other news aggregators for information about Joan Mitchell and track/report findings for the JMCR team; Digital image management: Organize research images, including uploading and tagging exam photographs in FileMaker Pro Outreach to auction houses: In collaboration with the JMCR team, prepare bi-annual letter campaigns for auction houses to encourage submissions and track provenance. Administrative support: Assist the research team pre- and post-painting examinations (includes: correspondence with registrars, collection managers, and private collectors); Process/file exam notes and tag photographs in FileMaker; Assist with travel planning; Check View email address on click.appcast.io inbox regularly and address necessary items in coordination with the Project Manager; Additional administrative support will include updating spreadsheets and calendars, filing, scanning, xeroxing, sending/receiving packages, as necessary Research collaboration & knowledge sharing: Collaborate with the Legacy Team to strategize and coordinate research, documentation and communication. Report out relevant findings in group meetings. Qualifications, Knowledge, Skill Required Education: B.A. required, M.A. preferred in Art History with coursework or a declared focus on 20th-century Modernism 1-3 years of work experience in a museum, gallery, archive, catalogue raisonné or academic research environment Proficiency in FileMaker Pro; Google suite, Excel, PowerPoint and Photoshop. Reading proficiency in French strongly preferred, to parse and extract metadata from French exhibition checklists and correspondence Familiarity with auction house and gallery records Attention to detail, patience for repetitive data-heavy tasks, and a positive collaborative mindset Awareness, comfort and ability around handling sensitive and confidential information Excellent writing, organizational, and communication skills. High level of personal and professional integrity; trustworthiness with a strong work ethic Commitment to the Joan Mitchell Foundation's mission, vision, purpose, and core values Ability to communicate clearly and with professionalism, and to establish and maintain collegial relationships with peer artist-endowed foundations, scholars, auction houses, galleries, artists, and other arts professionals While largely sedentary, this position requires the ability to sit, stand, lift up to 20 pounds, speak, and hear, sometimes for extended periods of time Requires the ability to use a computer and general office equipment. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. The Foundation reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. Medical, Dental, Vision, Short- and Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance 401k + Employer contribution Generous PTO, Sick time, and Floating Holidays Commuter benefits (parking and mass transit) Pet insurance, group accident insurance, MetLife Auto and Home Insurance, Legal Insurance Behavioral Health Employee Assistance Program Note: The salary range is based on the Foundation's approach and commitment to providing competitive and equitable compensation. The range shared is a guideline for the salary offered, which will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, special licensing or qualifications, unique skillsets, and other factors which will impact their contribution to the role and Foundation as a whole. In addition, the Foundation completes regular compensation analysis which aligns with our equitable compensation philosophy. Application & Interview Process All applications should submit resume and separate a cover letter inclusive of salary requirements to View email address on click.appcast.io . Submissions must be received by September 19, 2026. As a part of our interview process, selected candidates will meet with prospective peers, leaders, and stakeholders. All offers of employment are subject to successful completion of reference and background checks. By submitting your resume for this role, you are affirming your submission is true and accurate and understand our recruiting process and the benefits offered by the Foundation. Accommodations Equal Employment Opportunity / Reasonable Accommodations The Joan Mitchell Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a strong commitment to equity and inclusion in our organizational culture and our hiring practices. The Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, religion, race, color, creed, national origin, alienage or citizenship, disability, marital status, partnership status, veteran status, gender (including gender identity), sexual orientation, or any other factor prohibited by law. The Foundation believes that commitment to principles of fairness and respect for all help create a climate that is favorable to the free and open exchange of ideas. The Foundation proactively seeks to reach out as widely as possible in order to attract the best candidates to join the team. If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply even if not sure you meet 100% of our qualifications. Employment decisions are made based on an individual’s qualifications to contribute to meeting the Foundation’s objectives and its organizational needs. In addition, the Foundation will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals in all aspects of the employment process. If accommodations are needed for the role, they can be submitted to View email address on click.appcast.io. This description and potential offer shall not be construed as a contract of any sort for a specific period of employment as the Foundation recognizes employment is at will. The Joan Mitchell Catalogue Raisonné project was established in 2015 in order to research Joan Mitchell's paintings and to result in the eventual publication of a catalogue raisonné. This long-term research project will result in a scholarly publication documenting all of the artist’s painted work. #J-18808-Ljbffr Joan Mitchell Foundation