Full- and Part-time positions

Preparator, Robert Rauschenberg Foundation

TITLE: Preparator
STATUS: Full-time, Exempt
LOCATION: Mount Vernon, NY
REPORTS TO: Registrar and Lead Preparator
IC OR MANAGER: Individual Contributor - No direct reports

OVERVIEW

The Robert Rauschenberg Foundation expands the legacy of artist Robert Rauschenberg (1925–2008) who believed strongly in the power of art as a catalyst for social change. The Foundation delivers on its mission through ongoing research and support for exhibitions, while sustaining the well-being of innovative artists and the work of socially engaged institutions that embody the same risk-taking, inclusive, and multidisciplinary approach that Rauschenberg exemplified in both his art and philanthropic endeavors. The Foundation primarily supports small to midsize arts and socially engaged organizations that are contrarian and experimental, even courageous, in driving towards equity. In addition, the Foundation amplifies the creative life of artists and scholars across the disciplines through residencies, commissions, and accessible public platforms. Finally, the Foundation supports research, exhibitions, publications, academic partnerships, and special projects across the globe that promote the legacy of Rauschenberg’s joyful, responsive, and irreverent approach to making work while living an empathetic and meaningful life.

The Preparator plays a pivotal role in safeguarding and presenting our extensive art collection. This position is responsible for the meticulous design, construction, and maintenance of custom housing for our collections, as well as the preparation of artworks for domestic and international exhibitions, loans, and consignments. Based at our state-of-the-art storage facility in Westchester County, NY, this on-site role requires a proactive, detail-oriented professional who thrives in a collaborative environment and excels in both technical skills and creative problem-solving.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Expertly move, pack, and install artworks for exhibitions, viewings, audits, consignments, loans, and conservation projects.
Supervises small teams of art services staff, contractors, and conservation fellows as needed.
Occasionally travels as installation and transport courier, as needed.
Maintain and update precise database records for artwork location tracking, ensuring accuracy and accessibility.
Executes, files, and catalogues art movement receipts and bills of lading.
Provides guidance on art handling, transportation, and installation, addressing any technical or logistical challenges that arise.
Upholds and enforces safety and environmental regulations throughout all preparatory and handling activities.
Makes, updates, checks, shares, and files condition reports and handling/installation instructions.
Maintains supply inventory of warehouse consumables and handles all re-orders and stocking.
Supports the development and refinement of procedures and best practices for art handling, storage, and installation to enhance operational efficiency and collection care.
Performs additional duties as may be relevant and pertinent to the role as required to support the Foundation’s mission and art services operations.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS REQUIRED

Minimum 5 years’ experience working in art services is required. Must be a self-starter, a team-player, and be able to work independently on long-term projects.
A strong knowledge of museum standards for art handling is required.
The ability to safely operate power tools such as table-saws, mitre-saws, band-saws, and drill-presses is required. Experience using pallet jacks, j-bars, and dollies is required.
Must have extensive experience packing artwork: choosing and using archival materials to construct boxes, slip cases, portfolios, folios, travel-frames, and complex sculpture trays.
Must be able to safely lift and maneuver large, complex objects mechanically and physically on a daily basis.
Must be comfortable reviewing and executing receipts, expects, and bills of lading.
Certified experience operating a forklift preferred but not required.
Experience working with Conservators or an interest in conservation is preferred but not required.
Experience reviewing condition reports and loan agreements is preferred but not required.
Bachelors, MFA, or related degree preferred with fluency in spoken and written English. Advanced computer skills: Mac OS X, MS Office, Filemaker Pro, Adobe.
Experience using SketchUp and/orAutoCAD is preferred but not required.

ADA SPECIFICATIONS

Physical requirements: Lifting and moving heavy objects (in excess of 50 lbs), bending, kneeling, crouching, standing for long periods of time, etc.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The compensation range for this position is $70,000 to $75,000 annually, commensurate with experience. The Robert Rauschenberg Foundation offers a competitive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans with generous employer contribution, tuition reimbursement and other perks.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

The Robert Rauschenberg Foundation is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. We believe that a diverse team strengthens our ability to achieve our mission and fosters an innovative and collaborative workplace.

HOW TO APPLY

Please email resume and cover letter to employment@rauschenbergfoundation.org. Subject line should read: Preparator Application - Name.

Archives & Digital Interns, Fall 2024

LOCATION: New York City, in person
EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Part time
COMPENSATION: Paid

OVERVIEW

The Archives & Digital team seeks qualified candidates to support special projects and daily tasks through two internships, each centering around one of two unique areas of focus.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Under supervision of the Archives Assistant, the Fall 2024 Archives internship will focus on basic archival processing, including arrangement, description, and rehousing of a collection of newspaper clipping files. Additional possible projects include assistance with digitization and metadata entry, preparing research request materials, and library cataloging and maintenance.

Under supervision of the Digital Asset Specialist, the Fall 2024 Digital internship will focus on digitization, image ingest, and metadata entry for a collection of photographic materials. Additional possible projects include assistance with library cataloging and maintenance, preparing research request materials, and other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS REQUIRED

Current or recent Master of Science in Library and Information Science student with coursework in archives, digital humanities, or equivalent experience
Knowledge of basic library and archival principles
Experience working with databases, scanning software, and / or library catalogues
Knowledge of modern art and Rauschenberg a plus

ADA SPECIFICATIONS

As the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation is located in a historic building, entrance to the office requires the ability to walk up 13 steps.
While largely sedentary, this position requires the ability to sit, stand, lift up to 50 lbs, as well as speak, and hear, sometimes for extended periods of time.
Requires the ability to use a computer and office equipment traditionally found in office.

TERM AND COMPENSATION

September – December (Fall), 16–24 hours per week in-person, with the option to extend into Spring session by mutual agreement (February – May)
$20–$25 per hour commensurate with education and experience

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS AND DEADLINE

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to employment@rauschenbergfoundation.org. Please indicate “Fall 2024: Archives Intern” or “Fall 2024: Digital Intern” in the subject of your email to ensure proper processing and review. Please do not deviate from this format as it may lead to your application being filtered out of consideration.

Deadline is Friday, August 16, 2024.

As an equal opportunity employer and in our commitment to creating an equitable and inclusive work environment, the Rauschenberg Foundation strives to attract a diverse mix of talented people. Opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation/affectional preference, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established under law. Individuals from historically underrepresented backgrounds in art organizations are strongly encouraged to apply.