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EXHIBITIONS ASSISTANT
Position Summary

The Contemporary Jewish Museum (The CJM) seeks an Exhibitions Assistant who will attend to the special needs and various elements of an exhibition. This role will include security and safety of the artworks in an exhibition, as well as engagement with visitors during public hours. The Exhibitions Assistant will be responsible for confirming the exhibition elements are functioning and appropriately positioned. The Exhibition Assistant will be available to answer general questions and provide in-person guidance to visitors. Successful candidates will be dependable, have strong interpersonal and communications skills and be willing to assist in enforcing safe interactions between the visitors and the artworks.

Shifts will be scheduled during The Museum’s public hours, Thursday through Sunday. Schedules may be subject to change, depending on attendance trends and visitor engagement. Some hours may be scheduled on an as-needed basis, which means the Exhibitions Assistant may be contacted when opportunities are available and may accept or decline the hours based on their availability. The as-needed status does not obligate The CJM to offer hours or obligate the Exhibitions Assistant to accept hours offered.

In order to be familiar with and speak comfortably of the content of the exhibition, training with the Education, Visitor Experience, and Exhibitions Technician teams will be required. Training sessions will be scheduled in advance of the first shift.

For all positions, The Museum expects an interest in and commitment to the mission and core values of The CJM, including its beliefs in anti-racism, diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.

Position: Exhibitions Assistant
Department: Exhibitions
Reports To: Director of Exhibitions  
Status: Temporary, Part-time, Non-exempt

Compensation: $28.35/hour
Location: On-site at The CJM, San Francisco, CA

Essential Job Responsibilities
  • Circulate within the gallery engaging with visitors, offering in-person guidance, and sharing a strong understanding of the current exhibition.
  • Create an enjoyable and rewarding experience for visitors and answering their questions.
  • Stay informed about current and upcoming exhibitions, programs, and marketing campaigns.
  • Ensure visitor compliance with all safety standards and protocols. Coordinate any issues with Visitor Experience and Security personnel. Act as eyes and ears for Museum Security.
  • Maintain a physical presence in the gallery during public hours, assist with managing crowds and/or equipment.
  • Activate any artwork that requires to be mobilized, turned on, or set in motion.
  • Identify and/or troubleshoot any issues with the artwork. Coordinate with the appropriate individual for repair, (or provide art-handling/repair, if trained to do so).
Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

  • 1-3 years combination of relevant education, training, and/or work experience in a museum or arts setting
  • Experience as a Visitor Experience Specialist, Exhibition Technician, Museum Educator, or with similar preparation or background
  • Experience or familiarity with art handling OR a willingness and curiosity to learn
  • Familiarity with museum standards and practices
  • Minimum 1 year of experience in customer service or education environment
  • Excellent customer service and verbal communication skills
  • Professional and cordial demeanor
  • Organizational skills and a strong attention to detail
  • Computer proficient

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Ability to problem-solve unexpected issues in a public setting
  • Ability to follow written and oral instructions and procedures
  • Ability to work independently, and to perform work assignments as part of a team
  • Self-motivated and confident in interacting with the public in high energy environments
  • Capable of responding to emergency situations such as assisting in building evacuation
  • Willingness to learn and implement The CJM’s techniques in conversation-based museum education strategies
  • Familiarity with Contemporary Art, Jewish traditions, history, or culture
  • Ability to represent The CJM to the public
  • Availability to work on weekend days
Physical Requirements
  • Ability to be on feet for at least 6 hours each day
  • Ability to lift and/or move up to 35 lbs. and climb ladders
  • Physical activity including twisting, sitting, bending, lifting, climbing stairs
  • Manual dexterity
How to apply

Send a cover letter and resume to:

The Contemporary Jewish Museum

Email: jobs@thecjm.org

Please indicate “Exhibitions Assistant” in the subject line

The Contemporary Jewish Museum is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin or ancestry, age, marital or domestic partner status, sex, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, The CJM will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.