Volunteering at the Whitney:

If you are familiar with the Whitney Museum and interested in donating some of your valuable time to the institution, please consider joining the Whitney's dedicated family of volunteers.

Academic Year and Summer Internships

The Whitney Museum of American Art offers both an academic year and summer internship program. Internships are geared primarily toward college juniors and seniors who gain first-hand experience about how a museum functions.  Graduate level students will also be considered if there are appropriate projects.  Under the supervision of a department head or curator, interns assist in regular departmental activities that range from research and special projects to routine administrative and clerical tasks.
Email hr@whitney.org for questions and more information about the application process.
 
Academic:  Internships are by semester or full year.  Submit by mail or email, a resume and cover letter, stating the departments where you are interested in working and the skills you have to contribute to these areas.  There is no deadline for submissions and no stipend.
 
Summer:  The program accepts 25-30 students in departments throughout the Museum.  The internship is a nine-week, full-time program and the dates for 2009 are:  June 1st through July 31st.  Email hr@whitney.org for application information.  The deadline to submit materials by mail is March 1st (no email submissions accepted and incomplete applications will not be reviewed). Weekly seminars with department heads and curators are organized to broaden interns’ perspective beyond their assigned departments. Additionally, interns visit other cultural institutions around New York City.  The Museum offers a $500 stipend and money towards two monthly unlimited metro cards.  

Employment at the Whitney:

The Whitney Museum of American Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Museum does not discriminate because of age, sex, religion, race, color, national origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other factor prohibited by law. Qualified candidates of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels. This description shall not be construed as a contract of any sort for a specific period of employment.

If interested in any positions, please send resume, cover letter and salary requirements to: HR Department, Whitney Museum of American Art, 945 Madison Avenue, New York City, 10021. No calls, please. You may also email your materials to: hr@whitney.org.

Please do not send catalogues or original materials.  The Museum cannot assume responsibility for any original materials which are submitted.

 

Director of Membership and Annual Fund

Reporting to the Associate Director for Development, the Director of Membership and Annual Fund will oversee all aspects of the Whitney’s Membership and Annual Fund programs, responsible for approximately $2.5 million of the Museum’s annual operating budget.  In order to ensure aggressive membership growth, the Director will develop and oversee strategies to acquire, renew, reinstate and upgrade members through direct marketing, online and onsite channels.  Oversee Membership and Annual Fund data management, segmentation and analysis. Prepare and manage membership and annual fund budgets. Develop quarterly, annual and long-term income forecasts. Oversee and participate in membership events and programs. This position focuses on members who contribute $5,000 or less annually and Annual Fund donors who contribute at all giving levels.

Requirements: BA/BS, 6+ years of direct marketing experience with proven track record in membership fundraising, 2+ years of management experience. Excellent writing, communication, data analysis and strategic planning skills.

 

Junior Staff Accountant
 
Reporting to the controller, the junior staff accountant will assure the proper recording of the Museum's books and records and assist in producing the Museum's financial statements.  
Other responsibilities: Audit and reconcile monthly receipts between the General Ledger and other Museum departments, including online revenue systems; prepare schedules for year end audit; issue invoices; prepare journal entries and account analysis as assigned as well as other projects and tasks as directed by the Controller.
 
Requirements:  Currently enrolled and working towards an Accounting degree; 1 year of accounting and/or bookkeeping experience; MS Office (Excel required); Good communication skills and excellent problem solving skills.

 

Payroll Administrator
 
Reporting to the assistant controller, the payroll administrator will be responsible for entering bi-weekly payroll and reconciling/recording receipts for the Museum’s sources of revenue.  Other responsibilities:  Compile and input attendance data into the ADP system for biweekly payroll; review and verify time cards; reconcile data entered into ADP system with data received; prepare payroll journal entry for general ledger input. Prepare receipts for bank deposit; Audit daily retail store revenues and admission receipts; maintain records of all Museum receipts and other tasks as assigned.
 
Requirements: Some college; previous payroll experience; MS Office (Excel required) and experience with ADP or similar system. Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of staff and answer questions clearly and in a timely fashion.

 

Project Lead Cataloguer (2-year grant funded position)
 
Reporting to the project manager, the lead cataloguer oversees the project cataloguers on a daily basis and coordinates with art handling and other departments to ensure that proper preparation is met for daily cataloguing. Initiate daily cataloguing worksheets, object packages, maintain all daily statistical data and communicate with the project manager regarding all aspects of the project.  Proof-read all completed catalogue records to ensure the high level of accuracy expected.
 
Requirements:  B.A. in Art History/Museum Studies or related. (M.A. preferred);3-5 years of previous Museum work experience; strong attention to detail and experience handling art; excellent computer skills (Outlook, WORD, Excel) and strong knowledge of TMS.



 
Project Cataloguer (2-year grant funded position)
 

Reporting to the lead cataloguer, the cataloguer will be solely responsible for the physical cataloguing of all works on paper: Drawings, prints and photographs. Physical examination and capture of results to be directly inputted into the collection management system for works on paper using specific syntax and data entry protocols.  Work within a team of cataloguers and conservators to ensure that this re-cataloguing project is completed within the timeframe established.

Requirements:  B.A. Art History/Museum Studies. (M.A. preferred) and previous museum work experience; strong attention to detail and experience handling art; team player; strong computer skills (Outlook, WORD, Excel) and knowledge of TMS.

 

Senior Visitor Assistant (weekly schedule is Wednesday through Sunday) 

Responsibilities:

  • Selling tickets on VISTA (an automated ticket selling system)
  • Selling Museum memberships
  • Assisting with Museum admissions
  • Responding to general customer questions and concerns
  • Administrative assistance

Requirements: 

  • A minimum of 1-2 sales/customer service experience preferably in a museum or cultural institution setting
  • Excellent people and problem solving skills
  • Strong cash handling skills
  • Background or interest in art preferred

 

Design/Construction Coordinator

A full-time position is available in the Exhibitions Department as Design/Construction Coordinator, reporting to the Manager of Exhibition Design & Construction. Responsibilities:  assist with the design of museum exhibitions and the creation of drawings for exhibitions (floor plans, pedestals, exhibition furniture); negotiate contracts with outside construction-related vendors; track and maintain database of construction expenses; and other duties as assigned. Work closely with exhibitions staff, curators, art handlers, carpenters, registrars, artists, outside vendors, and facilities staff.

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Art, Design, or Museum Studies; previous experience in design, construction, installation, and/or preparation; proficiency with Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, Photoshop, and 3D rendering programs; model making skills are desirable. Candidates must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

 

Freelance Art Handler/Preparator
Reporting to the Head Preparator and the off site Collection Storage Manager, the freelance art handlers will be involved with the installation, moving, packing, unpacking, receiving and releasing of paintings and sculpture. Requirements: art handling skills; applicable experience in preparation of art objects for exhibition and loan; ability to use hand and power tools; knowledge of art processes and materials.




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