We are looking for an experienced researcher to support the curatorial team with preparations for a major retrospective dedicated to the life and work of the iconic poet, performance artist and activist Jayne Cortez (1934-2012). The Fellow will form an integral part of the curatorial team, working directly with them to engage in extensive archival and historical research in partnership with Cortez’s estate and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture at the New York Public Library.

The Fellow will lead on the maintenance of a research database containing the primary and secondary documents gathered by Amant’s team, such as her never-before-seen manuscripts, personal letters, and recorded performances, and helping to analyze, interpret and organize these materials. The Fellow will build a detailed chronology of Cortez’s life, as well as the most extensive bibliography of her work to-date. Additionally, the Fellow will be expected to independently conduct further archival and historical research where necessary. The Fellow will also have the opportunity to work closely with our Education and Engagement team to conceptualize a series of programs, including workshops and educational guides, aimed at connecting students and younger audiences with Cortez’s poetry and politics.

A qualified candidate will have a post-graduate degree (doctoral and post-doctoral students preferred) in Art History, or a related subject, and have demonstrable experience in archival research. Attention to detail and accuracy as well as familiarity with historical document searches and citation protocols are essential. Must work well independently. An interest in and knowledge of the Black Arts Movement is a plus.

The fellowship begins in January 2023 and will run until the opening of the exhibition in Spring 2024. This is a part-time position (1-2 days per week), and we can offer a fee of $25 per hour. Amant will not sponsor a visa or other work authorization in connection with this position.

Please send your cover letter and CV as a single PDF to employment@amant.org with “Research Fellow” in the subject heading.

Application deadline is November 20, 2022.

Amant will only contact those candidates they will are interested in interviewing.

Role and Responsibilities:

Design:
-Working closely with the curatorial team, in charge of designing wall text, exhibition graphics, brochures, labels, program posters, flyers based on pre-established brand guidelines and templates.

-In charge of timely production of print-ready files, in-house printing, or working as liaison with external vendor.

-In charge of on-site implementation as well as distribution campaigns of designed assets. Prepares press package and press image files together with curatorial department, does follow up for press requests.

-Files and preserves records and samples of printed materials and all Amant-related press.

Communication strategy:
-Together with the Head of Communications, develops a strong visual strategy for Amant’s homepage and social media grid, and creates and edits digital images when needed.

-In charge of timely website uploads, implementation and updating of accessibility guidelines, cross-platform consistency, and continued quality assurance.

-In charge of asset sourcing; coordinates with external producers and editor(s), directs and ensures timely delivery of edited media (video, audio) for the Amant website and social media.

-Together with Head of Communications and Chief Curator, develops social media calendar and contributes with/drafts/creates creative concepts for social media and online content materials.

-Fields social media requests from different departments within the organization, and manages communication schedule with them.

-Contributes to communication strategy and digital audience and alliance building through analysis of user insights and feedback, as well as peer research.

Outreach:
-Maintains contact base in Artbase and Mailchimp.

-Plans, develops, and implements direct outreach campaigns for public programs and exhibitions, in coordination with Curatorial Department.

Performs any other duties reasonably related to the functions described above.

The ideal candidate is/has:

-Passionate about design and communication in the cultural sector, has a desire to grow in this field and to further help grow Amant’s voice and image through appealing concepts that reflect Amant’s brand identity and mission.

-A proven ability to make brand-specific graphic design assets and works proficiently with InDesign; experience with Premier, the Adobe Suite and After Effects, as well as captioning and transcription software are strongly recommended.

-A strong visual sense, can work editorially with images (sequencing, layout, color, text-image relations).

-Familiar with communication strategy in small to mid-sized cultural or arts organizations, has at least 3 years of experience working in digital media or communications.

-An excellent project manager and coordinator, both internally and with external parties.

-A good team communicator and is willing to work collaboratively.

-Flexible, knows how to prioritize, and can attend to tasks in a timely manner.

-Keeps colleagues abreast of process and projects.

How to Apply:

Send a cover letter and CV in a single PDF as well as a portfolio of relevant, select past work (no longer than 6 pages) to employment@amant.org with “Design and Communications Coordinator” in the subject line.

Compensation & Benefits:

Salary commensurate with experience, starting at $55,000 per annum
Medical, Dental, Vision
PTO and Sick leave.

This is a full-time position. Depending on programming and project needs, the work schedule will occasionally include early mornings, evenings, and weekends. 

Amant will not sponsor a visa or other work authorization in connection with this position.  

Not sure you fit our job description 100%? We recognize everyone has different experience and talents. If your past work experience is similar to the above, please consider applying. Diversity of backgrounds skills and passions are encouraged and fostered at Amant.

Amant is an equal employment opportunity employer. It is Amant’s policy to not unlawfully discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, or any other characteristic made unlawful to consider by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Amant also prohibits harassment of applicants and employees based on any of these protected categories. It is also Amant’s policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws regarding consideration of unemployment status, salary history, credit/bankruptcy history and criminal background/conviction history in making hiring decisions.