JOB TITLE: Research Assistant, Joan Mitchell Catalogue Raisonné GRADE/STATUS: Full Time, Non-ExemptREPORTS TO: Project Manager, Mitchell Catalogue RaisonnéEFFECTIVE DATE: August 17, 2026 HIRING SALARY RANGE: $60,000 – 65,000 LOCATION: New York, NY / Hybrid (3 days/week in office) / Some local travel requiredDEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: September 19, 2026POSITION SUMMARYThe 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.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESData 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 ProOutreach 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 info@joanmitchellcr.org 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 necessaryResearch 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, AND SKILLS REQUIREDEducation: B.A. required, M.A. preferred in Art History with coursework or a declared focus on 20th-century Modernism1–3 years of work experience in a museum, gallery, archive, catalogue raisonné or academic research environmentProficiency 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 correspondenceFamiliarity with auction house and gallery recordsAttention to detail, patience for repetitive data-heavy tasks, and a positive collaborative mindsetAwareness, 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 ethicCommitment to the Joan Mitchell Foundation\'s mission, vision, purpose, and core valuesAbility 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 professionalsWhile largely sedentary, this position requires the ability to sit, stand, lift up to 20 pounds, speak, and hear, sometimes for extended periods of timeRequires 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.
