About The Vilcek Foundation
What We Do
The Vilcek Foundation raises awareness of immigrant contributions in the United States and fosters appreciation of the arts and sciences.
Who We Are
The foundation was established in 2000 by Jan and Marica Vilcek, immigrants from the former Czechoslovakia. Our mission was inspired by the couple’s respective careers in biomedical science and art history, as well as their personal experiences and appreciation for the opportunities offered to them as newcomers to the United States.
Responsibilities
The Vilcek Foundation is seeking applicants for the Vilcek Curatorial Fellow in Contemporary Art. In this role, the Curatorial Fellow will manage and give tours of the foundation’s upcoming exhibition of work by Il Lee, develop new exhibition programs of contemporary art, and work on all aspects of planning and executing various curatorial and creative projects, working under the supervision of the foundation’s president and alongside both the curator and the registrar and manager of collections, exhibitions, and facilities. The fellowship will provide a unique curatorial training and a platform to explore new exhibition ideas.
- Manage and give guided tours of Il Lee exhibition
- Manage requests for exhibition tours, which will be by appointment only and made via email
- Provide support for all phases of exhibition implementation, including research; checklist development; lender and artist relations; publication development; writing exhibition texts and online content; exhibition floorplans; gallery installation; and development of programs related to exhibitions
- Contribute to research projects on collections, conservation, exhibitions, and acquisitions
- Assist with other departmental needs including preparation for presentations, leading tours, and related tasks
In addition to these responsibilities, the Curatorial Fellow will participate in special projects that advance the Vilcek Foundation’s mission.
Other General Requirements
- All staff members are expected to provide general support to the president as needed.
- All staff members are expected to help greet visitors as needed.
- All staff members are expected to ensure that all correspondence sent from the foundation is handled in a professional and accurate manner.
- All staff members are expected to perform additional duties as assigned.
- Maintaining a convivial atmosphere and cooperative spirit at the workplace is highly desirable.
- All staff members are expected to maintain up-to-date contact and organizational records in Salesforce.
Position Specifics
- Duration: May 19, 2025–May 21, 2027
- Full-time, in-person, 35/hours per week (occasionally requiring some weekend and evening hours)
Physical Requirements
This position is a combination of both sedentary and mobile roles, requiring mobility throughout the gallery/exhibition space for guiding tours. The Vilcek Foundation is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its programs, and operations. As part of this commitment, the foundation will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations.
Qualifications and experience
- Master’s degree or PhD in art history, museum studies, or a related field; specialization in contemporary (post-1960) art
- 5+ years of hands-on curatorial or related experience required
- Excellent directed and independent research skills
- Strong written and verbal skills; demonstrated ability to write for general audiences
- Well-organized, detail-oriented, and proactive
- Committed to a career in curatorial work and/or museum administration
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), Microsoft Outlook, and other standard computer programs
- Flexibility in meeting shifting demands and priorities with proven ability to meet multiple deadlines
- Foreign language skills (written and verbal) are desirable.
- International candidates must be in possession of a valid U.S. work visa prior to the start of the fellowship and for the entire fellowship period.
Applications must include (PDF or MS Word format only):
- A letter of interest
- CV
- Three references with contact information
- Two letters of recommendation (scanned and attached)
- Writing samples:
- excerpt from thesis or other academic writing sample is preferred; must be less than 10 pages
- short, published general audience professional writing sample (such as wall text, gallery guide, etc.)
Our Benefits
- Employer-paid health insurance
- Dental & vision reimbursement plan
- Flexible spending account
- Tuition & student loan reimbursement
- 401(k) and employer match
- Generous vacation
- Free lunch on Fridays
- Life insurance
- Paid holidays
- Professional development
Compensation
Fellows will receive a stipend ranging between $60,000 to $70,000, commensurate with experience.
How to apply
Please send all materials to humanresources@vilcek.org.
Application Deadline
April 11, 2025
The Vilcek Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with anti-discrimination law, it is the purpose of this policy to effectuate these principles and mandates. The Vilcek Foundation prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, physical ability and neurodiversity status, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy/parenthood/familial status, domestic partnership status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, military status or any other characteristic protected by law. The foundation conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.