Opportunities

MAJOR GIFTS OFFICER

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Major Gifts Officer will serve as a key member of the MOCAD team, working in a collaborative, donor-centered manner to secure major gifts in support of the organization’s mission. The Officer will support our overarching strategic fundraising goals through identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors and sponsors for MOCAD’s Future Fund. He/she will support fundraising special projects, development initiatives, and goal setting. He/she will maintain accountability standards to donors and ensures compliance with the code of ethical principles and standards of professional conduct for fundraising executives. The ideal candidate works collaboratively with a passion for contemporary visual and performing arts and music. He/she must have the ability to establish authentic, proactive, and professional rapports with executive-level stakeholders, board members philanthropists, and visitors. In addition to working as part of the Development team, this position will work closely with MOCAD leadership on fundraising efforts and must maintain the highest level of professionalism and confidentiality.

The ideal candidate works collaboratively with a passion for contemporary visual and performing arts and music. He/she must have the ability to establish authentic, proactive, and professional rapports with executive-level stakeholders, board members philanthropists, and visitors. In addition to working as part of the Development team, this position will work closely with MOCAD leadership on fundraising efforts and must maintain the highest level of professionalism and confidentiality.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Interest in contemporary art and culture
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher learning
  • Working knowledge of generally accepted office management practices
  • Proven record of professional ethics related to the practice of private gift fundraising
  • Highest ethics as they relate to all aspects of museum practices
  • Enthusiasm about being a member of a team in a major art museum with a strong guest-centered community dynamic
  • Ability to understand and maintain high level of confidentiality
  • Flexible and helpful; willingness to travel and work irregular hours including evenings and weekends.

The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit provides equal opportunity to its applicants. If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit a cover letter, resume, and one writing sample by email to hr@mocadetroit.org

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Development Assistant

JOB DESCRIPTION

This position affords the opportunity to work in a highly creative environment while honing the administrative and project skills that are key in the fields of museum education and/or arts administration. The ideal candidate will be experienced in handling a wide range of administrative, executive support, and development related tasks, and will be able to work independently with little or no supervision. This person must be exceedingly well organized, flexible, and enjoy the administrative challenges of supporting a growing non-profit organization. He/she will participate in a wide range of projects identified as priorities by the Grants and Foundation Manager.

Crucial to this role are the ability to interact with staff (at all levels) in a fast-paced environment, sometimes under pressure, remaining flexible, proactive, resourceful and efficient, and doing so with a high level of professionalism and confidentiality. Expert level written and verbal communication skills, strong decision-making ability, and attention to detail are equally important.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, one to two years of experience working for a cultural institution.
  • Keen passion for contemporary arts.
  • Creative problem-solver.
  • Collaborative and eager to work in a team-driven environment.
  • Organized and process-oriented when managing multiple projects.
  • Excellent oral and writing skills, including attention to grammar and spelling. Ability to create persuasive outreach letters and other communications.
  • Excellent organizational abilities and strong attention to detail.
  • Working knowledge of Apple OSX, MS Office Suite (Word and Excel), and Google Apps, as well as comprehension of basic cash register operations.
  • Experience with Donor Perfect, and/or MailChimp is preferred.

The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit provides equal opportunity to its applicants. If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit a cover letter, resume, and one writing sample by email to hr@mocadetroit.org

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Ford Curatorial Fellow

JOB DESCRIPTION

This year-long fellowship supports our goal to encourage greater involvement from the diverse and energetic art scene that surrounds MOCAD. This prestigious fellowship provides curatorial training and an opportunity for the fellow to engage with a community of scholars, artists, writers, and thinkers from around the world. The fellow is fully integrated into one of the Museum’s curatorial and education departments, while devoting his or her time to a specific MOCAD project as well as other experiences. The individual works directly with one or more curators, who serve as supervisors and mentors throughout the term of the fellowship. This 12-month fellowship will start in summer of 2020 and continue for twelve months.

The Curatorial Fellowship is for recent graduates of Art History or related field of study and graduate students working on a higher degree in an Arts related field. Qualified applicants will have a familiarity with modern and contemporary art and related critical discourse in cultural or global studies (e.g. Asian, African, or Latino cultural production). They should hold a BA degree in art history, cultural or global studies, museum studies, or related fields. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required. Applicants with foreign language skills are strongly encouraged to apply; prior museum experience is a plus. International candidates must secure and be in possession of a valid US work visa for the entire Fellowship period.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Ability to perform highly detail-oriented work with expediency, accuracy and efficiency.
  • Ability to work in a fast paced and exciting environment.
  • Experience writing and copyediting a variety of texts, including exhibition texts and labels.
  • Excellent computer skills, including the most recent versions of Microsoft Office applications —Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
  • Experience with Google Docs workflow desirable.
  • Experience conducting object-based research, including bibliography, provenance, and exhibition history desirable.
  • Ability to interact with staff, patrons, dealers, artists, and trustees in a professional manner.
  • Team player who knows how to balance working individually and collaboratively.
  • Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
  • General administrative and project management skills.
  • Ability to manage budgets using Excel.
  • Public Programs support and facilitation.
  • Fellows are encouraged to have personal transportation as Detroit is a large city, and the majority of areas are without convenient access to public transportation.
  • Accountable and proactive.
  • Knowledge of foreign languages useful.

APPLICATION DEADLINE
September 15, 2020

The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit provides equal opportunity to its applicants. If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit a cover letter, resume, and one writing sample by email to hr@mocadetroit.org

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Internships

SUMMER INTERNSHIP SESSION
MAY-AUGUST 2020

IMPORTANT DATES:
Application deadline: Friday, April 17, 2020
Internship Orientation: Friday, May 1, 2020
Internship Start-Date: Monday, May 4, 2020

Please submit your resume and cover letter in PDF format to MOCAD’s Intern Coordinator, at mgoe@mocadetroit.org. Please state which intern position you are applying for in the email title.

Please do not call the Museum to check on the status of your application.

WHAT ARE THE PERKS OF BEING A MOCAD INTERN?

  • VIP invitations to special events at MOCAD and events around Detroit
  • Valuable, in-depth and hands-on experience
  • School credit
  • Letter of recommendation upon completion
  • The opportunity to work closely and directly with experienced museum professionals
  • Opportunities to meet some of the most influential artists in contemporary art, today!
  • Become a part of an influential network of cultural workers and artists
  • Receive a year-long membership at MOCAD (benefits include: invitations to special members preview hour for exhibition openings and a program guide delivered to your house; personalized MOCAD membership card; 10% discount at Café 78 and in the MOCAD store, double discount weekend (20% discount on MOCAD store items) during the first week of December; and free admission to select public programs.

ELIGIBILITY
Current students over the age of 18 are eligible for internships, and preference will be given to students in museum studies, the arts, arts administration, humanities and related fields. The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit provides equal opportunity to its applicants. When making your arrangements, please keep in mind that internships are unpaid. At this time MOCAD is unable to offer visa or immigration assistance to international students seeking an internship. It is recommended that interns have a personal laptop they can use during their internship

SCHEDULE + TIME COMMITMENT
Museum Department Heads will work with individual interns to determine specific start and end dates, roughly matching the listed start date. Interns must be able to commit to a regular schedule with a minimum of 14 hours per week, which they will determine with their department supervisor.

COMPENSATION + SCHOOL CREDIT
Unfortunately, at this time, MOCAD is not able to offer financial compensation for internships. We hope to be able to adjust that in the future! To the extent of our ability, we will assist you in receiving school credit. Please check with your university about how to make arrangements for receiving credit.

Museum Departments

DEVELOPMENT

This internship is ideal for anyone interested in the non-profit sector and the fundraising process for museums. Interns will: foster donor relationships, identify potential new funding sources for MOCAD programs and exhibitions, research and write grant narratives, prepare and update spreadsheets for grant tracking, update MOCAD’s funder database, create and analyze donor reports, and learn other development department tasks. Potential interns should be detail-oriented, organized, analytical, and have good written and oral communication skills. Preference will be given to applicants with previous experience working with donor data.

SPECIAL EVENTS + FACILITY RENTALS

Interns work closely with the Facility Rental Coordinator and other MOCAD Staff, gaining hands on experience in the planning and production of corporate receptions, fundraisers, weddings, film shoots, other rentals, and Museum specific events. Responsibilities include basic administrative work, research, maintenance of client files and databases, and assisting Museum staff with event specific tasks. Candidates should be very well organized, out-going, and punctual with basic computer and research ability, as well as excellent customer service skills.

CURATORIAL + EXHIBITIONS DEPARTMENT

MOCAD is looking for qualified Curatorial and Exhibitions interns. The interns will work with the Curatorial and Exhibitions Department on a number of projects ranging from exhibitions to public programs. Interns will assist in various aspects of the planning, preparation and production of museum exhibitions. Interns will also actively work with across the Curatorial and Exhibitions departments to support with research, registrar projects, some logistical assistance in addition to other duties assigned by the supervisor. Internship hours vary and demand larger time commitments during installations. Potential interns should be well organized, possess good written and oral communication skills, and have good analytical skills.

MEMBERSHIP

Interns will assist in drafting membership correspondences, promotions, and marketing materials. Interns will research membership strategies at comparable contemporary art institutions. Interns will assist with membership sales at Museum events and will provide database entry assistance. Interns will help with the 2019 Gala + Benefit Art Auction by coordinating donations and managing the donation list and auction binder. Interns will gain experience and knowledge of strategies and initiatives that museums employ to increase donor and membership engagement.

EDUCATION + PUBLIC PROGRAMS

This internship is for those interested in learning more about the public programs at MOCAD. The public programs intern will attend some meetings with the program committee and assist with organizing lectures, music performances and film series. Projects will include research and discovery of concepts relating to contemporary music, film and technology. It will also include logistical and production assistance of events, including both in-person and electronic communication with artists and performers. Candidates should be well-organized, able to work within a team and have a strong interest in music and/or technology.