Collections Management: Collections Care and Access Intern

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary art in the United States and a thriving cultural center for the Bay Area. We cannot imagine life without art; it inspires and connects us every day. Now more than ever, these connections matter and are aligned with our values.

Inclusive: We strive to be a museum of many voices in dialogue.  

Passionate: We believe working with art is more than a job or trusteeship - it's a way of life.  

Brave: We are committed to approaching our work with courage and a sense of adventure, always ready to explore new perspectives.

Empathic: We aim to act like a person, not an institution. 

SFMOMA is a place for the infinitely curious to explore, support, and experience the art of our time. We believe that modern and contemporary art can influence the way we think, view the world, and embrace the many voices and perspectives around us. We aspire to foster an environment that elicits joy, nurtures a sense of belonging and purpose—where difference is seen as a strength, and every one is appreciated for their whole self.

SCHEDULE: Full Time, 35 hours/week, June 16 - August 15, 2025, approximately 5 days working onsite

DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION

The focus of the Collections Management Department is on providing a safe and welcoming work environment, meeting the needs of both objects and staff.  Collections Management provides collections care and access to SFMOMA’s art collections, with an emphasis on storage, movement, and the preparation and installation of artwork. – both borrowed and collection works – for the museum's robust exhibition program.

The Collections Management Department ensures the safe handling and storage of artwork, and maintenance of our art storage spaces including the Collections Center, SFMOMA’s dynamic research and storage center. The overarching goal is to support an integrated approach that sustains activity at both museum locations.

In collaboration with colleagues throughout the museum, we advance best practices and leadership in the care, accessibility, and installation of modern and contemporary art. 

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Reporting to the Collections Manager, the Summer 2025 Intern, Collections Care and Access assists the Collections Care and Access Team with  the planning and implementation of activities that ensure the long-term preservation and access of the collection. Primarily assisting with artwork inventory, the person in this position is responsible for completing assignments related to managing objects stored at museum facilities, including relocation, preparation, access, care, proper documentation, transits, handling, storage and location systems for collections objects. They organize, support and document the movement of artwork for the release of art shipments to and from the museum. In so doing, this person builds knowledge of Collections Management practices. The position maintains productive and collaborative relationships with colleagues across the museum as well as with a broad constituency within the arts community including vendors, scholars, students, the public and others in the museum industry. The position represents the museum on a local, national and international level.

PROJECT PLAN

Over the 9-week program the Collections Management (Team Collections Care and Access) Intern will work primarily at the Collection Center assisting the Assistant Collections Manager and Collections Manger with an artwork inventory project (Dana Birnbaum, PM Magazine). This involves working with the preparator team to fully unpack the work, documenting the components and uploading images of the components to our image database, correcting and updating database records, and confirming labelling before closing the work back up and locating a home location in the climate area of the vault.

Simultaneously, they will assist the Assistant Collections Manager with weekly shuttle between the Collection Center and the museum. They will identify requested works for shuttle, update housing records and work with the Head Preparator/Assistant Head Preparator to assign shuttle crew to make sure that the works are shuttle-ready.

In summary:

·    Under the guidance of Collections Manager and Assistant Collections Manger, handle all aspects of artwork inventory

·    Assist with Collections Center shuttle, preparation, receipt, release, and returns to storage

·    Shadow other team members in vaulted spaces to understand team responsibilities and standard operating procedures

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

The educational objective of the Summer 2025 Intern is to provide access to hands-on projects that would be great experience for someone looking to enter the museum field specifically in collections care while supporting the daily operations of the Collections Care and Access team. Our team looks to fully support someone in an immersive, learning experience.

ADDITIONAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAMMING

The Summer 2025 Internship will offer 9 weeks of hands-on experience and mentorship along with weekly presentations and discussions with various departments in the museum, off-site educational visits within the Bay Area community, and access to various tours and events within the museum. 

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

· Applicants must be currently enrolled in school or a recent graduate. The SFMOMA recognizes a graduation date within 6 months of the internship start date as a recent graduate.

· Experience, course of study in, or proven interest in museum methods and preferably collections care and/or  registration.

· Comfort with and ability to learn multiple technological platforms including database platforms and project  management. Proficiency with Microsoft Office a must; project management platforms (Teams, Asana) and collections management system experience preferred.   

· Skill in the sensitive handling of artworks and risk assessment.

· Knowledge of and interest in twentieth century art history and contemporary art is essential.

· Knowledge of or interest in media based works a plus.

· Ability to work effectively on a wide variety of projects concurrently, with concern for the tasks assigned and the goals of the Department.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 

·     Familiarity with basic conservation concepts, procedures and terms. 

·     Ability and willingness to maintain a high level of accuracy & attention to detail. 

**Current SFMOMA employees are not eligible to apply for the Summer 2025 internship.**

The position is based at the Collection Center in South San Francisco and may be scheduled to work at 151 Third Street based on assignment.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

· Completed application via SFMOMA's job site

· Resume

· Cover letter stating the specific internship of interest. Describe the experience you bring, why you are interested in museum or nonprofit work, reasons for applying to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and your goals for the internship.

· Two letters of recommendation from either a college professor or former employer.

· College transcript: Transcripts can be unofficial but need to be legible.

Application Deadline: March 14, 2025

You do not need separate letters of recommendation for each intern application - please just let each of the recommenders know which internships (up to 3) you're applying to and we'll review those two letters across all of your internship applications.

Location: San Francisco, 151 3rd Street. 

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. 

SFMOMA is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. No person shall be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, age, genetic information, ancestry/national origin, marital status, disability, medical condition, HIV status, sexual orientation, veteran/military status, and any other category protected by federal of state law.

You may request reasonable accommodation if you are unable to or are limited in your ability to access job postings or provide additional information asked in the job posting.

You can request reasonable accommodation by contacting the People Team at talent@sfmoma.org.