Associate Interpretation Specialist

Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion at Getty

Getty believes diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion are essential to our excellence and to the execution of our mission. The Getty community values differences in the pursuit of inquiry and knowledge, mutual understanding, respect, trust, transparency, and cooperation. We are committed to creating a diverse and welcoming workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and includes individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Individuals of color, women, LGBTQIA+, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Job Summary

Our Mission

The J. Paul Getty Museum seeks to inspire curiosity about, and enjoyment and understanding of, the visual arts by collecting, conserving, exhibiting, and interpreting works of art of outstanding quality and historical importance and is one of four programs of the J. Paul Getty Trust. The Museum operates two facilities, the Getty Villa in Malibu, which exhibits its collection of Greek and Roman antiquities, and the Getty Center in Brentwood, which displays its collections of European art: Medieval and Renaissance illuminated manuscripts, paintings, sculpture, decorative arts, drawings to 1900, and photography to the present day (including non-European works). The Museum mounts approximately 25 temporary exhibitions a year across its two sites; maintains an annual permanent gallery improvement program and offers wide-ranging and ambitious programming for its visitors.

The Opportunity

The J. Paul Getty Museum seeks an Associate Interpretation Specialist in the Interpretive Content Department. Reporting to the Interpretation Specialist, this position is responsible for: representing audience needs and DEAI goals related to exhibitions and permanent installations; reviewing exhibition proposals and didactic texts; contributing to exhibition content briefs and outlines; advising regarding content, hierarchy, and structure of in-gallery interpretive materials and strategies; and developing in-gallery didactic materials and interactive spaces for specific audiences as required. The Associate Interpretation Specialist is part of a team of museum staff that produces exhibitions, installations, and displays to meet audience, content, and curatorial goals.

Major Job Responsibilities
As a core member of the project team, works with curators and subject matter experts to refine the content of the exhibition, identifying and challenging the significance of the narrative, objects and contextual information, and developing the exhibition or installation interpretive structure
Liaises closely with internal stakeholders, including Curatorial, Conservation, Design, and Education staff
Represents DEAI and audience needs and goals throughout the exhibition development process and across museum collection areas; Is an advocate for audience(s); strives to create a positive, inclusive experience for all
Contributes to exhibition brief and didactic outlines which identify key messages and objects, text and didactic panels as well as scope for digital media and other interpretive modalities
Advises and makes recommendations regarding strategies and tools which will advance the interpretive goals
Reviews hierarchy, structure, and content of interpretive materials in relation to the interpretive goals and Getty accepted interpretive guidelines
May spearhead didactic sections of exhibitions/installations/rotations
May develop in-gallery didactic materials and interactive spaces for specific audiences
Provides audience- and community-related data and expertise throughout the development process
Review, assist, and provide feedback (as needed) on exhibition/installation proposals

Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree; Master’s degree in museum education, art education, art history, or closely related field strongly preferred
3‐5 years of relevant art museum or educational experience
Foreign language skills preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Project management experience
Research, writing, analysis, and presentation skills
Proven experience in negotiating creative solutions and to build consensus among stakeholders
Knowledge of DEAI policies and best practices
Knowledge of curatorial, education, and museum practices
Advanced knowledge of art and art history, audiences, and communities
Excellent organizational, research, and writing skills
Ability to manage simultaneous projects in a fast-paced work environment
Must communicate effectively: exceptional interpersonal skills, diplomacy, judgment, and discretion
In-depth knowledge of the collecting areas of the J. Paul Getty Museum