Work With Us

Desert X, a non-profit organization that produces an international, site-specific art exhibition. The organization, founded in 2015 in Palm Springs, California, has produced five successful biennial exhibitions in the Coachella Valley. These exhibitions garner vast international media attention and critical acclaim and are funded by an active board, local and national philanthropists, local municipalities and businesses, and corporate sponsors. The organization offers free admission to the exhibition, which runs for a period of ten weeks. Additionally, it has a robust public and education program.

Curatorial Assistant

Salary range: $50,000 – $60,000 / year
Full time, Palm Springs, CA

Performs a variety of administrative duties specific to a nonprofit cultural organization. Works closely with the Artistic Director, the Curator and reports to the Executive Director.

– Makes all travel and logistical arrangements for curators, artists and program guests including completing travel and entertainment expense reports.

– Acts as general assistant to Desert X curatorial team (mail, inquiries via desertx.org website and email or telephone, meeting schedules, office supplies and digital subscriptions).

– Performs general administrative duties, including organization and maintenance of all curators’ and organization files and general organization of the programs.

– Completes projects and administrative assignments such as project decks as directed by the executive director and artistic director, including close collaboration and coordination with both internal and external parties.

– Supports the team in the organization of public and education programs and events, and opening week events.

Assists with various aspects of exhibition, programs, publications’ preparation and execution.

– Provides support to the Artistic Director and the Curator in the preparation of presentations and reports.

– Conducts research to support Artistic Director and Curator with artists projects, sites for the exhibition and feasibility of artists’ proposals.

– Generates and maintains documentation and archive for the artists projects, the exhibition and programs.

– Liaises with artists and their galleries to organize their site-visits, expense reports, accommodation and travels and coordinates their research needs, agendas, and meetings.

– Coordinates artists’ site-visits, itineraries and support on the ground for meetings, visits and hospitality arrangements.

– Coordinates artists agreements, and loan agreements with galleries and studios.

– Coordinates the exhibition production timeline and exhibition budget in coordination with the executive director and the artistic director.

– Coordinates the relationship with vendors and the production team, requests quotes and coordinates project budgets and ensures accounting procedures are met.

– Provides administrative support to the exhibition and programs team.

– Coordinates the staffing needs and scheduling for the exhibition and the information hub in collaboration with the volunteer coordinator.

Requirements

– Bachelor’s degree and three years administrative experience relevant to the position or equivalent.
– Superior judgment, professional initiative, and strong verbal communication capabili-ties. Interest and/or background in contemporary art.
– Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Keynote/PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, and other standard office procedures and equipment.
– Ability to take direction and work as part of a team.
– Excellent administrative and organizational abilities. Professional phone manner.
– Ability to effectively interact with and manage external parties who support the department.
– Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and coordinate multiple projects simultaneously.
– Must work well under pressure and possess high levels of tact and diplomacy.
– Must have a valid Driver’s License and personal vehicle.
– Other duties and responsibilities as needed.
– Some travel might be required.

Desert X is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Compensation is commensurate with experience. Benefits include health, dental, retirement and generous paid time off.

Please send a cover letter and resume to jobs@desertx.org.

Internships

An internship at Desert X is an excellent first step if you are a college student or recent graduate interested in learning more about how nonprofits work, are considering pursuing academic credit for an undergraduate or graduate-level program, or would like to pursue a career in the arts.

Our internship program is open to talented students of all backgrounds. We value diversity in culture, race and ethnicity, and gender expression. Students from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in the arts and Coachella Valley students are encouraged to apply.

Volunteer

Volunteers are vital to Desert X. Volunteers provide needed skills and expertise in a variety of meaningful roles based on interests and experience. The organization supports your learning and development throughout the exhibition and offers opportunities throughout the year to build relationships with other culturally curious individuals.

Learn more about volunteer opportunities here.