The Nancy Prophet Fellowship at the RISD Museum is a two-year, full-time position for artists and scholars embarking on careers in the arts and considering the museum profession and the roles museums play in an increasingly diverse society. Named in honor of the Nancy Prophet, an artist of Narragansett and African heritage and RISD's first graduate of color in 1918, this program provides significant professional-practice opportunities to high-achieving college and graduate school alumni up to three years post-graduation. Fellows will have the opportunity to participate in all aspects of the Museum's curatorial and programming work. Through mentorship and professional-development support, they will develop the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to make important contributions to the museum field. Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to fostering the understanding of works of art in a museum context; excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills; and the ability to work independently as well as collegially.

Essential Functions/Duties:

1. Assist in the development and coordination of programs to engage public and academic audiences with exhibitions and works of art in the collection.
2. Assist in planning and organizing exhibitions including preparation of artists' exhibition histories, bibliographies, checklists, photographic materials, etc.
3. Assist in the realization of programs for emerging and established artists and designers
4. Coordinate guest speakers, interns and student guides, including scheduling, administering contracts, and making travel and other business arrangements.
5. Conduct research on the collection and prepare material for publication, acquisition, and exhibition.
6. Organize departmental files; manage correspondence.
7. Liaise with educators, registrars, installation department, and other staff.   

Candidates will be recent graduates (1–3 years) with a BA/BFA or MA/MFA degree(s) in an art or design field, art history, museum studies, or a related field (e.g. history, cultural studies, etc.). Excellent verbal and written communication skills and familiarity with art required; foreign language skills (written and verbal) are highly desirable. Cultural competence, collaborations with diverse communities, or other areas of experience or expertise that support the stated goals are preferred.