Holt/Smithson Foundation is pleased to invite applications for a Research Assistant to join our small and dedicated team.

Nancy Holt and Robert Smithson transformed the world of art and ideas. The Holt/Smithson Foundation advances their distinctive creative legacies to inspire future generations and serves as a hub for all things Holt and Smithson.

The Foundation was willed into being by Nancy Holt in 2014 and became operational in 2018. As a new model for an artist foundation, we intend to sunset by 2038. Over the next two years, our primary focus is on codifying the oeuvres of both artists and making this information publicly accessible.

This is a part-time position (30 hours per week), based at our offices in Santa Fe, New Mexico. As Research Assistant, you will contribute to a wide range of activities across the Foundation, including research, documentation, communications, and collections work. You will work closely with the Executive Director, Head of Operations & Finance, and Collection Manager & Registrar.

To apply, please send a current résumé, a cover letter, and a 200-word writing sample for an artwork entry on the Foundation’s website to contact@holtsmithsonfoundation.org.

No phone calls, please.

We warmly welcome applications from all communities.

Deadline for applications: 5:00 p.m. MST, Friday, May 1, 2026

Role Overview

As the Foundation’s Research Assistant, you will support research, documentation, communications, and collections activity. The role has five core objectives:

Research & Documentation
Assist the Executive Director in developing data for the Atlas of Artworks, an innovative approach to establishing the oeuvres of Nancy Holt and Robert Smithson. A peer-reviewed methodology has been developed; this role will focus on creating and populating an inventory of artworks.

Digital Platforms
Lead on managing the Foundation’s digital platforms, the public face of the organization. The Research Assistant is responsible for maintaining documents and sharing research on Holt and Smithson through the Foundation’s website and social media, working collaboratively with the team to communicate knowledge, programs, and activities.

Image Management
Manage the Foundation’s image databank and acting as the primary point of contact for external image requests

Organization Support
Assist the Executive Team with communications and materials for the Board of Directors and others, as required

Collections Support
Assist the Collection Manager & Registrar with collection care, documentation, and object movement as required

Essential Skills & Experience

- Demonstrated experience in art historical research, archival research, or collections-based work

- Strong research, data-gathering, and documentation skills, with high attention to detail

- Familiarity with modern and contemporary art, ideally post-war and conceptual practices

- Experience working with databases, or collections management systems

- Proficient with Microsoft Office and One Drive, especially Excel and Word, mail merge functions, Adobe Acrobat, Lightroom and Photoshop

- Excellent written communication skills, and proficiency in researching, authoring, and editing art historical writing

- Confidence managing and contributing to websites and social media platforms

- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines

- Ability to work collaboratively within a small team and communicate clearly with senior colleagues

- Professional discretion and reliability when handling sensitive information

Desirable Skills & Experience

- Graduate-level study (or equivalent experience) in art history, museum studies, archival studies, or a related field

- Knowledge of or interest in the work of Nancy Holt and/or Robert Smithson

- Experience working in an artist foundation, museum, archive, or cultural nonprofit

- Familiarity with rights management, image licensing, or reproduction requests

- Experience preparing materials for boards or trustees

- Basic understanding of collections care, handling, or registrar practices

- Experience with digital publishing tools, CMS platforms, or analytics

- Interest in new models of cultural stewardship and legacy planning

Salary and Benefits

- The Research Assistant is an exempt position, working thirty hours per week.

- Annual salary is $60,000 to $62,000 with benefits, depending on experience.