Parsons Fashion Study Collection - Student Assistant (Specialist)

Parsons’ School of Fashion (SoF) leads the industry into a future where access, equity and sustainability are the standard. We offer a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Fashion Design, Associate Degrees in Fashion Design as well as in Fashion Marketing and Communication, a Master of Fine Arts in Textiles, a Master of Professional Studies in Fashion Management, and a Master of Fine Arts in Fashion Design and Society. Our students, faculty, and staff are committed to supporting Indigenous resurgence; honoring the beauty of all bodies; and living in harmony with animals and the earth in ways that advance climate justice.

• The School of Art and Design History and Theory (ADHT) engages students at all degree levels in the analysis of art and design as essential to the formation of knowledge and culture. ADHT offers the first-year undergraduate curriculum to all Parsons students as well as a new BFA program, Design History and Practice. Graduate programs from ADHT include the MA Fashion Studies and the MA History of Design and Curatorial Studies programs.

These two part-time positions and associated work is in relation to the Parsons Fashion Study Collection (PFSC). The collection of approximately 4,000 items extends from the late 19th century to the latter half of the 20th century including noted designers: Sophie Gimbel, Claire McCardell, Donald Brooks, Norman Norell, Geoffrey Beene, Giorgio di Sant'angelo and Yves Saint Laurent.

The ideal candidates will demonstrate a commitment to curatorial work, handling archival fashion items, collection management and administrative tasks associated with the Parsons Fashion Study Collection (PFSC), including preparing /facilitating class visits from courses within ADHT and SoF. The candidates will report directly to the Associate Dean in the School of Fashion.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary job duties and responsibilities will include:

• Liaising with faculty for Parsons Fashion Study Collection (PFSC)  visits

  • Selecting garments based on requests in preparation for class visits

  • Facilitating class visits to the collection, schedule-permitting

  • Returning garments to the collection at the conclusion of class visits

• Cataloging/Image management:

  • Reconciling images of archived garments with the existing database

  • Documentation of remaining images of the collection via photography 

  • Uploading images to collection management system Past Perfect   

• Curating onsite exhibits in the School of Fashion Hub as needed

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Enrolled in one of the following undergraduate /graduate programs: 

  • BFA Fashion Design, AAS Fashion Design, MA Fashion Studies, MFA Fashion Design and Society, MA History of Design and Curatorial Studies

• Strong verbal and written communication skills 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working with collections and/or archives 

• Experience working with Past Perfect 

WORK MODE

• On-Campus Position - Employees in this position are expected to work on-campus during regularly scheduled work hours due to the nature of the work being that which is not feasible, or not in the best interest of the organization, to be performed remotely. #LI-DNI

 Availability: Office Hours are subject to change

Hourly Rate: This position is part-time and paid on an hourly basis at $20 per hour. 

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, marital or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. The New School recognizes and values the benefits of a diverse workforce.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS * (if applicable)

 Resume / Cover Letter outlining expression of interest and suitability for the position

Responsibilities:

The primary job duties and responsibilities will include liaising with faculty for Parsons Fashion Study Collection (PFSC)  visits and cataloging/image management using Past Perfect system. It also includes curating onsite exhibitions for the School of Fashion Hub as needed.