Volunteer Opportunities at The Morgan Library & Museum

The volunteer program works to match the Morgan's needs with the skills of qualified candidates. Volunteer opportunities are available in many departments.
Volunteer FAQs

Education Department: Education Department Assistant
Responsibilities and duties: The Education Department is seeking a volunteer to help implement the Morgan's school, teacher and family programs. The volunteer will assist in the daily implementation of the school and after-school programs, which includes the set-up of and clean-up after school program classes, maintaining school and family program supplies, assisting in preparing teachers’ confirmation packets, submitting event forms, assisting in the production of school and family pamphlets and flyers, and other duties as assigned.Qualifications: The successful applicant will demonstrate a strong interest in the field of museum education and in the visual arts; be detail-oriented; and have solid writing and communication skills. The position requires lifting of items up to 10 pounds, ability to bend, reach top shelves, and push carts. College degree and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and InDesign required.

Education: Docents
Responsibilities and duties: Conduct gallery talks for the public that include biographical information about Pierpont Morgan and others who have shaped the institution, the architecture, and the decorative and artistic details in the complex and the collection. Upon successful completion of training and evaluation, docents are expected to make a long-term commitment (minimum of two years). Qualifications: Advanced degrees are preferred, especially in history, art history, and literature. Teaching experience and/or experience working with the public is strongly desired. We appreciate applicants who are available to give tours Friday evenings and/or weekends. Training is scheduled Monday through Friday.

Drawing Study Center
Photography by Arnold Kirschner.

Master Drawings
Master Drawings is a quarterly publication produced by the Master Drawings Association, an independent not-for-profit organization housed within the Morgan Library & Museum. It is the only scholarly periodical in the world devoted to the study of draftsmen, draftsmanship, and drawings since the Renaissance.

Master Drawings: Assistant to the Administrator
Responsibilities and Duties: Reporting to the Administrator, the Assistant will join the editorial team and support the "nuts and bolts" of producing a journal, including maintaining the subscription database and preparing mailings, and will provide administrative support for special events and the annual appeal. The Assistant will also be a departmental liaison for artists and advertisers and may have the opportunity to contribute to editorial content. Qualifications: Interest in art history/visual arts, art criticism and small non-profits; strongly disciplined with excellent organizational skills and attention to detail; pleasant and professional phone manner; ability to see the "big picture" while performing repetitive tasks; publications experience appreciated. The ideal candidate would begin in late August/early September to accommodate the Department's administrative cycle.

Master Drawings: Special Event Assistant
Responsibilities and Duties: Reporting to the Administrator, the Special Event Assistant will provide hands-on assistance in the development and implementation of the Benefit Event, held on an annual basis in late January. Specifically, the Special Event Assistant will draft and disseminate communications relating to the Benefit Event (both prior to and after the Event); maintain detailed response lists (including information relating to donations); analyze success of the Benefit Event using agreed-upon (established) criteria; assist the Administrator in the preparation of a summary report for the Board; and participate on an as-needed basis in all aspects of the Benefit Event preparation and management. Qualifications: Proficient in Excel and Word; ability to work independently with minimal supervision; discrete; experienced with fundraising events and procedures; degree in art history, visual arts or art criticism desired.

The Morgan Shop: Morgan Shop Assistant
This is a great opportunity for people who are interested in merchandising and retail sales. Volunteers will work in the Morgan's Shop in four-hour shifts Tuesdays through Saturdays. They will maintain stock levels and displays and work directly with the public by answering questions and handling sales. Qualifications: Previous experience operating a POS/inventory system; sales experience and excellent interpersonal skills are required. Applicants should be comfortable standing for extended periods of time and be able to lift objects of up to 20 pounds. Shop volunteers must be willing to comply with a simple background check.

Photography & Rights: Administrative Assistant-Volunteer
The individual will file, label and mail photographic materials, reorganize existing photographic inventory and research photographic materials of Morgan collection items. Other duties include providing general assistance with various forthcoming Morgan exhibitions, exhibition catalogues and publications, organizing images and image support files, compiling image and copyright credits, tracking invoices, and assisting in clearing image rights for various Morgan projects. Qualifications: Must be highly attentive to detail, meticulous in handling and filing materials and able to work independently. Excellent organizational, verbal and written communication skills. Comfortable doing research on digital library catalogues; familiar with library cataloguing terminology. Proficient in office technology, especially e-mail, MS Office and Access. PhotoShop skills appreciated. PLEASE NOTE: The office location on the second floor and the photography archive in the basement do not have elevator access.

Registrar's Office: Registrarial Associate
The Registrar's Office is seeking a volunteer with previous museum registrarial experience to assist in organizing and implementing The Morgan Library & Museum's exhibition and out-going loan program as well as the acquisition process. The ideal candidate will have experience in preparing in-coming and out-going loan requests; installing and coordinating packing/unpacking schedules; and making transport arrangements for incoming and out-going loans and new acquisitions. Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have B.A. or M.A. in art history, fine arts, liberal arts, or museum studies; A minimum of one year (preferably two years) experience in a museum setting; skill with Microsoft Office applications; strong organizational and communication skills; the ability to handle numerous projects simultaneously and under tight deadlines; and be able to work with a diverse staff, private lenders, and staff of other institutions. A working knowledge of one European language is desirable.

Visitor Services: Information and Membership Desk Volunteers
The Morgan's newly-established Information and Membership Desk in the JPMorgan Chase Lobby requires a number of volunteers. These individuals will help enhance the visitor experience by providing information about the Morgan, its collections and exhibitions, and by answering questions related to membership. Desk volunteers will also distribute complimentary audio guides to visitors and instruct them in the usage of the guides. Qualifications: A strong interest in museum interpretation, willingness to learn and share information about the Morgan and its collections; a friendly, outgoing personality; excellent verbal communication skills and basic PC computer skills. There will be opportunities to work weekends. We are looking primarily for volunteers who wish to work on Friday evenings or during the weekend shifts.

Volunteer FAQs

Please note: The amount of time a volunteer will work per week varies with the particular position. Most positions require an average of one day per week. All volunteer positions require a minimum time commitment of one year.