Curatorial Fellow, Chinese Cinema;

Position Summary

This Curatorial Fellow is a full‑time, 18‑month appointment supporting BAMPFA's film department. The Fellow will conceptualize, curate, and manage over 30 film programs annually, coordinate with domestic and international partners, and engage audiences through scholarly and public‑facing activities. The role includes book‑length research on Chinese cinema, representing the museum at scholarly and public events, and administrative responsibilities such as acquisition, preservation, and financial support of film collections.

• Conceptualize, curate, and manage logistics and budgets for 30+ film programs per year.
• Research, locate, and secure film prints and media from distributors, archives, collectors, and the BAMPFA collection.
• Negotiate rentals, loan agreements, rights clearances, and related correspondence; source film stills and screener copies.
• Oversee technical requirements for screenings, including legacy and contemporary digital formats.
• Invite and host guest presenters (filmmakers, scholars, actors, subject experts).
• Write program notes, short essays, and other content for BAMPFA publications and the website.
• Conduct research on Chinese film history and publish a book‑length study during the appointment.
• Represent BAMPFA at professional meetings, conferences, festivals, media events, and public outreach.
• Support marketing and outreach, including press interviews, radio and TV appearances.
• Cultivate relationships with distributors, artists, curators, collectors, foundations, donors, and other stakeholders.
• Assist the Director of Film and Senior Film Curator in identifying potential acquisitions, donations, and preservation projects.
• Catalog films without English titles or subtitles using language skills.
• Recommend films for acquisition, deaccession, conservation, and special collections.
• Lead work‑study students and interns as needed.

• Extensive knowledge of moving image styles and overview of film history.
• Experience in film exhibition or archival programming at a cinematheque, museum, festival, or film theater.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, able to convey complex concepts to diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to set priorities and meet deadlines.
• Awareness of and sensitivity to diverse communities served locally, nationally, and internationally.
• Intellectual curiosity, creativity, and enthusiasm for scholarly research and distinctive film programs.
• Technical proficiency with new and evolving media, including legacy film formats.
• Team‑player with ability to collaborate across functions and work effectively in a shared office environment.
• Graduation from college with specialization in a relevant discipline and four years of curatorial experience, including one year in a supervisory capacity (or equivalent education and experience).

• Proficiency with Mac OS, Microsoft Office, File Maker, Google Workspace, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Experience in film curating, researching, and writing on cinema.
• Fluency or proficiency in Mandarin and/or Cantonese Chinese.
• Advanced or doctoral degree in a related field (PhD preferred).

This is a full‑time, limited position for up to 18 months with a salary range of $82,187.31 – $90,752.98 annually, stepped rates. The position is eligible for full UC Benefits.

Conversion to career status does not occur due to one‑time funding. The role does not include visa sponsorship.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Submit a resume and cover letter.