Curator (Museum Collections)

Position Description

Updated December 9, 2024

Title: Curator (Museum Collections)

Division: Collections, Exhibitions & Research

Reports to: Sr. Director of Curatorial Affairs

Position Status: Full-time; Exempt

Salary Range: $56,000 - $64,000/year

Position summary:

The Curator of museum collections advances the acquisition, documentation, care, and access to the museum object collections held by VMHC. This position also supports VMHC exhibition Curators with the development of in-house and traveling exhibitions that engage diverse audiences in dialogue, explore relevant issues and ideas, and help VMHC realize its mission and business goals. Forthcoming projects include leading the development of a comprehensive collecting plan and participating in the continued development of a long-term exhibition plan that will be a critical element of the VMHC's upcoming strategic planning process.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Collection Responsibilities

• Build VMHC's museum collections through the identification, appraisal, and acquisition of appropriate artifacts and objects representing Virginia's rich history and diverse cultures including fine and decorative arts, furniture, prints and photographs, ephemera, textiles, and militaria.
• Lead the development of the VMHC's collecting plan and provide scheduled reviews and updates
• Promote and provide access to the museum collections through technology and related services for the collections
• Work closely with collections staff to research and document collections
• Support the physical management, care and preservation of the museum object collections
• Serve as an institutional authority and spokesperson for VMHC with the public and media on specific aspects of Virginia's history and material culture; engage in public outreach in the form of lectures, tours, and research assistance

Exhibition Responsibilities

• Supports VMHC exhibition Curators through the identification, research, and acquisition of objects associated with exhibition themes

Project Management and Administration

• Lead and serve on cross-functional teams and committees
• Participate in the VMHC's institutional priority setting, and strategic and annual business planning
• Develop and steward collection donor relationships in partnership with VMHC staff and trustees
• Contribute to the development, writing, implementation and reporting of grants; participate in the development of corporate and other partnership proposals
• Contribute to the development and writing of articles, public relations and external communications materials as needed

• Keep abreast of developments in the fields of Virginia history, exhibitions and museology; stay current with professional best practices

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Necessary:

• Knowledge of United States and Virginia history and material culture
• Knowledge of principles and best practices for the acquisition, documentation, and handling of museum collections
• Broad knowledge of current trends in curatorship, exhibition development, and community engagement

• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships and work with individuals and community-based organizations

• Understanding of museum ethics and standards for collections management
• Exceptional communication skills and experience with the general public, donor groups, press, external and internal stakeholders

Education & Experience Requirements:

• Master's degree in a relevant field such as history, art history, public history, museum studies, or equivalent work experience required; Ph.D. preferred
• Five years of demonstrated experience researching, developing, and documenting museum collections
• Experience working with curators to create exhibitions with broad community relevance and appeal
• Demonstrated commitment to achieving equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace and the community

Note & Special Requirements:

Please include a two to three-page writing sample (e.g., exhibit script, grant application, article, blogpost) with your application.

Application:

If interested in this job opportunity, please apply and upload your cover letter and resume to https://virginiahistory.isolvedhire.com/jobsearch/?job_board_classification=Job_Opportunities.

The Virginia Museum of History & Culture is owned and operated by the Virginia Historical Society - a private, non-profit organization established in 1831. The historical society is the oldest cultural organization in Virginia, and one of the oldest and most distinguished history organizations in the nation. For use in its state history museum and its renowned research library, the historical society cares for a collection of nearly nine million items representing the ever-evolving story of Virginia.

The Virginia Historical Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Salary : $56,000 - $64,000