What are the responsibilities and job description for the Curatorial Assistant position at Bowdoin College?
Posting Details
Title
Curatorial Assistant
Posting Number
S01404JP
Department
Arctic Museum Arctic Studies
Job Summary
Bowdoin’s Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum is dedicated entirely to all things Arctic. It is named after Arctic explorers and Bowdoin graduates Robert E. Peary (Class of 1877) and Donald B. MacMillan (Class of 1898). In 1967 Bowdoin opened the Arctic Museum. MacMillan, who worked in the Arctic from 1908 to 1954, added to the museum’s growing collections, donating his expedition equipment, anthropological objects, films, photographs, natural history specimens, archival papers, and library to the college.
Under the direction of the Director and Curator, the Curatorial Assistant is responsible for (1) encouraging and facilitating K-12 school groups’ use of the Arctic Museum exhibits and helping manage docent-led tours; (2) undertaking a major project related to one of the Arctic Museum’s initiatives; and (3) maintaining the Arctic Museum’s social media presence. In addition, the Curatorial Assistant will perform routine tasks throughout the museum, including assisting with exhibition installations, docent training, routine collection care, community outreach, and research support.
Under the direction of the Director and Curator, the Curatorial Assistant is responsible for (1) encouraging and facilitating K-12 school groups’ use of the Arctic Museum exhibits and helping manage docent-led tours; (2) undertaking a major project related to one of the Arctic Museum’s initiatives; and (3) maintaining the Arctic Museum’s social media presence. In addition, the Curatorial Assistant will perform routine tasks throughout the museum, including assisting with exhibition installations, docent training, routine collection care, community outreach, and research support.
This is an entry-level, two-year post-baccalaureate appointment.
Education/Skills Requirements
A Bachelor’s degree is required, with a major in Anthropology, History, Arctic Studies, Native American Studies, Earth and Ocean Systems, or Environmental Studies is strongly preferred. Excellent research and writing skills required, as well as an ability to engage with the public.
Experience Requirements and/or Equivalents
Experience working in museums preferred. Familiarity with Arctic environments and Inuit cultures preferred. Ability to work with MS Office required, Adobe CS desirable. Skilled in social media account management.
Standard Work Days and Hours
This is a full-time position working 37.5 hours/52 weeks per year, (0.94 FTE) with occasional evening or weekends as required. Standard administrative hours are 8:30 am – 5:00 pm. This is an on-site role, and candidates must be able to work in person on Bowdoin College Campus in Brunswick, Maine.
The hourly range for this position is expected to be: $20.50 –$21.50/per hour. Compensation based on your skills and experience.
BENEFITS AND PERKS
The hourly range for this position is expected to be: $20.50 –$21.50/per hour. Compensation based on your skills and experience.
BENEFITS AND PERKS
- A variety of health insurance plans (Medical – effective date of hire, Vision, Dental)
- Generous Retirement Plan – 10.12% annual compensation contribution (Eligible after 1 year of service and age 26), no match or vesting required!
- Life and Disability Insurance
- Paid Time Off: 10 days of vacation (1st year), 15 days (2nd year), 12 days of personal/sick time (PTO accruals based on hours worked).
- Paid Holidays and Special Days Off: https://www.bowdoin.edu/hr/our-workplace/college-holidays-and-special-days-off.html
- Paid Parental Leave (Available after one year of service)
- Access to many of the College’s facilities including the gym and pool (Including household members)
- Free fitness and wellness classes!
- And more: https://www.bowdoin.edu/hr/benefits-perks/index.html
About Bowdoin
Bowdoin embraces diversity in all forms, and the College is home to talented students, faculty and staff—with a variety of racial, ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds; religious beliefs; and gender identities, among other factors.
We encourage applications from candidates committed to the support of an inclusive campus community and those who will enrich and contribute to the College’s multifaceted diversity. We value a community in which individuals of all backgrounds are warmly welcomed and encouraged to succeed.
Founded in 1794, Bowdoin has maintained its commitment to the liberal arts for well over 200 years. Bowdoin’s reputation as a preeminent liberal arts college rests on the excellence of its faculty, students, and staff; intimate size; strong sense of community; and connections to the people, history, and natural beauty of Maine.
Bowdoin’s campus is situated in a beautiful natural setting. Located in Brunswick, Maine, a town of approximately 20,000, the College is a short drive from the Maine coast, twenty-five miles from Portland and 120 miles from Boston.
We encourage applications from candidates committed to the support of an inclusive campus community and those who will enrich and contribute to the College’s multifaceted diversity. We value a community in which individuals of all backgrounds are warmly welcomed and encouraged to succeed.
Founded in 1794, Bowdoin has maintained its commitment to the liberal arts for well over 200 years. Bowdoin’s reputation as a preeminent liberal arts college rests on the excellence of its faculty, students, and staff; intimate size; strong sense of community; and connections to the people, history, and natural beauty of Maine.
Bowdoin’s campus is situated in a beautiful natural setting. Located in Brunswick, Maine, a town of approximately 20,000, the College is a short drive from the Maine coast, twenty-five miles from Portland and 120 miles from Boston.
Shift
Employment Category
Full Time Year Round
FTE
0.94
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Pay Type
Hourly
Background Check Package Requirements
Support Staff MVR
Is driving a vehicle (e.g. Bowdoin vehicle or off road vehicle, rental car, personal car) an essential function of this job?
Yes
Is a pre-placement physical required for this position?
No
Posting Date
03/26/2025
Applications Accepted Until
Open Until Filled
No
Type of Posting
Internal/External
Special Instructions to Applicants
If selected as a finalist, you will be required to submit information for three references, including name, email address, phone number and how you know the reference as well as a writing sample.
EEO Information
Bowdoin College complies with applicable provisions of federal and state laws that prohibit unlawful discrimination in employment, admission, or access to its educational or extracurricular programs, activities, or facilities based on race, color, ethnicity, ancestry and national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, marital status, place of birth, genetic predisposition, veteran status, or against qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities on the basis of disability, or any other legally protected statuses.
Salary : $21 - $22
