Curator of Collections & Education

JOB DESCRIPTION:                                         CURATOR OF COLLECTIONS AND EDUCATION

The Curator of Collections and Education cares for and documents the collection of the Museum & Cultural Center at 5ive Points and implements policies for collections management, care, and acquisition. This position also develops, plans, and researches all in-house and traveling exhibitions and is also tasked with selecting, obtaining and maintaining items to be displayed in the Museum and arranges the loan of collections. The Curator also identifies and catalogs collection items, designs the layout of exhibits, and oversees their installation along with the production and editing of all didactic materials for six to ten exhibitions annually. Additionally, the Curator of Collections and Education is responsible for scheduling school tours and on-site visits, and developing summer camp programs

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1.   Consults with the Director to create the exhibit calendar for the next 24 to 36 months.

2.   Plans, develops, designs, and installs permanent collection and temporary exhibitions from outside sources and/or permanent collection objects with interdisciplinary themes that directly correlate to the mission of the Museum.

3.   Oversees exhibition theme development and creates content narratives.

4.   Writes essays for catalogues, newsletters, text panels, and other interpretive materials.

5.   Works with the Collections Committee of the Board of Trustees to accept or reject items for the permanent collection.

6.   Accessions new items into the collection, stores them according to best practices, and arranges collections storage in a way that makes objects easily accessible when needed.

7.   Ensures that all objects in collection are properly accessioned with a standard accession numberings convention.

8.   Works with the Executive Director and Operations to ensure proper environmental conditions are being met for object display and storage.

9.   Directs the construction of exhibits and determines materials for construction; contracts special services as needed.

10. Backs-up electronic collection records on and off-site.

Other Duties & Responsibilities:

1.   Part of team that develops and manages budget and performs administration duties.

2.   Participates in on-going grant writing, budget planning, strategic and interpretive planning and assessment of programs and experiences for reporting requirements.

3.   Participates in professional development and continuing education opportunities by attending seminars and/or workshops and researching best practices in collections care and management and exhibition practices.

4.   Maintains and organizes exhibit and archival supplies as needed.

5.   Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required: 

Individual must have at least three years of experience in exhibitions and/or collections management, have strong skills with multiple forms of technology, and be well versed in label writing and other forms of writing used in the presentation of exhibits and interpretive texts. The Curator of Collections must be well-versed in collections management, monitoring and overseeing the preservation of the collection, and be able to relate the collection to a wide range of museum visitors through varying communication styles. Must be a team player in working across departments and community institutions and do well working in a vibrant and fast paced environment.

Educational/Experience Requirements:

·  B.A. in museum studies, historic preservation, history, or related field of study

·  Experience organizing, designing, and installing exhibits and caring for a wide variety of objects

·  Comfort with and knowledge of multiple technological tools and proven ability to master new technologies quickly is required

·  Knowledge of regional and American history is a plus

·  Excellent oral and written communication skills

License or Certification Required: None

Supervises: Interns and Volunteers for department tasks.

Working Conditions: Must be willing to work weekends and evenings. Must be able to lift objects under 25 pounds as needed for object care, preparation, and exhibition. Employee has an office equipped with a computer.

Physical Demands: General office work, lifting

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not construed to be an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified.