Assistant Curator

Job Type

Full-time

Description

Foundation Summary

The Robert R. McCormick Foundation envisions a Chicagoland comprised of thriving communities where all individuals have the resources and opportunities to succeed, without regard to income, race, ethnicity, gender, or ZIP code. We invest in people and organizations across the region to develop educated, informed, and engaged communities.

The Foundation was established in 1955, upon the death of Colonel Robert R. McCormick, the longtime editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune. The Foundation's philanthropic investments of more than $1.8 billion to date, are currently focused on Chicago's South and West Sides and the following issues : early childhood education, public safety, community development, veterans, and journalism.

The Foundation's Board also oversees Cantigny, Col. McCormick's 500-acre estate in Wheaton, Illinois, which encompasses a park, formal gardens, a museum dedicated to the 1st Infantry Division of the U.S. Army, and a 27-hole public golf facility. Learn more at mccormickfoundation.org, cantigny.org, fdmuseum.org, and cantignygolf.com.

Position Summary

The Assistant Curator is a creative, resourceful, and organized professional with a passion for military history and a commitment to supporting the First Division Museum's mission. This role assists in developing and managing a collection of archives displayed in both permanent and temporary exhibits. The Assistant Curator collaborates closely with the Curator to ensure the collection effectively tells the history of the 1st Infantry Division through engaging in-person and digital formats for diverse audiences.

Essential Functions

Interpretation

• Assist in the creation, installation, opening, maintenance, evaluation, and closing of all permanent and temporary exhibits.
• Contribute to the long-range exhibits plan, the annual exhibits plan, and project schedules.
• Research and present concepts and stories to update the history told in the permanent galleries with current scholarship and new additions to the collection.
• Support the planning and implementation of updates to the permanent galleries and temporary exhibitions according to the annual exhibits plan.
• Provide hands-on support for exhibition installations and manage temporary support staff to create dynamic visitor experiences.
• Obtains permissions and copyright clearances for images and maintains accurate credit lines.
• Help develop concepts and stories for traveling exhibitions to extend Cantigny's reach.
• Select items from the collection and loans for exhibit; evaluate artifacts for exhibit and ensure their safe display and preservation.
• Engage with 1ID veterans, the public, and entities like the Society of the First Division and the U.S. Army to collect artifacts relevant to the 1ID's history.
• Maintain relationships with community partners, repositories, museums, and other cultural institutions to enhance public and private programs and exhibitions.
• Represent the museum externally as required.
• Communicate effectively with visitors, the public, and community organizations of diverse backgrounds.
• Assist in budget management and reporting, including completing and submitting board reports quarterly and additional reports as needed.
• Set and evaluate yearly goals and objectives in collaboration with senior leadership.
• Ability to work independently under the guidance of the Curator and take on an active role in supporting the day-to-day operations of the department.

Requirements

Essential Skills : Communication :

Collaboration :

Minimum Qualifications :

Education : Bachelor's Degree in History, Museum Studies, Graphic design or related field

Experience : 3-5 years working in a museum, with familiarity in U.S. military history preferred.

Skills :

Working Conditions :

This is a Full-time position. The Assistant Curator will spend considerable time at the First Division Museum and regular travel to the community is required. Requires some weekend and evening work.

Benefits

The McCormick Foundation offers industry-leading benefits that reflect the Foundation's mission and support a healthy and productive culture.

Healthcare and Paid Time Off :

In addition to our high-caliber and comprehensive medical, dental, and vision care, we provide :

Retirement :

To assist employees in saving towards their retirement, we offer :

Giving Back to Community : The Foundation supports our employees' personal philanthropy by :

Vaccination Requirement

The Robert R. McCormick Foundation requires as a condition of employment that all employees are fully vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) or have been approved for an accommodation based on a medical condition or conflicting religious belief.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Cantigny Park and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, individuals with disabilities, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and / or expression, genetic information, marital and housing status.

Salary Description

54-65K

Salary : $500 - $75,000