The USGA is a mission-based golf organization whose purpose is to unify the golf community through handicapping and grassroots programs; to showcase the game's best talent through the U.S. Open, U.S. Women's Open and 13 other national championships and our museum; to provide unbiased global governance with The R&A through the playing, equipment and Amateur Status rules; and to advance issues important to golf's future, with a focus on driving sustainability, accessibility and inclusion. As a nonprofit association, our work and our team are driven to act for the good of the game. The USGA's headquarters are located in Liberty Corner, NJ, with a recently opened campus in Pinehurst, NC. For more, visit usga.org.
About this role:
The Curator of the USGA Golf Museum and World Golf Hall of Fame is responsible for managing collections, developing and planning exhibitions and creating educational programs. This role will focus on the USGA Experience and WGHOF in Pinehurst, and will also include managing traveling exhibits and collaboration on acquisitions for the entire Museum. The Curator provides professional expertise, and strong organization and planning skills to support the Museum's and WGHOF's missions and strategic plans.
Reporting directly to the Director of the WGHOF, the Curator will play a leading role in collections management and development, and a supporting role in historical storytelling and education. The Curator will be an important part of building and maintaining strategic relationships with WGHOF members. With the USGA now overseeing the operation of the two leading historical institutions in golf, this role is vital to maximizing their impact - in Pinehurst, Liberty Corner, at USGA championships and around the world.
What you'll do:
Collections Management

• Manage WGHOF collection, including artifact handling, processing, display, interpretation and storage

• Oversee documentation and transport of artifacts related to loans and donations for USGA Experience and WGHOF

• Oversee the integration of WGHOF and USGA Golf Museum collections, including cataloging and updating documentation

Content and Programming

• Lead exhibit planning and creation for Golf House Pinehurst and Liberty Corner

• Develop and manage traveling exhibits for USGA championships and collaborate with Historian to create associated content

• Update content related to WGHOF exhibits including locker fronts, interactives, media pieces, website and mobile app

• Assist Museum team in giving historical presentations, bringing artifacts to events and making media appearances

• Collaborate with Communications team on WGHOF and USGA Experience content creation for web, app and social channels

Operations and Education

• Oversee operational activities of the USGA Experience and WGHOF

• Provide tours of USGA Experience and WGHOF to VIP groups

• Develop tour curriculum and manual for docents; Assist in education and on-boarding

• Assist with events and programming in USGA Experience and WGHOF

• Monitor USGA Experience and WGHOF for potential improvements and tweaks; Assist in development of visitor survey

Collections Development

• Collaborate with Museum leadership to update and carry out Museum collections development plan; Create an addendum for the WGHOF

• Review Museum and WGHOF collections; Work with Museum leadership to identify areas of opportunity

• Monitor auction houses and develop relationships with donors for Museum and WGHOF acquisitions

Where you'll be:

• This role will be based at our recently opened campus in Pinehurst, NC, and will work on-site five days per week.

What you bring:

• Bachelors degree with a major in History, Museum Studies, or similar field
• Advanced degree in History or Museum Studies preferred
• 8 years of relevant work experience
• Detail-oriented and organized, with the ability to prioritize tasks to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects concurrently
• Expansive knowledge of golf and golf history strongly preferred
• Excellent knowledge of archival principles and practices
• Strong analytical and oral and written communication skills
• Positive attitude and willingness to collaborate with team members

What the USGA brings:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, including a zero cost medical plan offered for all full-time employees
• Retirement plans, with up to 10% annual USGA contribution
• Suite of programs to promote physical, emotional, and financial well-being
• Generous bank of paid time off, plus the week between Christmas and New Years Day off
• Off-site team building events
• Professional development opportunities

The USGA is an equal opportunity employer. Our organization believes we are stronger by embracing our diverse backgrounds and perspectives, promoting equity so all teammates can excel and grow in their careers, and fostering experiences to drive inclusion in our workplace and game. Golf is a game for everyone, and you are always welcome.