Curator Jobs

Position Description

Updated May 12, 2023

Title: Curator

Division: Collections & Exhibitions

Reports to: Sr. Director of Curatorial Affairs

Position Status: Full-time; Exempt

Salary Range: $50,000 - $60,000/year

Position Summary

The Curator advances the acquisition, documentation, care, and access to the museum object collections held by VMHC. This position also works with the curatorial team to develop 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 working with the curatorial team on 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

• 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 general 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.
• Promote and provide access to the museum collections through technology and related services for the collections.
• 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.

Exhibition Responsibilities

• Research and develop ideas for exhibitions and programs that meet VMHC's mission, community engagement and business goals, and leverage the collections.
• Collaborate with Guest Engagement Division staff to develop plans for exhibition-related programming, activities, and evaluation.
• Provide content expertise as part of a core team that leads the collaborative development and implementation of exhibition projects.
• Work within a cross-functional team to oversee the care, upkeep, and refreshment of core gallery experiences.

Project Management & Administration

• Contribute to the development and writing of articles, public relations and external communications materials as needed.
• Lead and serve on cross-functional teams and committees.
• Develop and steward collection donor relationships in partnership with VMHC staff and trustees.
• Keep abreast of developments in the fields of Virginia history, exhibitions and museology; stay current with professional best practices.
• Participate in VMHC institutional priority setting, and strategic and annual business planning.
• Contribute to the development, writing, implementation and reporting of grants; participate in the development of corporate and other partnership proposals.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Necessary

• 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
• Knowledge of United States and Virginia history and material culture
• Knowledge of principles and best practices of exhibitions and museum collections
• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships and work with individuals and community-based organizations
• Broad knowledge of current trends in curatorship, exhibition development and community engagement

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 developing exhibitions with broad community relevance and appeal
• Demonstrated commitment to achieving equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace and the community
• Demonstrated experience with collections research, development and documentation associated with museum objects

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, writing sample 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.