Find & Apply For Museum Curator Jobs in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

About the Museum of the

American Revolution:

Open to the public since April 19, 2017, the Museum uncovers and shares compelling stories about the diverse people and complex events that sparked America's ongoing experiment in liberty, equality, and self-government. Over the past ten years, the Museum has built a reputation for excellence in exhibitions, while demonstrating its leadership in the field of American history museums. The Museum has grown its world-class collection and continues to do so. As it prepares to enter its next decade of operations, the Museum is seeking to develop and implement a robust slate of exhibitions, digital projects, and educational initiatives in order to expand its audience, reach, and impact nationwide.

Position Description:

Reporting to the Director of Collections and Exhibitions, the Senior Curator is responsible for executing the material culture, visual culture, and historical research and writing for the Museum of the American Revolution's exhibitions (Core Exhibition, special exhibitions, traveling exhibitions, and digital exhibitions) in support of the Museum's vision, mission, strategic plan, and interpretive plan. This position will often serve as a spokesperson for the Museum's exhibitions and collection, which will require frequent work with the Marketing, Communications, Education and Community Engagement, and Development departments. The Senior Curator will supervise the curatorial team and will work as a key member of the Collections and Exhibitions department. Crucial attributes include robust research skills, supervisory experience, excellent writing and speaking ability, the capacity to juggle competing and shifting priorities, and a commitment to developing and maintaining strong working relationships.

Primary Responsibilities:

Executes the curation of the Museum's Core Exhibition, special exhibitions, traveling exhibitions, and digital exhibitions, including researching objects, developing exhibition themes and content, drafting exhibition text and object labels, and assisting department staff with securing artifact loans, identifying graphics, and installing and deinstalling the exhibitions. Supervises the curatorial team, ensuring that its work meets Museum and professional standards. Assists the Director of Collections and Exhibitions and the Manager of Collections and Exhibitions with the creation of exhibition project timelines and budgets, and with interdepartmental coordination related to exhibitions. Conducts research on the Museum's collection and related topics to generate content for the Museum's object files and online and print publications. Works with fellow Collections and Exhibitions department members to grow the Museum's collection via acquisitions (purchases, gifts, transfers, and bequests). Supervises exhibition research and writing done on projects by research assistants, fellows, interns, and volunteers, ensuring that the work meets Museum and professional standards. Collaborates with the Museum's Education and Community Engagement department on developing and delivering exhibition-related programming, reviewing exhibition-related educational materials, and training educators regarding exhibition content. Works with interdepartmental groups to plan, develop, and deliver exhibition-related public programs. Speaks about the Museum of the American Revolution's exhibitions and collection at major conferences and symposia. Liaises with the historical academic community regarding the Museum's collecting and exhibition initiatives. Collaborates with the Development department and the Director of Collections and Exhibitions to build relationships with the Museum's donors, lenders and supporters and to prepare materials for grant applications and fundraising related to the Museum's exhibitions and collections. Assists the Marketing and Communications departments as needed with press and advertising related to exhibitions, including press interviews, press releases, and adding content to the Museum's website. Assists with collections management tasks, as needed: pest management, cleaning and maintenance of exhibitions, photography, object packing and movement, etc. Keeps up to date about the field of museum exhibitions and interpretive best practices. Ensures that projects are completed on time and within budget. Other duties as assigned.

Education Requirements:

Master's degree from an accredited college or university in American history, public history, museum studies, or related field.

Experience/Skills:

Minimum of 7 years of museum curatorial experience related to exhibition development and research, preferably focusing on early American history. Minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience. Extensive knowledge of the American Revolution and the Revolutionary era. Experience with early American historical research - both online and in person - especially with artifacts and material culture methodology. Expertise with best practices in museum collections care and object handling. Experience with high-level donor cultivation and grant writing. Strong leader, communicator, and collaborator who demonstrates the ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including fellow staff, donors, trustees, and external partners. Extensive experience with online exhibitions and other digital projects. Capacity and organizational ability to work in a fast-paced, diverse, multi-tasked environment. Ability to manage multiple work processes and projects simultaneously and the ability to be receptive to changing priorities. Computer skills in Microsoft programs and automated collections and registration systems, such as PastPerfect. Generally comfortable with technology. Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills for general public and academic audiences. Strong attention to detail. Maintains confidentiality.

Education Level:

Master's degree from an accredited college or university in American history, public history, museum studies, or related field. Minimum of $80,000 commensurate with experience. This is a full-time, on-site position at the Museum of the American Revolution. To Apply - The Museum of the American Revolution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Please send a cover letter, resume and 3 professional references to employment@amrevmuseum.org. (Posted 9/22) Executive Director, Westmoreland County Historical Society, Greensburg Permanent, Full-Time Position

BENEFITS

Retirement Plan-Simple IRA (Eligible after 2 years) Health Care Plan-Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) Paid Time Off (PTO) Paid Holidays

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE

The Westmoreland Historical Society (WHS) is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich history of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. It is headquartered at the Westmoreland Education Center which houses an exhibit gallery, research library, museum shop, and a substantial artifacts collection. It operates the historic venue and county park, Historic Hanna's Town, a reconstructed colonial frontier village and site of the first seat of government in Westmoreland County. An Antiques and Collectibles Market is held on the grounds, in addition to many other events and programs throughout the year. The WHS publishes the magazine Westmoreland History and the WHS newsletter. It is staffed by 4 full-time and 3 part-time employees with the support of 15 board members and 12 ex-officio members, as well as an extensive corps of volunteers. More information is available at westmorelandhistory.org.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Executive Director (ED) is the chief executive officer of the Westmoreland Historical Society (WHS) and reports to the Board of Directors. The ED is responsible for coordinating all daily operations of the WHS, working in collaboration with the board and staff to plan and achieve operational and strategic revenue goals.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree required, with a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in nonprofit leadership/museum management.

Demonstrated excellence in organizational management and strategic planning with the ability to move the society forward toward continuous growth and improvement. Documented knowledge of fundraising, grant writing and oversight, membership, and donor development. Strong public relations skills with the ability to build lasting partnerships within the community. Past success in working and collaborating with a board of directors, committees, staff, and volunteers. Proficiency in using technology and digital platforms for program development, social media, marketing, and outreach.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Public Relations Serves as the face and authorized spokesperson of the WHS to ensure proper and timely dissemination of information through news media and external communications.

• Builds strategic partnerships within the community by regular communication with civic leaders, public officials, and community groups.
• Works collaboratively and cooperatively with the Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers. Maintains consistent and positive communication.
• Actively promotes the value and benefits of WHS membership and volunteerism.

Finance Ensures adequate operating funds through the development of an annual financial plan, to include an annual grant application calendar, special events, and other fundraising activities. Ensures that an operating budget is developed, reviewed, and submitted for Board approval on an annual basis and that the WHS operates within budget guidelines. Executes all contracts and other legally-binding agreements as the authorized signatory or in conjunction with designated officers. Arranges for the annual audit as well as the required program audits of grants and contracts. Human Resources Develops and conducts on-going review and maintenance of the WHS organizational structure and staff to support its mission and objectives. Recommends related modifications to the Board of Directors. Conducts annual staff performance reviews and goal-setting. Makes necessary recommendations to the Board. Ensures the implementation and maintenance of approved human resource policies. Maintains all appropriate personnel records. Communicates objectives and issues to staff and volunteers to maintain the coordination of WHS operations. Oversees daily operations and ensures appropriate staff are on site for normal operating hours and any special events or programs. Provides oversight of the Historic Hanna's Town site and the Education Center. Maintains a positive climate conducive to attracting, retaining, and motivating staff and volunteers. Development Recommends, implements, and coordinates strategic fundraising projects as approved by the Board. Responsible for targeting and implementing funding from public and private sources and identifying grants that would support WHS projects and overseeing the grant process. Develops strategies for annual fundraising goals. Promotes a Planned Giving Program. Identifies and cultivates donors and ensures both donor and membership numbers increase annually. Creates donor naming opportunities and develops donor recognition. To apply, please send your cover letter and resume to: searchcommittee@westmorelandhistory.org (Posted 9/22)