Curator

Description

The National WWII Museum is currently seeking a Curator. Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Curatorial Affairs, the Curator is a vital member of the curatorial team and works closely with collections, archives, digitization, exhibits, and education staff members. The Curator participates in the research, proposal, and documentation of acquisitions; publication and presentation on the collection; and will serve as lead on exhibition projects, including the proposal of exhibition themes. This position requires extensive knowledge of WWII material culture, strong written and verbal communication skills, precise attention to detail, and the ability to communicate and work with both scholarly audiences and the general public. A demonstrated team player, the Curator must be able to work independently and collaboratively with a small staff and vigorous work schedule under the guidance of the Associate Vice President of Curatorial Affairs.

Requirements

  Collections

• Work with the entire curatorial team on donor relations and regularly participate in the Museum’s Acquisition Review Committee
• Evaluate, propose, and organize new collections to fill gaps within the Museum’s collection
• Inventory, catalog, and document artifacts and archival items in the Museum’s collection management system (Ke EMu)
• Research, compile, and prepare written information about collections for publication on the institution's website and other channels

  Exhibits

• Investigate and develop opportunities for temporary special exhibitions in support of the Museum’s mission, preparing exhibition proposals 3-4 years in advance for review and approval by department heads and by the President & CEO
• Actively participate in the development of permanent exhibits and other special projects as needed
• Select and prepare items for rotation in permanent exhibits across the Museum’s campus as assigned

  Education/Programs

• Work with members of Education to develop, produce, and analyze exhibition-related programming, educational materials, and didactics
• Prepare and present lectures and other public programs
• Conduct and/or organize tours, workshops, and instructional sessions to acquaint individuals with the Museum’s collections
• Present on collections and exhibitions to the general public through gallery walks, print and online articles, media opportunities and other venues

  Research

• Conduct original research on the Museum collections and present and/or publish research in academic and scholarly venues and at appropriate conferences
• Identify and coordinate research opportunities for scholars and students

  Fundraising

• Provide support in the preparation of grants and other funding proposals to generate revenue in support of curatorial, collections, and exhibit initiatives
• Provide information, ideas, suggestions, and assistance to the Institutional Advancement department in the formulation of sponsorship packages for programs, events, exhibits, and other activities

  Marketing and Communications

• Provide information and assistance to Marketing and Communications department to develop communication and marketing materials and strategies regarding collections, exhibitions, and programs

Qualifications

• MA in History, Museum Science or related specialty
• Minimum of four years’ experience in a curatorial role at a history museum, cultural center, or similar institution
• Extensive knowledge of the American Experience during World War II with emphasis on World War II-era material culture; specialization preferred
• Thorough knowledge of cataloging procedures and standards with a demonstrated ability to work with computerized collections databases
• Thorough understanding of best practices for collection stewardship
• Exceptional research and verbal and written communication skills
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a proven ability to work well with colleagues, other employees, donors, lenders, and guests
• Willingness to work evenings or weekends during special events or heavy visitation periods
• Willingness to participate in other duties of a manual nature such as moving and warehousing collections, installation of exhibits, and moving/driving macro-artifacts as required

In addition to offering competitive wages, the Museum’s benefits package includes: 

• Medical insurance – 2 plan options; Museum pays 75% of premium 
• Dental and vision insurance 
• Flexible spending account 
• 401(k) – Museum matches 50% of employee contribution up to 6%; employer contribution full vested after 3 years of employment 
• Life insurance and AD&D - $15,000 policy employer paid; additional life and AD&D available 
• Long term disability insurance 
• Paid vacation and sick leave, 10 paid holidays per year 
• Free parking 
• Tuition assistance and professional development 
• Employee assistance program 

The National WWII Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer and seeks diversity in its workforce.  We are dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including age, sex, race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability.  Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act, applicants may request accommodations needed to participate in the application process.