Collections & Exhibition Specialist

JOB DESCRIPTION: Collections & Exhibition Specialist  

DEPARTMENT: Museums             

LOCATION: Primarily stationed at the African American Military History Museum; but work requires travel to all Hattiesburg Convention Commission facilities. These include the Lake Terrace Convention Center, Saenger Theater, the Sixth Street Museum District, and the Hattiesburg Zoo. 

SHIFT: 40 hours per week- some nights, weekends, and holidays will be required. 

REPORTS TO: Director of Museums

SUMMARY: The Collections & Exhibition Specialist (CES) is responsible for maintaining, preserving, cataloguing, and storing museum artifacts. The CES will oversee Museum exhibition development as well as object handling and care. The CES is also responsible for the maintenance of electronic files. The CES will be a self-directed, energetic, highly motivated person with a strong desire to enhance the collection(s) of the Sixth Street Museum District. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Properly documents, catalogues, and categorizes every item in the Museums’ collections as well as new acquisitions to ensure that each piece is accounted for and easily accessible.
• Locating and presenting high-quality works for display in the Commission’s Museums as well as specific transient exhibits that may or may not be housed in Commission-operated facilities. Travel may be required.
• Writing, creating and installing, explanatory material for exhibitions.
• Use Museum collection to develop exhibitions that correspond with the Museums’ missions and programming as well as patriotic holidays and themes.
• Researches and documents the history of all acquisitions for the Sixth Street Museum District.
• Responsible for all digital records/collections.
• Selects the necessary archival materials to preserve items in the Museums’ collection.
• Oversees the handling of objects and conducts special training for Museum staff on the proper handling of such pieces.  
• Follows and implements national standards & best practices for U.S. museums when dealing with the Museums’ collections.  
• Establishes and maintains superior relationships with donors and potential donors.
•  Works closely with Museum Operations and Education Supervisor to maximize educational goals through exhibit design and to ensures all aspects of visitor experience is weighed during collaborative process.
• Completes condition reports for traveling exhibits that will be managed by the Sixth Street Museum District to show that each item has been carefully inspected; this report should be detailed and accurately document the condition of the item(s) upon arrival and departure. 
• Secures and provides care for objects within traveling exhibits.
• Assists Museum staff with special events, projects and other duties as needed.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS 

Education and Work Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Museum Studies, Libraries & Information Science, and/or related field.

Essential Job Qualifications:  

• Must retain a valid Driver’s License and meet the eligibility requirements to drive while conducting company business.

Knowledge and Skills: 

• Exceptional organizational skills with strong attention to detail.
• Must have strong research skills and knowledge of African American History & Culture.
• Capability to function independently in a multi-task environment, as well as with a team.
• Ability to maintain organized records.
• Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Creative Suite is preferred.
• Background in art is preferred.