Assistant Curator

Museum Of The Bible; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Six paid holidays

Four floating holidays of employee’s 0

Job summary

Museum of the Bible seeks an Assistant Curator to steward, research, and exhibit the museum’s extensive collection of modern printed Bibles and religious texts. You will apply deep knowledge of European and American editions from roughly 1700 to today, with a strong background in writing, teaching, and public engagement.

This role requires developing exhibition content, conducting gallery talks, and collaborating with conservators and other departments to support interpretive materials for

Qualifications

• MA in a relevant field.
• Museum/library/archival/research experience.
• Lecturing, teaching, and public speaking preferred.
• Experience supervising volunteers, interns, and students preferred.
• Specialization in modern history or related field.
• Research language expertise as required.

Responsibilities

• Research and develop European and American Bibles for exhibitions, publications, lectures, and public engagement.
• Conduct provenance research and documentation.
• Develop content and object rotation plans for permanent and temporary exhibitions.
• Cultivate relationships with external scholars and museum professionals.
• Collaborate with conservators on long‑term care plans for the collection.
• Coordinate interpretive materials and publicity with other departments.
• Represent the museum for media, donors, sponsors, and the public.
• Research and recommend objects for acquisition or loan.

Skills

Public speaking

Communication

Research

Travel readiness

Education

MA in a relevant field

Job description

Museum of the Bible offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including:

• Paid time off
• Six paid holidays
• Four floating holidays of employee’s choice
• 401(k) plan that is 100% vested after 1,000 hours of service
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• STD, LTD, and life insurance that is paid by Museum of the Bible

Our driving mission is to invite all people to engage with the Bible through our collections, exhibits, and research and educational initiatives, as well as media, publications, and performances in our World Stage Theater. In 2017, Museum of the Bible opened its 430,000-square-foot non-profit museum in the heart of our nation’s capital. In addition, our traveling exhibits have appeared nationwide and around the globe. Furthermore, we support education at all levels through children’s programs, high school and college curricula, and adult education, as well as scholarship and academic research (including field archaeology) through our Scholars Initiative.

Our Culture

Museum of the Bible offers a highly challenging and profoundly meaningful work environment where every team member is unified around our unique and global mission. Our museum bridges the ancient and the modern—from a Babylonian brick dating to around 580 BC to the latest technology in our immersive surround-sound theater. Our team also spans a wide range of careers, from those with decades of extensive professional experience to new graduates and interns.

With new leadership in place, it’s an exciting time to work at the museum as we plan for the future. As the museum grows, we provide employees the opportunity to develop their expertise and careers, along with friendships and fun. We all hope to move our lives from success to significance—and we do that daily at Museum of the Bible.

Our Work

We offer a wide variety of career opportunities, ranging from highly specialized curators and scholars to cutting-edge technology and media experts. You may work with global dignitaries and VIPs in Hospitality, or with curious children in Education. Or take your career in all these directions over time.

The museum is located in Southwest DC, on the Federal Center SW Metro stop. Our official headquarters is in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (on the Hobby Lobby campus). Most of our positions are in these two locations, but some may be remote.

Museum of the Bible supports the professional development of college and university students by playing an integral role in experiential learning. We offer internships to students from various academic backgrounds, giving them the opportunity to gain hands‑on experience.

Job Title: Assistant Curator
Division / Department: Curatorial - Collections DC
Location: Washington, D.C.

FLSA: Exempt

Schedule: Full-Time

Reporting Manager: Senior Curator

Travel: Some
Salary:$50,000 - $55,000 Annually, Depending on Experience and Adjusted to Local Market Rates*

POSITION SUMMARY

Museum of the Bible seeks an Assistant Curator who will help steward, research, and exhibit the museum’s extensive collection of modern printed Bibles and religious texts. This person will have extensive knowledge of European and American Bibles published between roughly 1700 and today, with a strong background in writing, teaching, and public engagement. This person’s responsibilities will include researching objects under his or her care, developing content for portions of the museum’s permanent and special exhibitions, conducting gallery talks and tours, along with other duties as assigned.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Research and develop European and American Bibles, disseminates findings through exhibitions, publications, lectures, gallery talks, digital media, and other forms of public engagement.
• Conduct provenance research and documentation.
• Develop content and object rotation plans for the museum’s permanent and temporary exhibitions as assigned.
• Cultivate relationships with external scholars, cultural leaders, and museum professionals.
• Collaborate with the museum’s conservators to develop conservation plans to ensure the collection’s long‑term care.
• Coordinate with other departments to develop and implement interpretive materials, publicity materials, and products.
• Represent the museum and its collections as needed for the media, donors, sponsors, and the public.
• Research and recommend objects for acquisition or for loan.
• Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

Education:

• M.A. in a relevant field.

Experience:

• Previous museum, library, archival, or research experience.
• Preferred: Experience in lecturing, teaching, and public speaking.
• Preferred: Experience in supervising volunteers, interns, and students.

Skills & Core Competencies:

• Specialization in modern history or another closely related field.
• Research language expertise as required.

Abilities & Attributes:

• Ability to plan and deliver projects on schedule.
• Ability to communicate effectively with people from all backgrounds.
• Able to work evenings and weekends as required for exhibitions, conferences, and other special events.
• Able to travel as required for exhibitions, acquisitions, research, conferences, and other professional or scholarly activities.
• Champion the Museum of the Bible’s mission to invite all people to engage with the transformative power of the Bible.
• Stand for extended periods of time and lift 30 lbs.
• As required, inclusion in official or incidental photographs and videos for MOTB and/or guests.