Curator, Exhibitions and Collections National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Cincinnati Museum Center & National Underground Railroad Freedom Center; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Cincinnati Museum Center in Cincinnati, OH, seeks a Curator for Exhibitions and Collections at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. This full-time exempt role oversees museum collections, curates temporary exhibitions, and manages related registration tasks, including loans and shipping.

The position emphasizes research, interpretive content development, and collaboration with education staff to create accessible, impactful programs aligned with our mission.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in History, Public History, Museum Studies or related field required; Master’s preferred.
• Experience with collections, museum registration methods and exhibition installation.
• Knowledge of collections management systems.
• Strong project management skills.
• Knowledge of Underground Railroad and American history; Cincinnati history and social justice preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; knowledge of Chicago Manual of Style.
• Knowledge of accessibility, learning methods, and inclusive language.
• Ability to adapt quickly and remain flexible.
• Ability to work with a diverse workforce.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite.

Responsibilities

• Conduct primary and secondary source research to inform exhibitions, programs, publications, and other museum initiatives.
• Perform object research, selection, documentation, handling, and exhibition preparation.
• Perform some loan arrangements and condition reporting.
• Develop interpretive content, including exhibition labels, wall texts, essays, timelines, and digital content.
• Follow museum standards and ethical practices related to collections, provenance, permissions, and intellectual property.
• Assist in docent training for permanent and temporary exhibitions.
• Occasionally contribute to lectures, panel discussions, tours, workshops, oral history initiatives, and community conversations.
• Collaborate with education staff to develop programs connected to exhibitions and the museum’s broader mission.
• Serve as a subject matter resource for researchers and community partners.

Skills

Project management

Written & verbal communication

Microsoft Suite

Adaptability

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in History/Public History/Museum Studies

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Collections management systems

Job description

Thank you for your interest in working for Cincinnati Museum Center and The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center!

All positions listed here are current openings. We only accept applications and resumes for positions that are listed. Applications for positions that are not listed will not be processed. Due to the volume of applications we are unable to respond to inquiries regarding the status of applications or more detailed information about positions.

Cincinnati Museum Center and The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center are Equal Opportunity Employers.

Position: Curator, Exhibitions and Collections National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Job Id:1024 # of Openings:1
Curator, Exhibitions and Collections The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center Cincinnati, Ohio
Department: Education and Interpretation
Supervisor: VP, Education and Interpretation
Status: FT/Exempt
Salary: 60,000

Rooted in the stories of the Underground Railroad, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center (“NURFC”) illuminates the true meaning of inclusive freedom by presenting permanent and special exhibits that inspire, public programming that provokes dialogue and action, and educational resources that equip modern abolitionists. NURFC opened in August 2004 on the banks of the Ohio River in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. Since then, millions of people have visited our exhibits and public programs, inspiring everyone to take courageous steps for freedom. Millions of people have utilized our educational resources online at freedomcenter.org , working to connect the lessons of the Underground Railroad to inform and inspire today’s global and local fight for freedom.

Job Overview

The Curator is the primary subject matter expert and is called upon for interviews and programming. They are responsible for the management of the museum collection and archives, plans and implements temporary exhibitions, oversees permanent exhibitions, and performs some collections and registration duties including loans and shipping.

Historical Research, Interpretation, and Collections

• Conduct primary and secondary source research to inform exhibitions, programs, publications, and other museum initiatives.
• Perform object research, selection, documentation, handling, and exhibition preparation.
• Perform some loan arrangements and condition reporting.
• Develop interpretive content, including exhibition labels, wall texts, essays, timelines, and digital content.
• Follow museum standards and ethical practices related to collections, provenance, cultural materials, permissions, and intellectual property.
• Assist in docent training for permanent and temporary exhibitions.
• Occasionally contribute to lectures, panel discussions, tours, workshops, oral history initiatives, and community conversations.
• Collaborate with education staff to develop programs connected to exhibitions and the museum’s broader mission. occasionally
• Serve as a subject matter resource for researchers and community partners.

Exhibition Development and Management

• Co-develop, research, and implement exhibitions that align with the Freedom Center’s mission and strategic plan.
• Co-lead exhibition projects from initial concept and research through content development, design, installation, opening, and evaluation.
• Identify and interpret historical objects, artworks, documents, photographs, oral histories, and other materials for exhibition.
• Collaborate with staff and external partners to develop engaging and accessible exhibitions.
• Manage multiple curatorial projects simultaneously, ensuring effective coordination of schedules, budgets, resources, and deliverables.
• Coordinate exhibition installation and deinstallation with appropriate staff, contractors, and external partners.

Internal and External Engagement and Collaboration

• Build and maintain relationships with community members, cultural organizations, historians, artists, educators, and other stakeholders.
• Support community-led exhibition and interpretation projects, ensuring that project participants maintain mission alignment their content and presentation.
• Seek community feedback throughout exhibition development and incorporate input into project planning and interpretation.
• Work collaboratively with other museum departments.
• Review grant proposals, funding applications, publications, reports, and other institutional initiatives when applicable.
• Stay current with developments in museum practice, historical scholarship, cultural interpretation, accessibility, and community-centered curatorial approaches.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in History, Public History, Museum Studies or related field of study required; Master’s preferred.
• Demonstrated experience working with collections, museum registration methods, and exhibition installation.
• Knowledge of collections management systems.
• Strong project management skills.
• Strong knowledge of Underground Railroad and American history required, knowledge of Cincinnati history and social justice preferred.
• Strong, accessible written and verbal communication skills, with knowledge of the Chicago Manual of Style.
• Knowledge of different learning methods, accessibility, and inclusive language.
• Ability to adapt quickly and remain flexible.
• Ability to work with a diverse workforce.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Suite.

Working Conditions

• Standard office environment associated with position. Primarily desk-based with occasional off-site travel.
• Periodic movement for extended periods of time.
• Movement of objects of objects over 25 lbs with support and accommodation.
• Movement between climate-controlled and non-climate controlled spaces required.
• Will be required to perform other duties as requested or assigned.
• The position is full-time and primarily in-office. Flexible day, weekend, and evening availability necessary. Standard weekly hours are Monday-Friday. Must work some holidays, specifically MLK Day and Juneteenth.

National Underground Railroad Freedom is an EOE employer and does not discriminate against any person or group based on age, color, disability, gender, pregnancy, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or genetic information. NURFC is building a culturally diverse staff committed to working in a multicultural environment and encourages applications from minorities and women.