Senior Curator

Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Museum of the American Revolution seeks a Senior Curator to lead curation of Core, special, traveling, and digital exhibitions, and to drive research and writing for public and scholarly audiences.

Reporting to the Director of Collections and Exhibitions, you will supervise the curatorial team, manage project timelines and budgets, and collaborate across Education, Marketing, Development, and donor relations to expand the museum’s reach and impact.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in American history, public history, museum studies, or related field.
• 7+ years of museum curatorial experience in exhibition development and research.
• 3+ years of supervisory experience.
• Extensive knowledge of the American Revolution and the Revolutionary era.
• Experience with artifacts and material culture methodology.
• Experience with donor cultivation and grant writing.
• Experience with online exhibitions and digital projects.

Responsibilities

• Execute 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.

Skills

Curatorial experience

Supervisory experience

Grant writing

Donor relations

Digital exhibitions

PastPerfect

Education

Master's degree in American history

Master's degree in museum studies

Tools

PastPerfect

Job description

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.

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.

The Museum of the American Revolution is an Equal Opportunity Employer.