Position Title: Curator of Collections and Exhibitions
Classification: Exempt
Position Summary & Objectives
The Curator of Collections and Exhibitions is responsible for the appropriate care and exhibition of over 60,000 artifacts in the collection. The curator will use a broad collection of artifacts and interpret history to build community engagement while diversifying audiences and building new relationships regionally and nationally on behalf of Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites (HBMS). This is an active, hands-on position requiring flexibility and the ability to manage several projects simultaneously. The curator will work cross-departmentally with HBMS staff and volunteers to support the development and implementation of innovative exhibitions and programs to facilitate community engagement and grow (HBMS) audience
The main objective for this position is to create compelling visitor experiences that:
Contribute to and support HBMS's strategic plan, annual priorities, and institutional initiatives
Lead the effort to identify, record, and organize the library and archives of HBMS
Foster community engagement with members and diverse audiences
Enhance donor relationships to create opportunities for support of the collections and acquisition of new artifacts
Convey a passion for the HBMS mission and promote the museum throughout the community
Work collaboratively to help prepare our organization for World Heritage and increased tourism and international visitors
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
Plan, develop, install, and maintain exhibitions to create a compelling visitor experience and share HBMS's outstanding universal value
Manage and care for five separate collections of Historic Bethlehem Museum & Sites according to the Collections Management Policy
Register, track, and care appropriately for all acquisitions, deaccessions, and loans
Maintain collections database (PastPerfect)
Manage the research library and archives and develop ways to make the collection more accessible to the public
Seek opportunities to share the HBMS mission with the community through speaking engagements
Collaborate with and assist the public relations/marketing staff members on exhibit and mission-related opportunities through contributions to e-blasts, press releases, and other marketing efforts
Supervise volunteers and interns working on curatorial tasks, research library, and exhibitions
Required Knowledge and Experience
Advanced degree in Museum Studies, Art History, Library Science or a related field
Minimum two years relevant experience in a non-profit setting
Proficiency with InDesign and Photoshop software and Past Perfect or similar collections management database
Experience managing exhibitions and event programming
Knowledge of museum collection care, preservation, and organization
Position Success Factors
Strong relationship-building skills to establish and maintain positive relationships with colleagues, volunteers, donors, board members, visitors, and community partners
Strong written and oral communication skills to convey the organization's mission
High level of flexibility and collaboration to effectively work in a small team environment and handle a vast amount of responsibility
Outstanding organizational abilities to successfully plan and execute multiple simultaneous exhibits, events, programs, and projects
Reporting Relationships:
The Curator of Collections and Exhibitions reports to the Vice President/Managing Director
This position is responsible for the supervision of volunteers and interns
Work Environment and Physical Demands
Duties of this position are performed in an office setting, virtually, as well as at various HBMS historical sites. The position frequently requires standing, sitting, bending, walking, and climbing stairs. The position also requires the ability to lift or carry items weighing up to 50 pounds.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required for this position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time.
HBMS considers individuals for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
401(k)
401(k) matching
Health insurance
Paid time off
Physical Setting:
Office
Schedule:
Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person
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