Curator

Position: Curator

Department: Museum Operations

Reports to: Director of Museum Operations

Supervision of: Interns

NATURE AND SCOPE:

The Curator oversees all curatorial operations of The Durham Museum in accordance with accepted museum practices. This role is responsible for the acquisition, interpretation and security of the museum’s collections, and assists with the maintenance, development and installation of the museum’s exhibition programs. The Curator is committed to learning about the history of Omaha and is driven by building strong partnerships within the community, scholars and museum professionals to ensure the museum is presenting content that is trusted and relevant. The Curator supports other museum departments by providing content that tells the story of our community’s rich history.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the planning, development and installation of internally developed exhibitions through research, writing, object selection and preparation.
• Coordinate the museum’s temporary and traveling exhibition schedules and assist with internal and external communications and installation and deinstallation.
• Provide content for use in public programs, marketing and other museum related initiatives.
• Responsible for the general maintenance, care and cleaning of the permanent and temporary exhibit galleries and collection storage areas.
• Create and maintain schedules for all curatorial activities.
• Coordinate with the collection manager regarding collection preservation and digitization strategy, as well as manage incoming and outgoing loans, artifact transportation, security requirements, public access to the collection and technology upgrades.
• Correspond with the public and other entities regarding the museum’s permanent collections and research requests.
• Evaluate potential acquisitions/donations and make recommendations to the Director of Museum Operations.
• Oversee department special projects and grant-funded programs to ensure objectives are met and reporting is completed on a timely basis.
• Manage curatorial internship program by coordinating candidate selection and providing program direction and supervision.
• Work with the Director of Museum Operations in establishing annual departmental goals and is responsible for the execution of those goals.
• Support the museum’s overall strategies and operational activities within the Museum Operations division.
• Participate in all mandatory training and safety programs required and provided by the museum.
• Responsible for working within department and program budgets as approved by the Board of Directors of the museum for all areas of responsibility.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree or Master’s certificate in Museum Studies, History, Public History or related field.
• 5 years of professional curatorial experience.
• Experience with PastPerfect and CONTENTdm or other collection management systems.
• Effective in a creative and collaborative environment.
• Highly developed organizational skills with demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks and manage workflow for efficient operations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Effective research skills with a passion for local, regional and national history.
• Ability to work independently or as a member of a team.
• Strong supervisory skills and ability to motivate a team.
• Experience with exhibit layout and design and object label creation preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Routine periods of sitting, standing, kneeling and walking are required. Must be able to climb ladders, lift up to 40 pounds, go up and down stairs, and sit or stand for extended periods.

**Please include a cover letter when applying.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $43,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: One location