Curator, Exhibitions and Collections National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Cincinnati Museum Center•Cincinnati, OH

13d•$60,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Curator is the primary subject matter expert for the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and may be called upon for interviews and programming. The role manages the museum collection and archives, plans and implements temporary exhibitions, oversees permanent exhibitions, and performs selected collections and registration duties, including loans and shipping. The Curator conducts historical and object research; develops interpretive content; supports exhibition preparation, loan arrangements, and condition reporting; and follows museum standards and ethical practices for collections, provenance, cultural materials, permissions, and intellectual property. The role co-develops and manages exhibition projects from research and concept through design, installation, opening, and evaluation, coordinating schedules, budgets, resources, and deliverables. The Curator also builds relationships with community members and cultural and educational partners, supports community-led projects, seeks and incorporates community feedback, collaborates across museum departments, and contributes to programs and institutional initiatives. The position is full-time, primarily in-office, and based in a standard office environment, with occasional off-site travel and flexible day, weekend, and evening availability.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in History, Public History, Museum Studies, or a related field.
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.
Strong, accessible written and verbal communication skills, including 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.
Flexible day, weekend, and evening availability.
Must work some holidays, specifically MLK Day and Juneteenth.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Knowledge of Cincinnati history and social justice.

Responsibilities

Conduct primary and secondary source research for exhibitions, programs, publications, and other museum initiatives.
Research, select, document, handle, and prepare objects for exhibition.
Perform 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.
Serve as a subject matter resource for researchers and community partners.
Co-develop, research, and implement exhibitions aligned 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 exhibition materials.
Collaborate with staff and external partners to develop engaging and accessible exhibitions.
Manage multiple curatorial projects, coordinating schedules, budgets, resources, and deliverables.
Coordinate exhibition installation and deinstallation with staff, contractors, and external partners.
Build and maintain relationships with community members, cultural organizations, historians, artists, educators, and other stakeholders.
Support community-led exhibition and interpretation projects while maintaining alignment with the museum’s mission.
Seek community feedback throughout exhibition development and incorporate it 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.
Perform other duties as requested or assigned.