Curator of Collections

JCPRD•Overland Park, KS

About The Position

The Johnson County Museum is a nationally accredited, award-winning community history museum. The Curator of Collections leads the care, growth, and long-term stewardship of the Johnson County Museum’s collections — ensuring they are preserved, accessible, and reflective of the diverse histories of Johnson County. The position directs the acquisition, documentation, conservation, storage, and digitization of artifacts and archival materials; manages Museum’s collections at the Arts & Heritage Center, off-site storage location, and the historic Lanesfield School; and oversees environmental monitoring, pest management, security, and emergency preparedness. The Curator of Collections cultivates strong donor and community relationships, advances professional best practices, and increases visibility of the collections through programs, partnerships, and public engagement. The role provides strategic leadership for the Collections Team, supervises staff, volunteers, and interns, and contributes to museum-wide initiatives including exhibitions, accreditation, and strategic planning. The following Leadership Competencies apply to supervisors, managers, and executives based on designated responsibilities: People Management – Clearly defines subordinate roles and responsibilities; motivates employees to perform and delegates work effectively; applies consistent performance standards and handles performance problems decisively and objectively; leads by example. Operations Management – Directs and guides operations in alignment with the County’s and department’s overall goals and objectives; ensures the execution of efficient processes to maximize the County’s and department’s resources; utilizes operational knowledge to make sound decisions. Strategic Leadership – Determines the strategic direction of the team or department in alignment with overall county goals; effectively communicates strategies internally and externally; creates a culture to support strategies and provides mechanisms to implement them; fosters buy-in and enthusiasm with employees.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in history, museum studies, American studies, public history, or education.
1-3 years supervising and leading staff, interns, and volunteers.
3-5 years leading and managing a collection management program.
1-3 years of project management experience.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in museum studies, public history, history, American studies, or education.

Responsibilities

Directs acquisition of historically significant artifacts, materials, and photographs.
Develops and maintains relationships with donors and the Johnson County community to broaden and diversify the collection.
Oversees proper implementation of the Museum’s collections policy; convenes quarterly Collections Committee meetings and recommends policy changes to the Museum Advisory Council.
Serves as point person for risk management related to collections items, loans, and traveling exhibits.
Supervises the Collections Manager and guides all work related to the care, documentation, and growth of the collection.
Manages collections storage locations, including on-site storage, off-site storage, and the Lanesfield Historic Site, which is a collections item on the National Historic Register.
Ensures environmental monitoring, pest management, security, and structural integrity for collections and historic structures.
Oversee routine building maintenance for collections areas and emergency preparedness planning to protect staff, visitors, and collections.
Monitors conservation needs and forecasts future requirements for collections preservation and storage.
Contributes to rotating exhibit elements, including seasonal changes in the All-Electric House and rotating cases in Becoming Johnson County.
Supports Museum-wide initiatives such as the Exhibitions Committee, strategic planning, and accreditation projects.
Develops programs and public presentations related to collections and preservation to increase public access and visibility.
Builds and maintains relationships with peer institutions and museum professionals to support access, collaboration, and programming.
Provides leadership for the Museum’s Collections Team, including full-time staff, interns, and volunteers.
Participates as a senior member of the Museum’s leadership team, advising on strategic priorities, exhibits, collections policy, and museum best practices.
Engages in professional development for self and staff, and participates in JCPRD initiatives including HPO, LEAP, and employee engagement.
Oversees all allocated budgets for collections, conservation, storage, and preservation activities.
Ensures cost-effective use of resources and compliance with organizational guidelines.
Represents the Museum in professional organizations and community forums to strengthen its profile and advance its mission.
Promotes museum collections and initiatives through programs, presentations, and partnerships with the public, press, and peer institutions.