Curator of Exhibits

Kentucky Derby Museum • Louisville, KY

11h • Onsite

About The Position

Kentucky Derby Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization that sits on the front steps of historic Churchill Downs Racetrack. It is one of the premiere attractions in the Louisville region, celebrating the tradition, history, hospitality and pride of the world-renowned event that is the Kentucky Derby. The Museum welcomes over 258,000 visitors annually; a large percentage of those visitors come from outside of Kentucky, journeying from across the country and the world.

The primary purpose for this position is to develop, implement, and manage the exhibition program of the Kentucky Derby Museum. This includes, but is not limited to, administrative and technical work in conceptual design, construction, installation and exhibit maintenance. This position reports to the Senior Director of Curatorial. This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with 3 years of experience in three-dimensional design and/or museum exhibit design; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Knowledge of and/or training in exhibit development, design and fabrication.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to complete projects on time and on budget.
• Ability to coordinate and manage outside vendors so that they will deliver project specified by Museum’s mission.
• Basic knowledge of artifact care and maintenance to ensure proper use in exhibitions.
• Ability to use various types of power tools and related equipment.
• Experience using the Adobe Creative Suite.
• Experience using AutoCAD, SketchUp, or similar computer assisted design program.
• Experience working with the Microsoft Office suite including Word, Excel, Outlook and Access.
• Ability to work effectively alone and as the member of a larger team.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to successfully pass a background check.

Nice To Haves

• The ideal candidate will be a self-starter, organized, and project-oriented.

Responsibilities

• Leads the Museum in the development, design, fabrication, and installation of on-site and traveling exhibits.
• Maintains and updates existing permanent exhibits.
• Has the knowledge and skill to use basic fabrication tools and ensures safe storage & maintenance.
• Works with the curatorial department to create evaluation standards for exhibits and successful dissemination and implementation of results.
• Works with facilities team on contacting, requesting, and receiving quotes from outside vendors and assists in monitoring their work to ensure satisfactory completion.
• Works with the curatorial team on artifact selection and interpretation for exhibitions.
• Works with the Sr. Director of Curatorial to develop and administer exhibit budgets.
• Assists in the evaluation of exhibit-related technologies and takes a role in implementation and maintenance. This includes, but is not limited to, exhibit lighting, use of specialty applications to control exhibit environments and basic knowledge of current technological innovations.
• Develops and implements special departmental projects.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level