Exhibition Content Development & Research Specialist

State of Utah Office of the Governor • Salt Lake City, UT

2d • $20 - $35 • Onsite

About The Position

The Utah Historical Society (UHS) is seeking an Exhibition Content Developer & Researcher to lead the content production for the Museum of Utah. Reporting to the Exhibitions Manager, this role turns archival facts and artifacts into compelling visitor journeys across all museum platforms—including permanent galleries, temporary exhibitions, and eventually traveling and online exhibits. This is a practitioner role for a researcher and writer who excels at the technical side of storytelling. This position will manage the "Master Script" for 17,000 sq. ft. of permanent galleries and temporary exhibitions. This position will focus on ensuring all content is historically accurate and presented as easily digestible information for a public audience. This requires meticulous organization throughout every stage of the exhibition development process.

Requirements

• 3+ years of professional experience in public-facing interpretation, exhibition development, or historical research.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate primary sources and digital databases to extract meaningful details quickly.
• Proven ability to translate complex history into brief, engaging narratives for a non-academic audience.
• A deep interest in and knowledge of Utah’s industrial, social, and cultural evolution.
• Ability to adapt writing style for different formats, including permanent galleries, temporary exhibits, and online content.
• Ability to manage multiple content tracks and high-volume data simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience working within a team where research directly informs physical design and media technology.

Nice To Haves

• Background in museum studies, public history, cultural resource management, or educational project development are highly encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Conducts primary research into archives, libraries, and museums to uncover "people-centered" stories and investigates artifact and image provenance, ensuring every selection directly supports the exhibit’s theme.
• Maintains the Exhibition Research Survey Log and Object Information Worksheets to ensure accountability, vet source credibility, and formally advocate for an object's inclusion through assessing and evaluating significance; collaborates with the Collections Team to confirm safe display and movement of selections.
• Investigates institutional and community archives to identify historical records and oral histories to connect local Utah events to broader national trends.
• Partners with the Exhibition Manager, Graphic Designer and Exhibit Design & Production Specialist to map the "Story Arc," ensuring the physical layout reflects the narrative flow.
• Drafts all visitor-facing text, including large panels and small object labels (50–75 words), ensuring a consistent tone for both physical exhibits and digital content.
• Submits final, fact-checked scripts to the Designer and AV Manager on time, ensuring all text is ready for layout and production.
• Responsible for the technical organization and daily upkeep of all exhibition files, research and scripts. Maintains strict version control so the team is always working from the most recent, manager-approved draft.
• Maintains and updates an Object & Supporting Materials Checklist. Performs the daily maintenance of this list to track which artifacts and images are selected for or cut from displays, ensuring all changes are documented in the institutional record and shared with the Collections Team.
• Supports the Exhibitions Manager during reviews with community members, Tribes, Scholars, and committees. Responsible for documenting the feedback and integrating the manager’s approved revisions are accurately reflected in the working drafts.
• Performs a final side-by-side check of all graphic layouts and media proofs against the approved "Project Bible." Flags technical errors—such as typos, mismatched photo credits, or incorrect dates—to ensure the final product matches the team’s verified work before installation.

Benefits

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed