Museum Curator - REGION 3

Montgomery County•Norristown, PA

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Curator will manage all aspects of the historic site collections, including care, conservation, organization, records, storage, exhibition and security. This role involves planning, prioritizing, directing, and physically managing collections, including paperwork, computer databases, object inventories, housekeeping, and internal/external movements. The Curator will make recommendations to the Collection Committee regarding donations, loans, and deaccessioning, and work with Risk Management to ensure proper insurance for collection items. They will also collaborate with conservators, framers, and artisans, oversee publication and reproduction rights, and handle collection-related queries. Supervision and training of staff, volunteers, interns, and researchers working with collections are key responsibilities. The role includes researching and coordinating exhibit development, creating installation techniques, and preparing exhibits. Environmental monitoring (data loggers, pest management) and collection security are also crucial. The Curator will develop and implement disaster preparedness plans, museum cleaning schedules, and grant writing for collections, conservation, and exhibits. Reporting, article writing, and brochure text compilation are part of the role, as is creating public programs and conducting tours. Regional curatorial duties and assistance to other regions may be required, along with assigned training and other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum two (2) years’ experience in collection management, material culture or conservation.
Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree in Museum Studies, American History, Collection Management, Material Culture, Conservation, Art History or related field or five (5) years commensurate experience.
Knowledge of current best practices and procedures for collections and historic site management including museum ethics.
Must have competent computer skills including knowledge of collection management software (Past Perfect).
Must be able to read/write/speak English.
Must project a pleasant and professional presence when interacting with the public.
Ability to communicate effectively and possess good public speaking skills.
Expected to participate in appropriate organizations and affiliations related to the field, including the division’s Collection Committee.
Must successfully pass PA State Police Criminal Record Check.
Must possess a valid Driver’s License, a satisfactory driving record and the ability to maintain one throughout employment.

Nice To Haves

Experience with living history and/or historical re-enactment preferred.

Responsibilities

Plans, prioritizes, directs and physically manages collections including all paperwork, computer databases, object inventories, housekeeping, internal and external movements (loans) and storage in keeping with the division’s Collection Management Plan.
Makes recommendations to and works with the division’s Collection Committee regarding accepting of donations, orchestrating loans to and from the division and deaccessioning of collections.
Works with the County Risk Management to ensure the proper insurance paperwork is in place for all collection items.
Works with professional conservators, framers and artisans regarding work with collection and exhibition items.
Oversee collection publication and reproduction rights and handles queries related to collections.
Supervises and trains staff, volunteers, interns and researchers working with collections.
Researches and coordinates with other staff and volunteers regarding the development of exhibit themes and topics related to the site’s mission, develops installation techniques, prepares and installs labels and objects for special exhibits and temporary displays.
Monitors environmental conditions including data loggers and pest management.
Monitors collection security.
Prepares recommendations and implementation policies for a disaster preparedness plan.
Develops, implements and participates in museum cleaning schedules and procedures.
Identifies, writes and administers grants for collections, conservation, exhibits and related projects.
Compiles information for and writes reports, articles, and brochure text as needed.
Creates public programs related to the site collections, curatorial practices and procedures.
Conducts regular public tours.
Performs regional curatorial duties as directed by the Region Manager.
May assist other regions in large projects.
Required to take training as assigned.
Other duties as assigned.