Resident Collections Fellow - Cranbrook Center for Collections & Research

Cranbrook • Bloomfield Hills, MI

5d • $40,893 • Onsite

About The Position

Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research (the “Center”) is accepting applications for its 2026-2028 Resident Collections Fellow . This is a unique opportunity for an emerging museum or historic house curator with a passion for decorative arts, architecture, and landscape history to play a leading role in the preservation and interpretation of Cranbrook’s diverse historic collections, as well as built and natural environments. This post-graduate (or post-doctoral) fellowship, which provides a professional bridge to long-term curatorial careers, includes a modest apartment on Cranbrook’s campus in a carriage house designed by Albert Kahn. The 2026-2028 Fellowship Focus: Cranbrook’s Cultural Landscapes, including those surrounding its three historic house museums and the Cranbrook Japanese Garden.

Requirements

• The ideal candidate should have an M.A. in art, architecture, or landscape history, material culture, or a related field (completion of M.A. coursework before starting fellowship required), with an emphasis on the late 19th through mid-20th centuries
• Demonstrated object- and place-based research and interpretation skills
• Outstanding speaking, writing, and editing skills
• An interest in working in the landscape
• Attention to detail
• Strong computer skills (Microsoft Office 365), including comfort with virtual presentation platforms
• Collections database experience (TMS preferred)

Nice To Haves

• Previous curatorial experience or internships preferred

Responsibilities

• Researches collections and assists with the development of their documentation, accessioning, storage, care, conservation, and inventory, as well as their display and interpretation within the context of Cranbrook House (the founders’ 1908 Albert Kahn-designed manor home), Saarinen House (Eliel Saarinen’s 1930 Art Deco masterwork with a landscape designed by Loja Saarinen), and Smith House (a 1950 Usonian house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright with a landscape designed by Thomas Dolliver Church)
• Develops and organizes collections-based educational programs for Cranbrook Schools
• Develops lectures and tours for regional audiences
• Assists with visiting researchers
• Develops the representation of the Center’s collections and programs on the Center’s website
• Writes blogs
• Assists with fundraisers and events
• Provides public and private tours of the campus, including Cranbrook House, Saarinen House, and Smith House and their landscapes, as well as the Cranbrook Japanese Garden.

Benefits

• Cranbrook offers benefits that include a medical plan, paid time off, and eligibility to participate in the retirement programs with employer contribution.
• We also offer employee discounts, and a unique environment in an educational setting that values collaboration.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees