Job Summary:

The Museum Curator will oversee the cultural specimen collections of the museum, conduct research programs, and direct related activities of the institution.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Hires and trains curatorial, fiscal, research, technical, and clerical staff and manages their schedules.
• Conducts performance evaluations that are timely and constructive.
• Handles discipline and termination of employees as needed and in accordance with company policy.
• Oversees volunteers and interns as assigned or necessary.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Plans and organizes the acquisition, storage, and exhibition of museum collections.
• Researches, collects, and catalogs artifacts for specific exhibits; selects themes and designs for the exhibit and develops or installs the materials.
• Writes and reviews a variety of scholarly works including grant proposals, journal articles, institutional reports, and other publicity materials.
• Develops, plans, and conducts research projects based on interest or expertise.
• Negotiates and authorizes a collections purchase, sale, exchange, or loan.
• Drafts and interprets museum policies; directs overall museum operations through collaboration with board of directors.
• Develops and oversees registration, cataloging, and basic recordkeeping systems.
• Acquaints individuals and patrons with the museums facilities and materials by designing, organizing, coordinating, planning, and conducting tours, workshops, or instructional or educational meetings.
• Provides lectures and other information to the public or other curators regarding the museums holdings.
• Promotes the use of the museums services, seeks financing, and maintains community alliances by actively attending meetings, conventions, and civic events.
• Assesses the need for repairs and ensures climate and pest control issues are addressed by regularly inspecting the premises.
• Prepares and monitors budget in collaboration with the board of directors.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Organized with attention to detail.
• Excellent managerial skills.
• Thorough understanding of curation policies and procedures.
• Basic understanding of public relations and marketing principles and processes.
• Ability to design exhibits that are attractive to the public.
• Ability to conduct lectures that interest museum visitors.

Education and Experience:

• Masters degree in related field required; Doctoral degree highly preferred.
• Experience in exhibit planning and execution required.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.