POSITION OVERVIEW

The Museum’s Assistant Curator of Exhibits is responsible for assisting with development of new exhibit themes and designs, locating, selecting and preparing objects for display, and installing related graphic and interpretive materials.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This position works under the general direction of the Curator of Exhibits and provides assistance and administrative support in all aspects of the department’s exhibits maintenance, budgeting, development, and related activities. Typical duties include, but are not limited, to:

• Assists with planning, designing, and mounting changing exhibitions and seasonal or themed displays.

• Assists with researching and composing precise histories and descriptions of objects for exhibition text labels and interpretive materials. • Works collaboratively across Museum departments to plan and develop new exhibition concepts and interpretive materials, and to ensure the successful and timely installation of exhibitions.

• Provides routine information regarding the Museum’s exhibits to other curators, researchers, institutions, and the public.

• Maintains the department’s calendar of scheduled events, exhibitions, and related activities.

• Assists with determining the department’s future needs and preparing an annual operating budget.

• Orders necessary exhibit components and maintains related financial records.

• Assumes responsibility for managing the curatorial department’s daily activities in the absence of the Curator of Exhibits.

• Assists with logistics for incoming and outgoing exhibit materials.

• Assists with Museum programming and events as needed, particularly special exhibit opening receptions.

REPORTS TO

Curator of Exhibits

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in history, museum studies, art history, or a closely related field, and a minimum of at least three (3) years of prior exhibitions and/or curatorial work experience with museum collections.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

➢ Comprehensive knowledge of contemporary exhibit management practices and professional curatorial standards.

➢ Extensive and thorough knowledge of local and regional history.

➢ Excellent computer literacy, knowledge and experience with museum database systems, information technology software, and computer-generated imagery.

➢ Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

➢ Excellent organization, planning, and project management skills.

➢ Ability to handle fragile objects carefully and responsibly.

➢ Ability to correctly assess conservation needs to minimize the risk of damage or deterioration of objects on exhibit.

➢ Ability to research, compile, verify, transcribe, and record information in meticulous detail.

➢ Ability to perform repetitive data entry tasks while maintaining a high level of accuracy.

➢ Ability to perform routine administrative tasks, such as responding to enquiries and processing paperwork.

➢ Ability to work independently, with people outside the organization, and with other Museum departments, such as education and marketing.

➢ Ability to present informative and engaging talks about the Museum’s exhibitions to the general public.

➢ Ability to think creatively and contribute to the development of new exhibitions, programs, and services.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work is performed in an office, work room, exhibit gallery, and collections storage environment. The position involves sitting for extended periods of time, walking, standing, bending, twisting, pushing, pulling, climbing stairs and ladders, and lifting objects weighing up to 50 pounds. Work requirements also include the ability to learn how to operate power tools and a machine lift. Work with various paints, solvents, adhesives, and cleaning agents is sometimes necessary to accomplish certain tasks. Computer usage for extended periods of time involving repetitive hand and wrist motion is also necessary. Must be willing to be up to 14 feet in the air for some exhibit installation tasks.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Full-time, 40-hour per week position. Salary negotiable depending on qualifications and experience. This position is eligible for health, dental, and vision insurance.  

To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter, and three references to museumrelations@historymuseumofmobile.com