Part Time Assistant Curator of Exhibits - Tri-Cities Historical Museum (8/12/2022) 

Posted on 7/12/2022

Department: Exhibits
Classification: Part Time, 15 hrs/week
Reports to: Exhibits Curator
Status: Non-Exempt
Pay: $20.00 per hour
Eligible for Benefits: No

Purpose:

Assists the Exhibits Curator with the creation, building, installation and maintenance of the museum’s exhibits at the Akeley Museum and several outreach locations throughout the Tri-Cities.

Qualifications:

A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in history, museum studies, design or a related discipline preferred. Ability to organize and manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines. Good communication abilities including written, verbal  and presentation skills. An emphasis will be placed on collaboration, communication and teamwork.

 Duties, responsibilities and time allocation percentage

 Assisting with exhibit planning, management, development, design, and fabrication: 90%

●     Conducts research and works collaboratively to prepare concepts, conceptual and detailed designs to effectively convey and interpret an exhibit’s key messages.
●     Works with the Exhibits Curator to write text labels for exhibits.
●     Ability to design and implement components of “hands-on” exhibit elements.
●     Ensure that artifacts are exhibited in a safe and protected manner according to industry standards.
●     Work with marketing and design companies to create graphics for the purpose of exhibition and  promo on of current exhibits.
●     Prepare, assemble, and send printed exhibit materials to the printer.
●     Assist with planning for renovation or upgrade of gallery interiors, equipment and furniture as needed.
●     Maintain/repair permanent and temporary exhibits as needed.  
●     Oversee work of volunteers in exhibition maintenance and fabrication.
●     Assist in creating a plan for maintenance and annual cleaning of exhibits.
●     Maintain records of each exhibit.
●     Assist in selecting and developing themes, subjects, and content for off-site exhibits.
●     Research using Collective Access database and other sources as needed to select photos, objects, and/or  archival material that would effectively represent and interpret the subject and content of the exhibit  and develop label content for exhibits.
●     Design exhibit presentation, order and prepare images and labels, oversee transportation and recordkeeping of artifacts and install and maintain exhibits.

 Miscellaneous Duties: 10%

●     May be asked to write articles for the museum’s publications which include  River Winds  and  Grand River
 Packet .
●     Regularly update the exhibits portion of the museum’s website to ensure content is current.
●     Provide event support when possible i.e. ticket selling at concerts, kitchen support at openings, etc.
●     Create and maintain relationships with professional colleagues, community members, lenders and  donors.
●     Contribute content to the museum's social media accounts.
●     Update the museum Board of Directors on upcoming exhibitions
●     Other duties as assigned by the Exhibit Curator and Museum Facilities Manager.

 Necessary Exhibit Related Skills/Abilities:

●     Ability to successfully network with community members and stakeholders            
●    Creative concept and design skills.        
●     Working knowledge of graphic design so ware (Adobe Creative Suite, Google SketchUp).  
●     Comfortable using and learning computer so ware.
●     Ability to work with a wide variety of hand and power tools during the fabrication process.
●     Ability to monitor and maintain exhibits, displays and associated records.
●    Ability to work independently, but within a team environment.

 Job Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

●     Ability to demonstrate and effectively communicate a comprehensive understanding of the  Museum’s mission and value proposition as it relates to our current Strategic Plan.
●     Outstanding written and verbal communication, with a proven ability to communicate effectively in public speaking and in interaction with key partners and professional affiliates.
●     Ability to adhere to the highest ethical standards.
●     Outgoing and optimistic, with the ability to work with diverse stakeholders.
●     Creative, collaborative, and strategic, with analytical and problem-solving skills.
●     Demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines, including the ability to prioritize and organize work effectively.
●     Must be comfortable working independently.
●     Knowledge of museum programs and practices.
●     Demonstrated computer proficiency, including an excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Suite.
●     Ability to work weekends and evenings as necessary.

 Please send resume and cover letter to Kate Crosby, Exhibits Curator and Facilities Manager, 200 Washington  Avenue, Grand Haven, MI 49417 or email to kcrosby@tchmuseum.org no later than August 12, 2022.