Curator of Collections & Exhibitions (Collections & Exhibitions Manager) – Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum

Posted on 7/7/25

JOB TITLE: Curator of Collections & Exhibitions

JOB SUMMARY: The Curator of Collections & Exhibitions provides innovative and dynamic leadership to the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum’s collections and exhibitions efforts. This position will be responsible for exhibition management while also managing the preservation, development, research, and interpretation of Marshall Fredericks’s life and art through the Museum’s collections and archives. While working with the Director to implement plans established with the Board of Advisors, this position will participate in discussions concerning institutional priorities and general policies and management issues. This role may supervise student interns and other staff, and train those performing work related to the collection and/or in the exhibition spaces. Position may also teach college-level courses related to museum studies topics. This position reports to the museum Director.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collections Management, Registration, and Archival Work
• Exercise overall responsibility for accessioning, cataloging, and digitizing the collections, including the archival collection, at the Museum and maintain the collections database(s) and online public portal.
• Develop collections plans, policies, and procedures that align strategically with the Museum’s mission and vision.
• Identify key artifacts for acquisition through the active cultivation of donors and other potential sources.
• Work with the Director and Collections Committee of the Museum Board to grow and edit the permanent collections guided by the collections plans in an ethical and legal manner.
• Manage incoming and outgoing loans and maintain the collections database(s) that includes online public portal.
• Promote and support research of the collections and archives.
• Ensures safety and security of collections through environmental monitoring, cleaning, and conservation using art handling, collections care, and preventive conservation best practices.
• Position may also teach college-level courses related to museum studies topics.
• Exhibitions
• Research, plan, and coordinate exhibitions using strong project management skills.
• Responsible for all exhibition elements including but not limited to (de)installation, didactic/label content, and identifying connections to related academic topics at SVSU and relevant to the broader community.
• Create and manage exhibition documents including Loan Agreements, Artist Contracts,
• Condition Reports, Certificates of Insurance,
• Shipping and Handling Agreements, and Exhibition Policies and Procedures.
• Collaborate with Education and Marketing staff to develop educational and public programs and materials.
• Connect works in exhibitions and collections to course offerings and interdisciplinary academic projects and initiatives.
• Participate in grant writing, grant management, donor relations, and professional conferences.
• Initiate, design, and lead university course visits exploring the museum’s collections and exhibitions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in art history, art education, anthropology, history, museum studies, non-profit administration, or related humanities field.
• Previous professional museum, academic, or related experience.
• Knowledge of museum or non-profit administration as well as collections and archival best practices.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn new software quickly.
• Experience in handling, managing, researching, and interpreting museum collections.
• Strong orientation toward collaborative and interdisciplinary work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Excellent communication, writing, research, and leadership skills.
• Demonstrated commitment and ability to develop strong working relationships with co-workers and internal and external stakeholders.
• Adherence to all professional protocols, procedures, rules, and policies.
• Stated interest and experience in DEAI and the arts.
• Experience and ability to positively interact with a diverse campus community and region.

PREFERED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s Degree in relevant field.
• 3-10 years of related experience.
• Experience curating exhibitions and creating public programming.
• Knowledge of education best-practices across various disciplines and an ability to implement a broad range of educational tools and methods.
• Demonstrated ability in the successful development and maintenance of a wide variety of community partnerships, a commitment to diversity, and ability to develop and nurture relationships with diverse audiences.
• Substantial knowledge and skills in managing large budgets and providing leadership for strategic-planning initiatives.
• Proven project management skills and experience handling multiple complex projects at once.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

General supervision is received from the Director of the Marshal M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Functional supervision is exercised over students and other employees and gallery volunteers.

SCHEDULE & WORKING CONDITIONS:

This position is Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:30pm with occasional weeknights and weekends, including travel to offsite events. Duties are generally performed inside and not exposed to adverse conditions. Some collections are outside and will require outdoor oversight in all seasons. Must be able to lift 50 pounds, safely use power tools, and perform tasks on elevated surfaces such as ladders.

SALARY

The target hiring range for this position will be between $55,000 - $60,000 per year and is competitive and commensurate with experience.

The above reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the essential functions of the job. It shall not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements that may be inherent in the job. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.

For full description and to how to apply, please visit https://marshallfredericks.org/about/staff/.

ABOUT THE REGION:

Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum is located on the campus of Saginaw Valley State University in the heart of the Great Lakes Bay Region and offers many options for activities — both on and off-campus. Midland, Bay City, Saginaw, Frankenmuth, and Mount Pleasant are the heart of the Great Lakes Bay Region. From the bustle of downtown Saginaw to the quiet agricultural communities of Gratiot County, the Great Lakes Bay Region spans diverse communities throughout the heart of Michigan. Few places can compete with the wildlife, parks, and cultural activities available in the Great Lakes Bay Region and there is a wide range of activities for educating and entertaining individuals and families To learn more about the Great Lakes Bay Region, please visit the following: Great Lakes Bay: https://www.gogreat.com/; Downtown Bay City: http://www.downtownbaycity.com/; Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce: https://www.saginawchamber.org/; and Midland on Pure Michigan: https://www.michigan.org/city/midland.