Curator of Collections and Exhibitions

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Position Summary & Objectives

The Curator of Collections is responsible for the appropriate care and exhibition of over 60,000 artifacts in the collection. The curator will use a broad collection of artifacts and interpret history to build community engagement while diversifying audiences and building new relationships regionally and nationally on behalf of Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites (HBMS). This is an active, hands-on position requiring flexibility and the ability to manage several projects simultaneously. The curator will work cross-departmentally with HBMS staff and volunteers to support the development and implementation of innovative exhibitions and programs to facilitate community engagement and grow (HBMS) audience.

The main objective for this position is to create compelling visitor experiences that:

• Contribute to and support HBMS’s strategic plan, annual priorities and institutional initiatives
• Lead the effort to identify, record, and organize the library and archives of HBMS
• Foster community engagement with members and diverse audiences
• Enhance donor relationships to create opportunities for support of the collections and acquisition of new artifacts
• Convey a passion for the HBMS mission and promote the museum throughout the community
• Work collaboratively to help prepare our organization for World Heritage and increased tourism and international visitors

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, install and maintain exhibitions to create a compelling visitor experience and share HBMS’s outstanding universal value
• Manage and care for five separate collections of Historic Bethlehem Museum & Sites according to the Collections Management Policy
  • Register, track, and care appropriately for all acquisitions, deaccessions, and loans
  • Maintain collections database (PastPerfect)
• Manage the research library and archives and develop ways to make the collection more accessible to the public
• Seek opportunities to share the HBMS mission with the community through speaking engagements
• Collaborate with and assist the public relations/marketing staff members on exhibit and mission-related opportunities through contributions to e-blasts, press releases, and other marketing efforts
• Supervise volunteers and interns working on curatorial tasks, research library, and exhibitions

Required Knowledge and Experience

• Advanced degree in Museum Studies, Art History, Library Science or a related field
• Minimum two years relevant experience in a non-profit setting
• Proficiency with InDesign and Photoshop software and Past Perfect or similar collections management database
• Experience managing exhibitions and event programming
• Knowledge of museum collection care, preservation, and organization

Position Success Factors

• Strong relationship-building skills to establish and maintain positive relationships with colleagues, volunteers, donors, board members, visitors, and community partners
• Strong written and oral communication skills to convey the organization’s mission
• High level of flexibility and collaboration to effectively work in a small team environment and handle a vast amount of responsibility
• Outstanding organizational abilities to successfully plan and execute multiple simultaneous exhibits, events, programs, and projects

Reporting Relationships

• The Curator of Collections and Exhibitions reports to the Vice President/Managing Director
• This position is responsible for the supervision of volunteers and interns  

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Duties of this position are performed in an office setting, virtually, as well as at various HBMS historical sites.  The position frequently requires standing, sitting, bending, walking, and climbing stairs.  The position also requires the ability to lift or carry items weighing up to 50 pounds.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required for this position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time.

HBMS considers individuals for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.