Curator and Turner Museum Manager - The Energy People

ANTICIPATED START DATE FALL 2024

SUMMARY

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Curator and Turner Museum Manager is responsible for overseeing the acquisition, documentation, cataloging preservation, interpretation, exhibition and display of all historical artifacts and archival materials for the Museum of the Southwest. Additionally, this position will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Turner Museum, ensuring the Museum is always professional and ready for guests to enjoy the state of the art facility.

This position requires a highly organized professional who is an effective communicator that can interact with employees and volunteers at all levels and functions of the organization as well as Museum members, the general public, vendors, and stakeholders. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Curatorial Affairs

• Registers, catalogs, and accounts for the museum's historical properties collection, including artifacts, archival materials, library, and exhibits.
• Develops and maintains collection management plans and policies for the acquisition, display, and management of historical property, artifacts, and archival material in cooperation with the Assistant Curator and collections staff.
•  Forms relationships with artists and members of the arts community, conducting business in a professional and courteous manner.
• Directs and monitors procedures for maintenance, preservation and proper storage of historical property, artifacts, and archival material.
• Conducts research to identify and authenticate provenance of artifacts and archival material.
• Administers loans and leases (both incoming and outgoing) of artifacts and archival materials with other museums, collections, government agencies and individuals with the support and financial approval of the Executive Director.
• Performs maintenance and refurbishment of existing exhibits.
• Supports other museum departments’ programs and events with appropriate artifacts, archival materials, and information.
• Coordinates with restoration efforts to ensure proper preservation and restoration of artifacts to meet the museum’s plans and goals.
• Serves as a resource and liaison to the local community, other institutions, and the general public with regards to the museum collection.
• Ensures all curatorial events are known and tracked on the master events calendar for coordination and support purposes.
• Ensures compliance with American Alliance of Museum accreditation requirements, staying current with industry best practices.
• Directly supervises the Assistant Curator and Turner Museum Manager.

Turner Museum

• Oversees the research, development, and creation of exhibits, including permanent, temporary and traveling exhibits, in collaboration with other museum departments.
• Ensures the Turner Museum exhibits and facility reflect the standards and brand of the Museum, notifying and working with facilities, cleaning, and Visitor Services teams as necessary.
• Interacts with patrons in a professional and courteous manner.
• Works collaboratively with other Museum Managers and staff to ensure a seamless, cohesive experience for all Museum guests.
• Develops related programs, including lectures, symposia, workshops, and other events to support exhibits in consort with other museum departments.
• Works closely with the Executive Director and as part of the strategic management team to activate on short and long-term strategic issues.
• Coordinates curatorial activities with the Communications and Marketing Manager to ensure timely and effective marketing opportunities.
• Coordinates with the Director of Development & Communications for underwriting opportunities.
• Coordinates with the operations and education staff to optimize exhibits and focus areas.
• Provides input for routine newsletters and other digital marketing efforts.
• Develops, prepares, and monitors the annual department budget in collaboration with the Executive Director, reflecting the museum's priorities and community needs, and provides monthly reports and statistics.
• Proactively engages guests in personal and inspiring interactions while anticipating and resolving guest issues with a positive, courteous, and professional demeanor.
• Develops original exhibitions appropriate to the Museum’s brand.
• Promotes exhibits and Turner Art Museum experience.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Museums.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Possesses exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate with diplomacy.
• Has strong oral and written communication skills.
• Performs duties and responsibilities with a focus on customer service.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Works well and collaborates effectively with a wide range of audiences and stakeholders, including staff volunteers, educators, funders, sponsors, members, general public, and other constituencies.
• Must work effectively in a team setting and collaborate across the organization.
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite (Excel and Word, required).
• Ability to work some evening and weekend events and programs required.
• Ability to work offsite, including outdoors.
• Must be able to lift up to 30 lbs.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

•  A master’s degree in museum studies, fine arts, or a related field is required; PhD degree preferred.
• Three (3) years of management experience, preferred.
• Five (5) years of progressive museum curatorial or collections management experience.
• Any combination of experience and education, with a proven track record of success in the museum field will be considered in lieu of meeting exact qualifications.