Curator of Exhibits & Collections

This content is exclusive for CfC members.

Please or register to see all our content.

About Norwich University:

Founded in 1819, Norwich University is the oldest private military college in the country and the birthplace of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). Today we are a diversified academic institution that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees and professional certificates to adult learners online and to Corps and civilian lifestyle students on campus.

We are located in the beautiful Green Mountains of Vermont, only 20 minutes from the state capital, Montpelier, and three hours from Boston or Montreal.

Our excellent benefit package includes medical, dental, vision, group life, and disability insurances, flexible-spending accounts for health and dependent care, a 403(b) retirement plan with employer match, an employee assistance program, paid time off, use of the University pool and fitness center, and tuition scholarships for eligible employees and their family members. Some employees may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program on their Federal Student Aid Direct Loan balance.

Job Description:

Under the supervision of the Director of the Sullivan Museum the Curator of Exhibits and Collections oversees the research, development, design, and implementation of engaging and educational exhibitions of the Museum’s collection. The Curator of Exhibits and Collections additionally manages and assists in the preservation of the collection including cataloging, researching collections items, and inventory of collections on a regularly scheduled basis.

Full COVID vaccination is required for all on-campus employment.

Salary: $50,000 or higher, depending on experience.

Essential Functions

With the Museum Director and staff and the SMHC Advisory Committee, develop and manage a long-term exhibition schedule for temporary and permanent galleries in the museum and additional exhibition spaces on campus
Oversee the management, preservation, and selection of objects for exhibition, including cataloging and researching old and new acquisitions, and expanding research on previously acquired collection objects
Work with Museum Director and Office of Communications to produce exhibit opening materials including posters and postcards; Coordinate with Curator of Education and Public Programs on applicable gallery guides; Coordinate with Museum Administrative Associate to schedule openings and placement of exhibit schedule on Norwich University master calendar
Design, write, print, and mount exhibition label copy to meet educational and museum standards and within compliance for the Americans with Disabilities Act; Operate a large format printer
Design the exhibition layout from concept through production and installation for temporary, permanent, and cross-campus exhibition spaces and Maintain those spaces as needed
Design and fabricate (or oversee outside production of) exhibition furniture, cases, and mounts
Communicate with outside vendors to produce audio-visual components for exhibitions
Determine and coordinate methods of packing, shipping, condition reporting, digital photography, and unpacking for loans, new acquisitions; Serve as courier for such activities when necessary
Frame and mat objects from the museum’s collection using archival standards; Operate a CMC Wizard Mat cutter using FrameShop Software
Utilize collections management software to update and add information to catalog records
With Director, create and maintain all collections documentation and files, particularly incoming and outgoing loan agreements, deaccession documentation, and various research and biographical files
Plan and execute collections inventories within the collections storage area and throughout the Norwich University campus, rectify undocumented moves; update Director of major discrepancies
Manage exhibitions budget as well as collections supply budget
Work with Director to identify conservation priorities as related to preservation and exhibition needs; work with conservators to implement projects and preventative treatment
Interact with other Museum staff, donors, lenders, and vendors, including directing work study students and volunteers, and responding to research requests regarding the collection
Assists the Curator of Education and Public Programs in the teaching of museum class sessions, gallery talks, guided museum tours, and other museum educational programs
Communicates with colleagues, employees, students, and others in a respectful and clear manner
Performs other tasks as assigned by supervisor

Requirements:

MA in History, Art History, or Museum Studies
2-3 years of experience working with museum exhibitions
2-3 years of experience working with museum collections
Spatial and graphic design including knowledge of InDesign and other Adobe products for label design
Knowledge and abidance to AAM museum standards
Historical research and interpretive writing
Experience with installation of large scale exhibitions, including lighting
Matting and framing experience
Working knowledge of large format printers
Museum object handling experience
Planning and time-management; problem-solving
Creative, detail-oriented and organized; flexible
Ability to manage multiple priorities, including cataloging tasks and exhibit work
Work well both individually and as part of a team
Verbal and written communication skills
Collections Database experience (Proficio preferred)
Basic, light carpentry experience

Environmental Conditions/Physical Demands

General office experience with Mac and PC computer, use of telephone, voicemail, email and basic office equipment. Must comfortable with heights and use of a Skyjack lift to adjust lighting. Physical abilities include sit, stand, kneel squat, reach, walk up and down stairs, lift at least 50 lbs. Must be comfortable with some exposure to dust, fumes, noise, temperature changes.

Additional Information:

Norwich University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing a positive education and work environment that recognizes and respects the dignity of all students, faculty and staff. Reasonable accommodations will be made for the known disability of an otherwise qualified applicant. Please contact the Office of Human Resources at nuhr@norwich.edu for assistance.

All candidates must be legally eligible to work in the US without sponsorship now or in the future. A post offer, pre-employment background check will be required of the successful candidate.

Application Instructions:

Please provide a cover letter, resume, and Norwich application.