Director of Collections and Exhibitions [Museum of Jewish Heritage]

Posted September 12, 2014

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION The Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust educates people of all ages and backgrounds about 20th and 21st century Jewish history, before, during, and after the Holocaust. The Museum honors those who died by celebrating their lives – cherishing the traditions that they embraced, examining their achievements and faith, and affirming the vibrant worldwide Jewish community that is their legacy today. Multiple perspectives on modern Jewish history, life, and culture are presented in the Museum’s Core Exhibition and award-winning special exhibitions. Acclaimed public programs including discussions, films, plays, concerts, and innovative educational initiatives highlight the richness of Jewish culture and ideas. The Museum welcomes some 150,000 people, including 50,000 school children each year.  

 

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Museum seeks a Director of Collections & Exhibitions to direct the Museum’s dynamic exhibitions program and oversee all collections-related activities. The Director of Collections & Exhibitions is responsible for overseeing a large department and directing multiple activities simultaneously: managing a staff of nine or more full-time employees and numerous volunteers, establishing and maintaining a detailed department budget for some 30 areas of activity, and envisioning and implementing an ambitious program of Jewish- and Holocaust-history exhibitions and other content-driven initiatives in fulfillment of the Museum’s mission.

The ideal candidate will be able to think broadly about how exhibitions and collections can enhance the Museum’s presence in communities and reach new audiences. S/he will have superior interpretive planning and exhibition development abilities, and will be skilled at all aspects of developing and managing original exhibitions, from identification of themes through concept planning, research in primary and secondary sources, artifact identification, script and label writing, and design and fabrication oversight including contracts, installations, and attention to detail.  The ideal candidate will have a solid background in the content areas of the Museum: nineteenth and twentieth century Jewish history and the history of the Holocaust.

Candidates must have an advanced degree in history, museum studies, Jewish studies, or related field; 7 years of curatorial experience and at least 3 years of supervisory experience; interpretive planning and exhibition development experience; ability to manage complex projects and budgets; strong managerial skills; superior verbal and written communication skills; strong research and analytical abilities. Reading knowledge of German, Hebrew, or Yiddish desired.

Send resume and letter of interest, including salary requirements, to humanresources@mjhnyc.org.