Curator of Hawaii and Pacific American Studies [Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, Washington, DC]

The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center (APAC) is seeking to hire a Curator of Hawaii and Pacific American Studies to conduct research, develop programs and foster collaborations within and outside the Smithsonian to further explore the history, art and culture of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islander Americans of the Pacific region (including Hawaii, the Pacific Islands and related U.S. territories, and the U.S. Pacific coastal region). More information about the position and how to apply can be found at smithsonianapa.org/jobs.

Background

Established in 1997 as an initiative critical to the mission of the Smithsonian, APAC’s vision is to enrich the appreciation of America’s Asian Pacific heritage and empower Asian Pacific American communities in their sense of inclusion within the national culture. Often overlooked in this story are the importance of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander American communities in Hawai?i and the Pacific region. As the historic gateway and intersection between America and Asia, Hawaii is an ideal location to explore the role of Asian Pacific Americans in American society. With nearly 75 percent of Hawaii’s population made up of Asian Pacific Americans, it is a symbol of America’s multicultural, multiracial, multi-dimensional, transnational past, present and future. The exploration of the ideas and stories of the American Pacific region is a priority of the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center and its Strategic Plan known as the Blueprint. For more information about APAC go to smithsonianapa.org.

Duties

The purpose of the position is to serve as Curator of Hawaii and Pacific American Studies with the following primary responsibilities:

1) Conceiving, conceptualizing, developing and implementing research projects, public programs, exhibitions, and digital initiatives about Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander American history, art and culture of the Pacific region (including Hawaii, the Pacific Islands and related U.S. territories, and the U.S. Pacific coastal region);

2) Leading the development and/or coordination of APAC curatorial initiatives in collaboration with units across the Smithsonian, including the creation of a “Pacific America Lab” at the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI), and other programmatic collaborations that promote research and collections activities with regard to American Pacific communities;

3) Collaborating with organizations outside the Smithsonian, including the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum in Honolulu, Hawaii, to support APAC’s research, public programs and exhibitions, and to bring APAC programs and exhibitions to Hawaii.

Qualifications

To be considered, candidates should demonstrate:

1. Knowledge of Asian American and Pacific American history, art or culture and related underlying scholarly themes with a focus on, and with significant experience working in, the Pacific region (including Hawaii, the Pacific Islands and related U.S. territories) as evidenced by a Ph.D. or terminal degree in a related field and research/curatorial experience.

2. Ability to plan and produce historical, art and culture initiatives, such as exhibitions, public programs, and multimedia products that focus on the Asian American or Pacific American experience. Experience contributing to innovative experiential educational learning programs is preferred.

3. Ability to conduct research in a variety of academic settings and field situations.

4. Skill in presenting research content, both orally and in writing, in ways that are effective, compelling and tailored to the audience and purpose of the communication.

Specifications

This is a 2-year temporary position that may be renewed based on curatorial priorities, the performance of the incumbent and the availability of funding.

The position is based in Washington, DC, but work may be required to be completed in off-site or remote/satellite duty locations.

This is a Grade 11 Trust position with a salary range of $63,722 to $82,840 if the employee is based in Washington, DC. Locality adjustments to this salary could vary if the employee is based in another U.S. city.

For more information about working at the Smithsonian go to www.si.edu/ohr/workingsi.

For information about Smithsonian employee benefits go to www.si.edu/ohr/benefits.

How to Apply

To be considered, candidates should apply by email to apac@si.edu with:

•     a cover letter that specifically describes how his/her background and experience meets the four qualifications noted above;
•     a current C.V. or resume;
•     a recent sample of the applicant’s research and scholarship abilities such as an exhibition catalog or writing sample or portfolio;
•     unofficial transcripts that reflect the applicant’s educational degrees and areas of study; and
•     names and contact information for three (3) professional and/or educational references (we will notify the applicant before contacting references).

Deadline

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. No applications will be accepted after 11:59 p.m. EDT on Friday, October 30th, 2015.