Curator – Heller Center for Arts and Humanities [University Colorado – Colorado Springs, CO]

Description

Curator – Heller Center for Arts and Humanities

Summary:

The College of Letters, Arts and Sciences seeks a Curator to raise the public profile of the Heller Center for Arts and Humanities, to engage in and facilitate scholarship based in the Heller material culture and built environment, to develop a rich program of public outreach and to oversee historical and cultural collections management. Workload approximately 5 hours per day (.625 FTE). Salary $36,000.

Description:

The Heller Center for Arts & Humanities is a learning community dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge through creative engagement. Our mission is to provide collaborative programs that enrich the community and foster a vibrant cultural life in the Pikes Peak region. The Center, which comprises historic buildings, grounds, archives, and the material culture of the Heller Estate, was deeded to the Regents of the University of Colorado by Dorothy Heller. The Heller property, materials and archives are held in trust for the State of Colorado by the Regents. The responsibilities of the Curator will be to raise the public profile of the Heller Center, to engage in and facilitate scholarship based in the Heller material culture and built environment, to develop a rich program of public outreach and to oversee historical and cultural collections management. The Heller Center for the Arts and Humanities at UCCS is housed in the College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences and is formally affiliated with the following academic units: Anthropology, English, Geography and Environmental Studies, History, Humanities, Languages and Cultures, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology, Visual and Performing Arts, and Women’s and Ethnic Studies. The Heller Curator will report to the Dean of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, with secondary reporting to the Dean of the Library on activities involving collections and archives.

PRIMARY DUTIES: SCHOLARSHIP AND OUTREACH:

• Engage in an active research and publication program based in the Heller property and cultural materials
• Create interpretive exhibits using Heller collections, both traveling and home
• Generate a rich calendar of engaging public programming
• Facilitate and oversee access to the Heller collections, spaces, archives, and artifacts by students, faculty, and other scholars for purposes of research and teaching
• Work with the Heller Center for the Arts and Humanities external Advisory Board
• Create partnerships with community and regional institutional partners
• Recruit and oversee docents

COLLECTIONS MANAGEMENT:

• Supervise students and outside scholars who request access to the collections for approved research purposes
• Respond to external requests for information about artifacts and/or collections
• Document, facilitate and monitor loan requests, both outgoing and incoming
• Create ethically sound and industry appropriate deaccessioning policy and procedures
• Oversee interns and work study students to organize and maintain a research-friendly Heller collection database in PastPerfect museum collection management software

ADMINISTRATION:

• Engage in grant-writing and grant administration for programming and for capital construction in conjunction with the Heller Advisory Board, University Advancement, community partners, or Heller Departments faculty
• Manage Heller budget in collaboration with Faculty Director and administrative support
• Work in a collaborative manner with the Faculty Director, Provost, Facilities, and Auxiliary/Enterprise Management Division to meet mission goals.
• Represents Heller Center interests to the college, campus and at meetings and events when appropriate.

Minimum Qualifications:

• MA in Museum Studies or related field with curation experience
• At least two years museum and related experience
• A record of graduate or post-graduate scholarship based in historical and cultural collections

Required Competencies/Knowledge, Skills and abilities:

• Fluency in twentieth century and contemporary American culture.
• Knowledge of museum registration methods, techniques, and management information systems
• Familiarity with conservation concepts, procedures, and terms
• Ability to create, plan, and execute exhibitions and public programs.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with colleagues, volunteers, interns, outside professionals, donors, and members of the artistic and historic preservation communities
• Grant writing experience
• Experience with a relational database

Desired Qualifications:

• At least five years of museum or related collections experience
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• A record of published and reviewed scholarship based in historical and cultural collections
• Ability to work efficiently and multitask in a fast-paced environment
• Detail-oriented, self-starter capable of working in a team
• Working knowledge and experience with PastPerfect museum collections management software

Special instructions to applicants:

Position is open until filled. Applications received by November 30 will receive full consideration.

Applications submitted through email or surface mail will not be considered. Please apply at http://www.jobsatcu.com/postings/110782, and upload the following documents:

1. Cover letter
2. Curriculum vitae

Upon request, please be prepared to provide five references (at least two previous/current supervisors), including their email contact information.

Official Transcripts will be required upon hire.

The University of Colorado is committed to providing a safe and productive learning, living and working community. To assist in achieving this goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history check.

UCCS is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. In compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, the University of Colorado does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, political affiliation or political philosophy in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs. Alternative formats of this ad can be provided upon request for individuals with disabilities by contacting the Office of Human Resources at (719) 255-3372.

Requirements