Job Description

JOB TITLE: Curator, Fruitlands Museum PREPARED BY: Christie Jackson

DEPARTMENT/

REGION:

LOCATION: Fruitlands Museum, Harvard,

DATE: 4.25.2016

Curatorial Department

COST CENTER 9027

MA

REPORTS TO: Christie Jackson, Senior

For Human Resources Use Only HR APPROVAL: Sharon Callahan

FLSA STATUS: Exempt __X__

Curator

Non-Exempt ____ DATE: 5.5.16

Summary of Position:

The Curator will be a part of the organization’s curatorial team in the study and care of the collections at

the Fruitlands Museum, our 116 th property, which includes renowned folk and landscape paintings

collections. This Curator will provide collections care, access and maintenance while providing on-site

leadership and implementation for its creative, intellectual and programmatic direction. The Curator

will assist with fund-raising activities and grant writing to support the collection and the Museum’s

growth and promotion. Changing exhibits have played an important role in highlighting permanent

collections, serving as outreach to contemporary and/or local artists and lending institutions, and, in the

future, will additionally highlight other aspects of The Trustees collection. This Curator will work with the

department’s team and the General Manager for Fruitlands Museum to create a dynamic exhibition

program. With its important collection of Hudson River landscape paintings and early American

portraiture, along with a diverse compilation of Shaker materials, Transcendentalist personal artifacts,

and Native American materials, the overall collection represents an intact collection amassed by Clara

Endicott Sears (1863-1960) in the early 20 th century. The site sits atop a remarkable prospect across vast

acres of conservation land, providing important opportunities to share and celebrate connections

between the fine arts collection, historical collections, and the landscape. We are seeking a Curator with

a breath of experience including extensive Fine Arts and Decorative Arts experience to work with this

dynamic collection.

Essential Functions:

 Manages the focus, growth and management of the permanent collection in collaboration with

the Senior Curator.

 Supports the planning, implementation and evaluation of care, security, access and

management policies for the Museum’s collections, and historic building interiors.

 Collaborates with the Senior Curator, the General Manager, the Engagement Manager and other

colleagues in the development of a balanced and dynamic exhibition program in the gallery and

on the grounds.

 Assists with the cultivation of collectors, donors and artists.

 Manages the presentation and new interpretations of the collection, in collaboration with

engagement and education staff, Senior Curator and key stakeholders.

 Collaborates in the preparation of interpretive materials for new exhibitions, brochure texts and

catalogues, as well as content for marketing, development, grant writing and fundraising

activities.

 Provides programming support (lectures, workshops, etc.), as required.

 Supervises the implementation of The Trustees mission and strategic plan goals in the museum

operations including exhibits, collection oversight and managed focus of the collection.

 Assists with the development of productive partnerships and collaborations with other

museum’s and organizations to maximize Fruitlands Museum’s and The Trustees’ relevancy and

awareness. Helps to foster partnerships with artists and other non-profits.

 Supervises volunteers, fellows, and project personnel as needed. With the guidance of the

Senior Curator, helps oversee athorough inventory of the collection.

 Working with other Curators, helps to further the understanding of our fine arts collections

across the state, through scholarship, exhibit loans, and promotion.

Education and Experience:

 Master’s degree in art history, material culture, or museum studies.

 A minimum of 5 years in museum curatorial positions.

 Expertise and/or experience with fine arts collections is required

 Proven exhibit experience required.

Skills/Qualifications:

 Requires a strong understanding of curatorial professional practices, including collection care,

exhibit work, and scholarship.

 Must foster and maintain professional, confident and friendly interactions with diverse public.

 Demonstrated ability to create innovate programs and exhibitions.

 Work with colleagues on-site and state-wide to promote and excite visitors about the

collections.

Other:

 Satisfactory background (CORI) check will be required.

 Position requires occasional travel across the state; access to a personal vehicle required.

Organizational Relationships/Scope:

Reports to the Senior Curator, and joins a state-wide team of curators working at our properties across

Massachusetts. Has no direct reports.

Working Conditions:

 Office is located at Fruitlands Museum. Occasional work at other Trustees sites and storage

facilities across the state.

 Working with collections may require lifting objects up to 30 pounds.

Please Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being

performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive

list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position.