DESCRIPTION:
Young America’s Foundation is seeking an assistant curator to work with the curatorial team to preserve and protect the Reagan Ranch and find ways to further the educational impact of the Ranch and the Reagan Ranch Center. The ideal candidate will have excellent research, communication, and problem- solving skills and display enthusiasm about the history of Reagan presidency and the preservation of the Ranch.

Projects will vary and will include

  • Preparing exhibits for display at the Reagan Ranch Center, Young America’s Foundation’s state-of-the-art museum located in downtown Santa Barbara
  • Managing historic collections, both original artifacts from the Reagan family and gifted collections (including letters, memorabilia, artwork, etc.)
  • Sharing the exhibit galleries and presidential home with students and key stakeholders in the Foundation
  • Preserving artifacts from the Ranch and finding creative ways to preserve & protect original features on the property
  • Completing research projects that further the mission of Young America’s Foundation programs
  • Conducting oral histories with Reagan contemporaries

This position is a unique opportunity to advance professionally and has extensive growth potential.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Assist in management and preservation of original historic artifacts from the collections located at both the Reagan Ranch and in the Reagan Ranch Center Archives. This includes monitoring and recording environmental conditions with the purpose of preserving Reagan Ranch history for future generations to enjoy.
  • Undertake research projects on topics such as the history of Reagan and his Ranch days, the American presidency, and current topics for purpose of educational outreach through Gallery displays and special events.
  • Assist with Docent Volunteer program and lead tours of the Reagan Ranch
  • Aid in design and installation of rotating displays in the Reagan Ranch Center Education Galleries.
  • Work at both the Reagan Ranch Center and the Reagan Ranch on scheduled preservation projects and special events.
  • Advance your formal education in historic home preservation through continuing education opportunities.
  • Help fulfill the mission of Young America’s Foundation and the Reagan Ranch (see mission statement).

QUALIFICATIONS:
College Degree required. Ideally, the candidate has fulfilled course curriculum in Museum-related Studies, American History Studies, and/or Education and has knowledge, or has interned in the field of historic preservation. Must be willing to research and work independently, as well as be a team player. Must be flexible and willing to assist with special events throughout the year. Excellent computer and communications skills required.

HOURS AND BENEFITS:
Full-time; hourly position. Complete benefits package offered.

MISSION STATEMENT:
Young America’s Foundation is committed to ensuring that increasing numbers of young Americans understand and are inspired by the ideas of individual freedom, a strong national defense, free enterprise, and traditional values. Young America’s Foundation purchased the Reagan Ranch from the Reagan family in 1998 and has since worked to preserve it in perpetuity as a premier presidential home and as a living monument to Ronald Reagan, and to ensure future generations are inspired by his lasting accomplishments. The mountaintop Ranch is enhanced by Young America’s Foundation’s Reagan Ranch Center and Education Gallery—a “schoolhouse for Reaganism”—in downtown Santa Barbara.

There is no better place to understand Reagan’s principles, and his practical, down-to-earth manner, than at Rancho del Cielo, his “Ranch in the Sky” – a counterpoint to the busy pace of Washington, D.C. Rancho del Cielo conveys the true spirit of Reagan – for it is at the Ranch that you meet Ronald Reagan, the man.

APPLICATION:
If you are interested in applying for this position, please send resume and cover letter to:

Marilyn Fisher, Reagan Ranch Curator at marilynf@reaganranch.org
Amy Brooker, Assistant to the Director of the Reagan Ranch atamyb@reaganranch.org

For more information about Young America’s Foundation, please visit www.yaf.org.