Curator/Collection Manager [Earl Scruggs Center: Music & Stories from the American South]

Position Title:  Curator/Collection Manager

Reports to:       Executive Director of the Earl Scruggs Center

Position:          Full time

Salary:             Range $40,000 – $46,000 commensurate with experience

Staff reporting to this position: Part-time programming assistant, Curatorial intern(s)

Primary Purpose and Function

The Earl Scruggs Center Curator/Collection Manger acquires, cares for, displays and interprets the Cleveland County Historical Collection and Earl Scruggs Center Collection of artifacts in order to inform, educate and inspire the public within the parameters of the Earl Scruggs Center mission and vision.  Additional responsibilities include community outreach, programming, securing grants/sponsorships relative to exhibits and related programming, exhibit development and promotion within the parameters of the annual operating budget. Approximate allocation of time throughout the year:

• 25%      Collections Care and Management
• 25%      Exhibit Development
• 50%      Administration/Programming

Key Areas of Responsibility:

• Collection Management
• Management of all licensing agreements, renewals and payments for photos and films used in primary and rotating exhibits, website, film work, ambient music, etc.
• Oral History
• Public Programming
• Community Outreach/access
• Communications
• Curatorial intern recruitment and development
• Other areas as assigned by Director

Requirements

M.A. (preferred) or B.A. (required) in Public History or Museum Studies

Preference given to candidates with diverse experience including collections management, exhibit development, design and installation, programming, community outreach and intern development

• A minimum of 2 years of strong curatorial experience working with history collections
• Ability to plan strategically and creatively
• Proven track record of self directed work patterns and achievements
• Working knowledge of museum collection standards and best practices
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse community groups, colleagues, scholars and researchers, and partner organizations
• Strong computer skills and expert use of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Past Perfect software
• Must be willing to work standard operating days – Wednesday through Sunday.  Regular hours typically 40-45 hours per week but additional hours required at times.  Some weekends off may be coordinated across the staff.
• Some evening work will be required during special events, exhibit launches/openings as needed.

The Curator/Collection Manager must interact professionally and productively with members of the press and media, museum staff, board members, donors, volunteers and visitors as well as community and government leaders, diplomats, the general public, and honorees and celebrity guests at fundraising events.  Curator works primarily in the Earl Scruggs Center during regular operating hours.  Some time is spent in the community promoting the Center using the collection.  Time is also spent at off-site storage facility in care of the collections.  Proven knowledge of and hands on experience with collections care to best practices required.

Physical Demands  Some physical activity such as climbing ladders, lifting tables, boxes, objects up to 40 pounds, accessing/lifting heavy case components and kneeling is required.

TO APPLY:

Submit cover letter, resume and salary history and requirements by email to:

Emily Epley, Executive Director Earl Scruggs Center

P.O. Box 2063

Shelby, NC 28151