Curator [New York Transit Museum, Brooklyn, NY]

Description

The New York Transit Museum is the largest museum of public transportation history in the United States, and one of a handful of such museums throughout the world. Located in a 1936 decommissioned subway station in Downtown Brooklyn, the Museum preserves the history of New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and its predecessor agencies, dating back to the mid-19th century. The Transit Museum interprets its collection by presenting compelling and accessible exhibitions that use New York’s public transportation system as a lens to elucidate varied themes covering art, history and science.

The Curator is a critical member of the curatorial team which drives the Museum’s content and dynamism by developing exhibit themes that will interest the wide-ranging audience served by the Museum. The Curator participates in long and short range planning for museum exhibits and, working either individually or in teams, researches, writes, selects objects, designs, produces, fabricates, installs and maintains exhibits within the Transit Museum’s two locations and other venues. The Curator also works with the education staff to develop programs for adults and children that will further illustrate and clarify themes set forth in exhibits.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• BA/BS or equivalent work experience; Master’s degree preferred
• Familiarity and interest in industrial, urban or transportation history and technology
• Experience and interest in developing digital content including social media
• Understanding of preservation and conservation methods of objects across various media a plus
• Strong computer skills and fluency with Photoshop, Illustrator, and collections management software

Qualified individuals interested in this job opening must apply by e-mail.  Resume and cover letter should be sent to Chandra.Buie@nyct.com. Specify subject line as NYTM Curator Posting.

Requirements

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and implement special and long term exhibitions for the Transit Museum’s two locations (Brooklyn and the Gallery Annex at Grand Central Terminal)
• Lead and/or collaborate with museum staff to write exhibit scripts and compile object lists
• Work closely with the project team to develop professionally executed exhibits, with a focus on: three dimensional layout of space and placement of objects; 2-dimensional graphic identity for each exhibit; production of output, fabrication and installation; and maintaining clarity, accessibility and variety across exhibits
• Lead and collaborate on exhibit installation teams, assuring the safe preparation and installation of objects, text panels, and photo panels into the galleries.
• Work with other departments to produce digital content and educational programs

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Excellent writing, communications and interpersonal skills are essential
• Must be able to work independently and with exhibition teams made up of museum staff, consultants, designers and staff from other institutions
• Must have experience conducting research, handling objects, interpreting history and current events, and understanding audience comprehension of written, verbal and visual communication
• Comfortable with public speaking and participation in public programs and tours
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team
• High energy, strong motivation and a hands-on work ethic. Patience and a sense of humor