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Director of Programs and Chief Curator

Employer
Museum of Ventura County
Location
California, United States
Salary
$85,000.00 - $115,000.00
Date posted
Jun 8, 2022

View more

Position Type
Administrative, Academic Affairs, Arts Administration
Employment Level
Administrative
Employment Type
Full Time

Job Title:  Director of Programs and Chief Curator

Department:  Curatorial and Programs

 

Status: Unrepresented, exempt, regular status, full-time (40 hours), benefits eligible

Position Summary: The Director of Programs and Chief Curator (Director) leads the efforts to build, interpret, present, care for, and conserve the Museum’s collections, and is responsible for the content of exhibitions, education, programs, and related efforts.

The Director actively participates in shaping the organization’s vision and mission.

The Director is responsible for the content of exhibits and the collection, and for interpretation through programs and education.

The Director is the lead spokesperson for the Museum’s collection, exhibits, education, and programs s and must be at ease in a highly visible and public position.

The Director must cultivate relationships with donors, collectors, and the local community.

The Director is a community ambassador for the Museum.

The Director must develop civic, cultural, philanthropic, and governmental relationships, advancing the Museum’s mission in tandem with the strategic success of its operations, fundraising, and revenue plans.

Supervises: This position oversees the Collections, Exhibits, Education Department, and Interpretive Site Managers.

General Responsibilities

  • Management of Curatorial staff, policies, procedures, and budgets
  • Development and implementation of an exhibitions program strategy, and management of exhibition planning;
  • Management of interpretation and education to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the information disseminated about the collection, exhibits, and related programs.
  • Works with the Director of the Museum to set the direction and master calendar for exhibitions;
  • Serves as content authority for the exhibitions, ensuring balance of schedule, scholarship, and value for audiences in the community;
  • Works with the senior management team to ensure commitment to and support of the Museum’s exhibitions, and to ensure the success of the Museum’s operations, fundraising, and revenue plans.
  • Serves as a key member of the fundraising team to develop support for the collection, exhibitions, and other programs;
  • Leads the effort to build the collection through gifts and financial support;
  • Works with the Director of Visitor Experiences to develop and deliver docent and volunteer education;
  • Coordinates with the Marketing Specialist to develop and ensure the accuracy of all program-related information delivered to the public;
  • Works cross-departmentally to ensure the relevance and accuracy of the education content.
  • Develop and execute program assessment for all exhibits, programs, events, and other interpretive activities for the museum.
  • Supervision of staff including setting of priorities, scheduling, monitoring workflow and staff development:
    • Education Manager, ensuring that all educational programming and events augment and support exhibits and mission;
    • Collections Manager, ensuring that the object collections are properly cared for and the collection is developed to support the mission and exhibits of the Museum.
    • Interpretive Site Managers, ensuring Museum sites are optimally programmed and that all communities see themselves in the programs offered by the Museum.
    • Exhibits Manager, ensuring all exhibits are timely, engaging, and representative of the community and the community’s interest.
Representative Tasks & Major Responsibilities
  • Supervise and lead the curation or procurement of exhibits for both museums, ensuring the exhibition schedule is sustainable and timely.
  • Collaborate with the Collections Manager, Education Department, Visitor Experience Director, and the Research Library & Archives Director to plan events and educational programs to promote robust learning opportunities centered in the Museum’s exhibits and collections.
  • Prepare content for and collaborate with the Communications & Marketing Manager in the creation of graphic design for marketing of exhibits and events. Provide content to Communications & Marketing Manager for press releases and e-newsletters.
  • Lead the Exhibit Planning Team, which consists of representatives from Curatorial, Collections, Marketing, and Education departments.
  • Speak to press, docents, volunteers, and the public about exhibits and events.
  • Present public programs, as either the main presenter or as the MC for a panel or individual discussion.
  • Serve as staff to assigned committees, ensuring communication between staff, volunteers, and the Board of Directors.

Minimum Position Requirements (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Attitudes)

  • At least 5 to 10 years of progressively responsible curatorial and museum management experience;
  • An MA in History, Anthropology, Public History, American Studies, or a related field; (PhD preferred), supported by significant scholarship in the field including exhibitions, publications, and acquisitions;
  • A strong professional track record in museum administration, strategic planning, and building collaborative relationships, particularly with underserved communities, is of paramount importance;
  • Specialization in local, regional, or state California history is highly desired.
  • A strong professional track record in administration, strategic planning, and building collaborative relationships, with demonstrable results.
  • Demonstrated ability to work well with diverse stakeholders and varying levels of knowledge/experience.
  • Demonstrated ability to successfully manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
  • Strong organization, time management, teamwork and prioritization skills.
  • Genuine enthusiasm for the services and mission of the Museum of Ventura County.
  • The desire to help the Museum of Ventura County become the best local history and art museum in the country.

Working Conditions: Typical Museum environment to include: extended periods of working at a desk, including use of a computer; interacting with the public on a daily basis, including special events; occasional lifting of heavy objects; occasional climbing ladders; occasional operation of power tools and farm equipment. The position also will require occasional travel to conferences and meetings. Some activities take place outside of regular business hours.

Reports to: Executive Director

Preferred (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Attitudes):

  • Spanish language proficiency
  • Genuine appreciation for cultural programming

 

 

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