Exhibitions:

• In collaboration with Museum staff, leads the planning, research, and implementation of a multi-year schedule of art and humanities-based exhibitions in the Fairfield Museum’s galleries, the 18th century Ogden House, and in other properties managed by the Fairfield Museum.

Conducts research as needed and prepares interpretive content with Museum staff and outside consultants.

• Directs guest curators, researchers, contract designers and exhibition fabricators; administers related contracts, schedules and exhibition budgets.

• Works with Museum staff to develop strategies for using technology and media to expand audiences and reduce physical barriers to participation.

• Collaborates with Museum’s staff to develop exhibit-related programming and help train docents and visitor service staff in presenting programs and tours.

• Designs and implements regular exhibition audience assessments that drive program innovation, quality and adaptability.

Collections:

• Leads the development, refinement, and care of the Museum’s non-archival collections.

• Cultivates relationships with potential collections donors, and makes recommendations to the executive director and Board for collections acquisitions and deaccessions.

• Oversees the Collections Manager and ensures collections storage and record keeping is maintained to professional standards.

• Plans and implement conservation assessments and supervises contract conservators.

Content Expertise:

• Maintains a high level of expertise of regional history and related humanities, and keeps up to date on professional development and ethical museum standards.

• Participates in professional associations that advance the Museum’s scholarship and visibility.

Outreach:

• In partnership with the Deputy Director for Programs, leads interpretive collaborations with community groups, schools, and other constituents. Represents the Fairfield Museum in the community and among professional organizations.

Development:

• Assists in grant writing and sponsorship development that supports exhibitions and related programs.

Applicants should possess creative energy, good humor, excellent humanities scholarship, a passion for community, and enthusiasm for leading museum innovation and engagement. Additional desired qualifications include:

• Graduate degree in the humanities, history, American Studies or a field related to the position’s core competencies, and relative knowledge through experience.

• 6-8 years of progressive and successful experience in the development, implementation, and evaluation of museum exhibitions and collections development.

• Experience in the application of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion principles and practices.

• Experience leading and inspiring a diverse team of creative staff and volunteers.

• Strong project management skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to manage budgets and contracts, and work under tight deadlines.

The Curator is a full-time senior management position requiring occasional evening and weekend hours. Salary range $70-80,000 / year, or commensurate with experience, with a comprehensive benefit package including health, disability, dental and life insurance, and employer-sponsored 401K. The position will require employee to lift, bend, stoop, walk, speak, and stand for up to 7 hours in a day. The Fairfield Museum is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from people of color, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants.

A full position description can be found at: https://www.fairfieldhistory.org/support/employment/