Job Posting: Curator Wisconsin Maritime Museum

Applications Contact person: Norma Bishop
Application due date: 2006/02/06
Salary range: salary commensurate with experience
Web Address: www.wisconsinmaritime.org
The Wisconsin Maritime Museum, an AAM accredited institution and Smithsonian Affiliate, is seeking an experienced curator with expertise in maritime history. Knowledge of American naval history and Great Lakes maritime history and culture is a plus.
With 60,000 sq. ft. (30,000 sq. ft. added in 2003) of modern facilities and the nation's most completely restored WWII submarine, the Museum offers an exciting opportunity for a highly qualified individual to guide the Great Lakes' premier maritime museum. The curator will be responsible for the care and management of the Museum's substantial collections and archives; development of exciting new exhibits planned for 2007; maintenance and enhancement of existing exhibits; and will supervise the Museum Educator in development of innovative, academically grounded educational programming for the public and a formal, comprehensive training program for docents and volunteers.
Responsibilities / Exhibits:
Develops annual exhibit calendars and exhibit development schedules;
Forms and works closely with exhibit development committees to develop new exhibits and enhance existing exhibits;
Researches, develops, supervises, and manages exhibitions and their installation;
Supervises temporary assistants, volunteers, and interns;
Proposes and manages curatorial/exhibition budgets, with approval of Executive Director;
Collaborates with other institutions, including the Smithsonian Institution, and collectors to secure the loan of items for exhibitions; provides Standard Facility Report as needed;
Supervises the preparation of loan agreements, insurance coverage, and condition reports;
Designs exhibition installations; works with part-time assistants to install exhibits;
Assists Executive Director with presenting proposals to potential exhibit sponsors;
Collaborates with Museum Educator to formulate exhibit-related programming and docent training;
Conducts lectures, gallery walks/tours as needed;
Works closely with Marketing and Media Relations Coordinator to design exhibit-related material, including didactics, invitations, brochures, and other materials;
Assists Media Relations/Events Coordinator and other staff with generating written material for exhibits and grant proposals;
Represents museum as spokesperson during exhibit-related interviews with media;
Attends exhibit sponsors private-event nights and Museum fund-raising events;
Builds strong rapport with local community, educators, and collectors.
Responsibilities / Collections:
Oversees the management, care and maintenance of the Wisconsin Maritime Museum facilities (including galleries and on-site and off-site storage), including security and environmental conditions;
Oversees care and preservation of WWII submarine; schedules and coordinates submarine advisory committee meetings;
Collaborates with Executive Director and Collection Committee to develop a collections acquisition plan, implement systems, policies and procedures of collection;
Works closely with the Collections Manager/Registrar who monitors condition and placement of all works within galleries, archives, and storage;
Selects items for, installs and manages rotating exhibits of collection;
Supervises the Collections Manager/Registrar who researches, documents, and maintains collection files on computer, off-site backup and hard copy;
Recommends works for acquisition/de-accession and preservation/conservation to Collection Committee; schedules committee meetings.
Qualifications:
Minimum, M.A. with 5-7 years of museum experience in museum studies. Ph.D. in field of interest is highly desirable;
Curatorial experience, including experience managing major traveling exhibitions;
Exhibit design/development experience required;
Meticulous research and writing skills, excellent verbal communication skills;
Excellent organizational/supervisory skills, including ability to multitask while paying careful attention to detail;
Strong interpersonal skills; must work effectively in collaborative team environment;
Proficiency in electronic records management, digital technologies and programs including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and PastPerfect;
Self-motivated, energetic leader with ability to visualize the future.
Equal Opportunity Employer; salary commensurate with experience.
Send cover letter with résumé, writing sample, and three references to Executive Director Norma Bishop, nbishop@wisconsinmaritime.org or FAX to 920-684-0219 no later than February 6, 2006. Posted January 14th