Associate Curator at Petersen Automotive Museum

Job Title: Associate Curator

Job Status: Full-time

Salary: $68,000 – $72,000

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Description

The Associate Curator is responsible for researching museum objects and artifacts, conducting exhibition research and curation, and overseeing curatorial staff.  S/he will work closely with the Exhibits Director and other museum leadership staff to plan/develop exhibitions in alignment with the museum’s mission and strategic goals, and coordinate the curatorial team to ensure that exhibit development and production projects are finished in accordance with budgets and in a timely manner.

Essential Functions:

·         Plan, develop, and see through to completion new exhibitions

·         Participate in meetings and discussions related to collections management, acquisitions, and de-accessioning

·         Write and edit content for exhibition descriptions and curatorial texts, including catalogs, gallery guides, training documents, and communications and marketing materials

·         Research museum owned and loaned objects and artifacts

·         Oversee curatorial staff and delegate responsibilities and duties, supervise their daily activities, conduct annual performance reviews, and determine departmental needs

·         Liaise with colleagues across departments and upper management, including the Board as needed

·         Develop relationships with other museums/institutions, and potential lenders and donors, and secure loans from same

·         Represent the museum at conferences, community events, car shows, and in the media on podcasts, YouTube videos, TV interviews, etc.

Requirements

Minimum Education (or substitute experience) required:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Minimum Experience required:

5 years of experience in a relevant field, preferably involving research and writing about automotive and/or historical subject matter, preferably in a museum environment

Skills Required:

  • Knowledge of museum and exhibition preparation procedures
  • Superb command of written English evidenced by high quality original writing and the ability to meticulously edit the work of others
  • Strong interpersonal communication, organizational and management/supervisory skills
  • Team player who can smoothly manage interoffice activity, work well under deadlines, and be able to handle multiple projects
  • Proficient with standard office software, including Microsoft Office applications and Google Workspace (G Suite)
  • Productive use of archives and other resources to research historical information
  • Ability to “sell” exhibit concepts to decision makers and funders through compelling proposals and pitches

 

How to Apply:

To apply please send your cover letter and resume to jobs@petersen.org, and insert Associate Curator in the subject line.