Curator of Exhibitions at the Chinese American Museum of Chicago

Job Title: Curator of Exhibitions

Job Status: Full-time

Location: Chicago, IL

Salary: $50,000


Description

Curator of Exhibitions

Reports to: Chair of Exhibitions Committee

Summary: The Curator of Exhibitions proposes, researches, produces content on, interprets content for the public, installs and de-installs exhibitions, and assures the safety of collections. Also participates in learning and public engagement initiatives.

Responsibilities

The Curator of Exhibitions collaborates with the Exhibitions Committee to conceptualize and propose exhibitions, performs historical research, writing, and interpretation for exhibitions, installs and de-installs exhibitions, conceives of, organizes, and develops interpretive materials for educational activities.

Collaborates with colleagues in other departments on cross-departmental initiatives. Communicates clearly and consistently with colleagues about projects and timelines; supports the training of interns through teaching and mentoring.

Collaborates with colleagues to create innovative, compelling, and accessible interpretive content and programming to enhance outreach and engagement; acts as a Museum representative internally and externally through lectures, interviews, tours, advisory committees, and conferences; supports the Museum’s efforts to promote national and international visibility and recognition in the field; maintains relationships with peer museums, institutions, and cultural agencies with the potential for exhibition loans and partnerships.

Prepares materials for Exhibition Committee meetings, including the agenda, supporting materials, research and justifications, and presentations.

As needed, provides content and materials for marketing and communications.

Responds to external inquiries from scholars, curators, and peers.

Assists Collections staff.

Other duties as assigned.

 

Requirements

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (master’s preferred) in history, Asian American studies or related field; equivalent experience considered; 

• One-year experience working in museums, galleries, historical societies, and/or other curatorial skills strongly preferred. 

Competencies

• Excellent written and oral communication skills that demonstrate both scholarly ability and interest in public engagement;

• Detail-oriented; strong organizational, planning, research, and presentation skills; 

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google suites; experience with PastPerfect software highly desirable, or ability to learn museum-specific collection database; 

• Experience with graphic design and web design strongly desired;

• Ability to work independently and to exercise initiative and good judgment; 

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, Board of Directors, visitors, volunteers and donors;

• Fluency in spoken Mandarin and/or Cantonese required; reading knowledge of Chinese required; Fluency in English required.

Send cover letter and CV/resume to office@ccamuseum.org by Feb. 28, 2023 The Chinese American Museum of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Museum does not discriminate against race, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, gender, or national origin. We welcome diversity in the workforce.