Curator of Exhibitions and Educational Outreach at the Center of Southwest Studies

Job Title: Curator of Exhibitions and Educational Outreach

Job Status: Full-time

Location: Durango, CO

Salary: $56,000 – $62,000

Job Summary:

The Center of Southwest Studies shares the mission of Fort Lewis College to provide inclusive, experiential learning environments that foster innovation, growth, and community engagement. As an academic museum, archives, and library dedicated to the diverse cultures, histories, and environments of the Southwest, the Center provides collections-based learning opportunities and internships for undergraduate students, preserves and provides access to our research collections, and offers exhibits and educational programs for the College and the public.

The Curator is responsible for the interpretation of the museum’s collections through exhibitions, publications, educational programs, interpretive materials, and other forums. The Curator also coordinates the exhibition, interpretation, and promotion of loaned works that support the strategic mission of the College. This valued team member participates in educational outreach, long-range exhibition planning, and the management of exhibition budgets. They also assist the Center Director with donor stewardship and fundraising for museum exhibitions and programs.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Exhibitions and Museum

  • Responsible for all aspects of exhibition development, installation, maintenance, and marketing, from initial planning and research to assisting with the creation of promotional and interpretive materials.
    • Coordinate individuals participating in exhibition preparation and installation, including Physical Plant staff, preparators, guest curators, and contracted staff.
    • Develop and maintain a three to five-year exhibition schedule (to be approved by the Center Director) that demonstrates a commitment to the teaching and research mission of Fort Lewis College.
  • Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Center of Southwest Studies museum.
    • Coordinate all aspects of museum visitor experience, which includes fielding general inquiries from the public, scheduling group visits, and ensuring accessibility for museum guests.

Educational Programming and Publications

  • Organize and execute educational programs, workshops, lectures, tours, and other events that complement the Center’s exhibitions.
  • Support experiential learning and the integration of museum collections into courses through collections-based research opportunities, lab-style course offerings, classroom presentations, and other activities.
  • Produce educational, interpretive, and promotional materials related to the Center’s exhibitions and collections.
    • Participate in the creation and distribution of Center publications.
    • Research, compile, and prepare written information about the Center’s exhibitions and collections for the institution’s website, social media, and other digital forums.
    • Produce and remediate digitally accessible materials in accordance with FLC standards, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Section 508.

Collections

  • Recommend acquisitions and collaborate with the Collections Manager and Director in developing a strategy for building the Center’s collections.
  • Consult with private collectors about gifts to the museum.
  • Work with Center Director and FLC Foundation to ensure accurate gift processing and acknowledgement of all collection donations.
  • Work with the Collections Manager to identify works in the permanent collection that are in need of conservation.
  • Assist the Collections Manager with the cataloging of objects and database maintenance as they relate to public access and interpretation.
  • Negotiate the transport of works and loans to and from the Center, working with the Collections Manager to ensure the appropriateness, safety, and condition of all objects.
  • Facilitate and supervise access to collections for exhibition, teaching, and research.

Administrative and Supervisory

  • Recruit, train, and supervise CSWS fellow, museum volunteers, and student employees, including work study students, student contractors, and interns.
  • Develop and manage exhibition budgets in coordination with the Center’s Director and Administrative Assistant.
  • Collaborate with the Center’s Director to identify, apply for, and manage grant funding for exhibition projects and related programming.
  • Assist Center Director with donor stewardship and the planning and execution of fundraising activities.
  • Participate in Center-wide planning, goal setting, and evaluation efforts.

Other

  • Interact with the public and campus community as a representative of the Center.
    • Maintain and build the Center’s network of colleagues and partners (for exhibitions, programs, commissions, publications) with individuals across campus, artists, dealers, curators, directors, peer institutions, and others.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

 

Requirements

Required Education, Specialized Skills, and Experience:

  • BA in Museum Studies, Anthropology, History, Art History, or related field.
  • Minimum three years prior curatorial or equivalent experience.
  • Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and student success, as well as working with broadly diverse communities.
  • Evidence of excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Excellent problem solving, organizational, and project management skills. Adept at managing multiple priorities and stakeholders to effectively meet objectives and competing deadlines.
  • Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
  • Proficiency with Excel, Word, and database/collections management software.
  • Ability and desire to contribute to the missions of the Center of Southwest Studies and Fort Lewis College. 

Preferred Education, Specialized Skills, and Experience: 

  • MA or PhD in Museum Studies, Anthropology, History, Art History, or related field.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of Southwestern and/or Indigenous culture, art, archaeology, ethnology, history, or politics.
  • Strong public speaking skills and ability to engage with the community, donors, and Center supporters.
  • Supervisory experience with student workers, contractors, and volunteers.
  • Ability to do work that is highly conceptual and requires a high degree of originality.
  • Ability to foster a collaborative and positive working environment.

Apply via AAM