Exhibitions Associate at the Detroit Historical Society
Job Title: Exhibitions Associate
Job Status: Full-time
Location: Detroit, MI
Salary: $18.13-$27.47/hour
History saved and preserved is the foundation for strong, vibrant communities and future generations. The Detroit Historical Society’s mission is to tell Detroit’s stories and why they matter. Founded in 1921, the Society has been bringing together diverse voices and communities around the stories of the region to find their place in the present and inspire the future for over 100 years. Located in Detroit’s cultural district, the Society administers and develops exhibitions and programming for the Detroit Historical Museum, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle, and our Collection Resource Center at Historic Ft Wayne. The team cares for over 250,000 artifacts in its collection and relies on a staff of over 60 individuals to help to continue to bring Detroit’s vibrant stories to life.
Position Description
The Exhibitions Associate works with the exhibitions, collections, and curatorial teams to help develop and work within deadlines to coordinate the installation of various exhibitions elements. Additionally, this position helps maintain ongoing exhibition AV and works with the exhibit team on general exhibition upkeep. This position reports to the Exhibitions Development Manager but also works directly with the Exhibitions Installation Manager on all incoming and outgoing exhibitions. This position occasionally assists with external displays at off-site locations, picks up artifacts for specific projects and works with the exhibitions team to visualize creative ideas from early development through to implementation.
Major Responsibilities
- Work directly with the exhibit team to conceptualize and develop plans for exhibition installation.
- Coordinate with exhibition team to track supply inventory and work with Installation Manager to develop a list of new materials to add to the current fabrication inventory.
- Work with supervisor to track individual exhibit needs.
- Serve as a member of the exhibit ideation team.
- Work with supervisor to develop plans for regular exhibition maintenance, and audio-visual upkeep
- Work with the exhibitions team to maintain the physical space of the museums: patching, painting, cleaning, lighting and maintaining exhibition areas as needed at the DHM and Dossin.
- Work with Installation Manager to create an annual calendar of exhibition storage ‘clean out’.
- Work on each project to meet deadlines on time, on budget and done well – best in class.
- Work with Exhibition and Collections team to help manage incoming loans and loan paperwork.
General Responsibilities
- Continuously work with the exhibit team to efficiently use storage space as needs evolve and change.
- Provides support and insight working with exhibitions, curatorial and collections teams to coordinate the visual interpretation for exhibitions and recommends solutions as needed.
- Serves as the ambassador of the exhibitions team at weekly calendar meetings and attends other Society meetings as needed.
- Completes other duties and projects as assigned, directed, or as required to facilitate Society business.
Required Qualifications for Successful Position Performance
- Ability to work independently and efficiently, plus be productive in a team environment with the exhibitions and
enrichment department as well as other departments.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks at once and know when to ask questions and accept guidance as needed.
- Understand the use of power tools and basic fabrication materials; and be able to lift 25 pounds.
- Be available to work a flexible schedule, occasional evening and weekend work as required.
- Complete understanding that this position is fast-paced requiring urgency and immediate results.
- Possess great attention to detail and is a self-starter.
- Ability to problem solve, complete tasks and think creatively when working on multiple exhibitions, projects and tasks at once.
- Possess the ability to interact positively with diverse individuals.
- Exhibit a positive and energizing work ethic with a team spirit and customer friendly focus.
- Experience with all components of Microsoft Office Suite 365.
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of collections care.
- Working knowledge of the Curia Management System, a plus.
Education and Experience
- High School Diploma required. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- 1-2 years work experience in museum or similar background.
Compensation & Benefits
DHS offers a comprehensive benefit plan that includes employer-paid short and long-term disability coverages; and medical, dental and other benefits coverages with employee premium sharing.
- Paid Time Off (PTO) policy of 20 days per fiscal year, plus one (1) paid personal floating day.
- Annual salary range for this position depends on qualifications and experience.
- Paid holidays.
- Paid Parental Leave – After 12 months of qualifying service in coordination with FMLA.
To Apply
Please note the hourly wage prior to sending a résumé and cover letter to the Human Resources Department at humanresource@detroithistorical.org. No phone calls, please.
Candidates must have reliable transportation, possess a valid driver’s license and be willing to undergo a criminal background check and provide references (as needed/requested). Please note the hourly wage prior to sending a résumé and cover letter to the Human Resources Department at humanresource@detroithistorical.org. No phone calls, please.
EEO Statement
The Detroit Historical Society (DHS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer seeking to reach a broad and diverse candidate pool when filling vacant positions. We strongly encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds. We sincerely believe that our organization and its work benefit from the perspectives and talents of a diverse staff. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability or other applicable legally protected characteristics. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.