CURATOR OF COLLECTIONS & EXHIBITIONS – ERIE CANAL MUSEUM – Museum Studies

Position Summary:

The Erie Canal Museum, located in downtown Syracuse, New York, showcases the only remaining weighlock building in the United States. The Museum collects and preserves Canal material and provides engaging educational experiences that champion an appreciation and understanding of the Erie Canal’s transforming effects on the past, present and future. Established in 1962, the Erie Canal Museum shares 200 years of Erie Canal history through interactive displays, original artifacts, and public programs.

The Museum seeks to hire a curator that brings a love of history, an eye for detail, and a vision for bringing life to an important historic building. In addition to being the steward for the 1850 Syracuse Weighlock Building, the Curator of Collections and Exhibitions shall be responsible for a collection of over 24,000 objects, managing permanent and changing exhibits, and interacting with the public. They must demonstrate a broad knowledge of history, curatorial practices, research, and methodology, with a critical understanding of museum ethics and principles, and have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. While collaboration among the staff is essential, work is performed with considerable independence under the general supervision of the Executive Director. The Erie Canal Museum is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We strongly encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply.

Position Responsibilities:

Manage all aspects of the collections held at the Museum, including reviewing, updating, and utilizing policies; conducting regular inventories; maintaining the accession files, collection catalogue records, and the PastPerfect database; monitoring climate control, conservation, and storage needs; and working with the Collections & Facilities Committee to improve collections through assessment, deaccessioning, and acquisition, according to policy.
Work closely with the Project Archivist to manage the Canal Society of New York State collections and serve as a liaison to the Society in issues relating to the storage and management of their collections.
Act as steward of the 1850 Syracuse Weighlock Building, including providing expertise to and collaborating with Onondaga County Facilities and State Historic Preservation Office regarding issues of long term maintenance.
Conduct research and disseminate knowledge regarding the collection and the Erie Canal to the trustees, staff, and public, in collaboration with the Museum Educator.
Develop and execute an exhibition plan that includes long-term, short-term, and digital exhibits.
Maintain information and resources on the Museum’s website related to collections and exhibitions.
Respond to requests for research, printed, photographic, and other materials.
Identify and apply to sources of funding to maintain and grow the collections and exhibitions programs.
Recruit and supervise interns and volunteers working on collections and exhibition projects in collaboration with the Project Archivist when appropriate.
Oversee building security and cleanliness, working with appropriate staff, volunteers, and service providers to ensure Museum standards are met.
Other duties as needed or assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Strong knowledge of museum curatorial principles and best practices.
Strong research and computer skills, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite.
Experience using PastPerfect or another Collections Management Database.
Experience researching and writing grants.
Ability to work collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders, including colleagues and peers, the Museum Trustees, volunteers, varied external partners, and the general public.
Ability to implement complex projects with minimal supervision.
Ability to effectively supervise collection and exhibition staff, volunteers, and interns.
Respect the diversity, equality, and dignity of all persons.
Capable of lifting up to 40 lbs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Must successfully pass all required background checks.

Qualifications:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree in History, Humanities, Museum Studies, Public History, or a related field; three years of experience in collection care, exhibition development, and project management; progressive management experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training, or experience.

Additional Details:

This full time position works Tuesday – Saturday and is paid $37,000 annually. Benefits include medical and dental insurance (for employee only) or insurance stipend, 10 observed holidays, 12 vacation days, 7 personal days, and 403(b) matching.

To apply, candidates should send a cover letter of no more than 1,000 words addressing why you’d like to work at the Erie Canal Museum and your qualifications for this position; a resume or Curriculum Vitae; a work sample not to exceed 1,500 words; and three references.

Application packages should be submitted as PDFs via email to Natalie Stetson, Executive Director, at employment@eriecanalmuseum.org with “Curator of Collections & Exhibitions” in the subject line. Applications are accepted from May 5 – June 4, 2021.

The Erie Canal Museum (ECM) is an American Alliance of Museum accredited history museum with the mission to preserve the only existing weighlock building in the United States, collect and conserve Canal material, champion an appreciation and understanding of Erie Canal history through educational programming, and promote an awareness of the Canal’s transforming effects on the past, present and future.

ECM recruits and hires employees without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or sexual preference, and treats all employees equally with respect to compensation and opportunities for advancement, including upgrading, or promotion. ECM supports the Americans with Disabilities Act, and will take such measures insofar as possible to assist employees who need accommodation. Reference checks are conducted for all positions.