Assistant Curator of History Exhibitions and Academic Engagement at New-York Historical Society Museum & Library

Job Title: Assistant Curator of History Exhibitions and Academic Engagement 

Job Status: Full-time

Location: New York, NY

Salary: $67,600

ABOUT NEW-YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Visitors experience 400 years of history through groundbreaking exhibitions, immersive films, and thought-provoking conversations among renowned historians and public figures at the New-York Historical Society, New York’s first museum. A great destination for history since 1804, the Museum and the Patricia D. Klingenstein Library convey the stories of the city and nation’s diverse populations, expanding our understanding of who we are as Americans and how we came to be.
 
JOB SUMMARY
The assistant curator of history exhibitions and academic engagement aids in the creation, management, and public release of New-York Historical-organized history exhibitions and takes a leading role in teaching New-York Historical Museum Department courses for the CUNY / New-York Historical MA in Museum Studies program. This position works a minimum of three days per week on-site at the New-York Historical Society; additional in-person work may be required for exhibition installations, tours, events, interviews, and other reasons.
 
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
  • Aid in the research, curation, and management of multiple, simultaneous history exhibitions and installations;
  • Engage in content and image research, curatorial research, management of exhibition information, fact-checking, docent training, and press relations, among other exhibition-related activities;
  • Participate in New-York Historical’s education, outreach, and publication programs;
  • Participate in the management of history exhibition records, budgets, and contracts;
  • Coordinate with the Design and Collections staff and staff in other departments as needed on the development of history exhibitions and installations;
  • Coordinate with Collections staff on traveling history exhibitions;
  • Give tours, lectures, and presentations about exhibitions, installations, and objects;
  • Work with Development staff to identify funding prospects and prepare grant proposals for exhibitions and initiatives;
  • Teach 1-2 sections of the MST 610 (Curatorial Theory & Exhibition Design) practicum per semester and teach MST 644 (Art & Material Culture), currently offered every 2-3 years;
  • Perform additional tasks as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS
  • Minimum of BA degree in US history; M.A. or Ph.D. preferred;
  • Commitment to inclusive and diverse collecting and interpretation;
  • Collaborative approach and experience working on team-based projects;
  • Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills;
  • Ability to balance multiple competing priorities;
  • Familiarity with museum collection databases such as TMS.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee with or without accommodation, to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 
 
At times, this is a sedentary role using a computer; however, some filing or shelving is required. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stoop as necessary. The ability to lead tours through the museum is also required.
 
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
The expected salary for this position is $67,600.
                                   
New-York Historical Society provides a generous benefits package for eligible employees to support their health and wellbeing, which includes:
  • Paid time off, including vacation, sick and personal days, and holidays observed by the Museum;
  • Medical, dental, vision and life insurance;
  • Short and long-term disability coverage options;
  • 403(b) retirement plan with eligibility for employer contributions following one year of full-time service;
  • Flexible spending accounts for health-related expenses, dependent care, and parking and transit expenses;
  • Employee Assistance Program for all employees and their families;
  • 20% discount at the NYHistory Store, Café 77 and Clara restaurant, located within the Museum;
  • Free admission to various museums and cultural institutions across the city.

COVID-19 VACCINATION POLICY

To ensure the overall health and safety of the New-York Historical Society community, all newly hired employees of the New-York Historical Society are required to be fully-vaccinated with an FDA or WHO approved vaccine against COVID-19 as a condition of employment, absent qualifying exemptions for medical, religious, or other reasons in accordance with all applicable laws. 

Research shows that women and people from underrepresented groups often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that someone meets 100% of the qualifications for a role. If much of this job description describes you, then please apply for this role.

The New-York Historical Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Please follow this link to apply: https://jobapply.page.link/cJXx2. This position will be open until filled, with a review of applications to begin on May 15, 2024.