Curator of Learning and Community Engagement - Holland Museum

Posted on 6/3/24  

Department: Education and Exhibits

Classification: Full Time, Regular

Reports to: Executive Director

Status: Exempt

Date Written: May 2024

Purpose

Leads the Holland Museum’s Education and the Exhibits Department, including oversight over all public programs, community outreach initiatives, and exhibit development in alignment with the museum’s inclusive mission to tell the stories of Holland’s diverse and dynamic community.

Job Title: Curator of Learning and Community Engagement

Full-Time Position: Exempt

Pay Rate: $48,000-54,000

Medical and Dental Insurance, Paid vacation/sick days, Paid holidays

Location: Holland, Michigan, with the opportunity for remote work one – two days a week

Responsibilities and Accountabilities

Community Outreach and Educational Programs

• Cultivate partnerships and collaborations with community organizations, businesses, and local governments. Strengthen relationships with local school districts and educators.
• Develop strategies for growing audiences and improving community access to Holland Museum resources and programs.
• Implement and evaluate outreach initiatives and public programs at the Holland Museum, the Cappon House/Settlers House sites, and the Armory.
• Provide vision and leadership for the development and implementation of educational programs that align with state curriculum standards, complement the museum’s DEAI mission, and support strategic priorities.
• Lead the Education Committee to support educational initiatives and community partnerships.
• Direct the development of long-range interpretive and educational plans for the Holland Museum and the Cappon House/Settlers House sites.
• Provide managerial oversight for educational programs; staff educational tours and programs as needed.

Exhibits

• Supervise the Exhibits Curator and Exhibits Committee in the research, curation, and installation of permanent and temporary exhibitions.
• Design interactive learning opportunities and hands-on activities for all ages in permanent and temporary exhibits.

Administrative

• Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate two departmental employees plus interns.
• Create and manage the Education and Exhibits budgets.
• Assist with grant applications and administer departmental funding.
• Represent the Holland Museum at speaking engagements and media appearances.
• Write program descriptions for newsletter and website; work with staff to promote and market exhibitions and programs.
• Contribute to the advancement of the museum field through membership and active participation in relevant professional organizations.
• Other duties as requested or assigned.

Education and Experience

• A bachelor’s degree in museum studies, art history, public history, education, or closely related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• A minimum of three years of professional work experience developing educational and public programs at a museum or cultural site.
• Must have 2+ years supervisory and/or leadership experience.
• Proficiency in Spanish would be a plus.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Job Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must be outgoing, with exceptional customer service skills and the ability to establish positive and effective relationships with a diverse public and workforce.
• Creative and collaborative, with strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Effective communication skills including writing for a variety of ages and backgrounds, and public speaking.
• Demonstrated success in developing hands-on learning experiences and engaging new audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and organize work effectively and produce positive outcomes that align with the organizational mission and resources.
• Ability to forecast expenses and revenue, and work within a budget.
• Knowledge of current trends in educational theory, public history, and museum best practices.
• Ability to perform physical tasks (lift 20 lbs.) with physical mobility and ability to climb stairs.
• Demonstrated computer proficiency, including an excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Suite, email, the Internet, social media, etc. Familiarity with Teams a plus.
• Ability to work weekends and evenings as necessary and pass a background check.
• Other duties as requested or assigned.

Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion

The Holland Museum is committed to embracing diversity, practicing equity, and ensuring accessibility and inclusion. We will continually strive to achieve a welcoming environment in all our spaces, where staff, board, and community feel respected and valued for their unique perspectives and backgrounds.

The Holland Museum is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, age, family responsibilities, national origin, or veteran status, or any other protected categories under applicable law. We encourage a diverse pool of candidates to apply. At the Holland Museum, you can bring your whole self to work.

Holland Museum’s Mission and Vision

Mission: Preserving our past, Imagining our future

Vision: To be a cultural leader and community collaborator inspiring the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators.

To Apply

Submit cover letter, resume, and application to Michelle Stempien, Executive Director designate hollandmuseum@hollandmuseum.org