Curator of Collections

Historic St. Mary’s City is seeking a Curator of Collections to lead the museum’s collections program and care for its collection of approximately six million archaeological artifacts.  Applications are being accepted now.  Review of applications will begin April 1st.  Salary range is US$55,000-$65,000.

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume with the names and contact information for three professional references.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Director of Research and Collections, the Curator of Collections will be responsible for HSMC’s collections with a focus on the museum’s six million archaeological artifacts. In collaboration with colleagues at HSMC, the Curator of Collections will assume a vital role in institutional initiatives, research projects, and exhibitions.

Essential Functions:

The Curator of Collections is responsible for a broad range of activities including processing and documentation of new archaeological materials, management of museum collections, research and exhibit planning, and community outreach.  

• Manage, facilitate, and develop access to HSMC’s collections through the initiation of exhibitions, displays, and loans
• Enhance existing relationships with community stakeholders to ensure equity in exhibits
• Be responsible for the storage, security, and movement of HSMC’s collections to accreditation standards
• Oversee the processing—including washing, rebagging, cataloging, and labeling—of archaeological materials from active excavations
• Develop, oversee, and undertake all aspects of collections documentation, including data input, data migration, digitization, and development/maintenance of analog and digital systems to professional standards
• Maintain HSMC General Collections Policy, together with members of HSMC’s Collections Group, and advise on any policy updates/alterations
• Facilitate general maintenance and organization of the archaeological laboratory and collections spaces by contributing to safety procedures, maintaining inventories, and selecting materials and supplies
• Oversee research, evaluation, recommendation, and procurement of laboratory supplies, specialized equipment, and services
• Collaborate with, train, and direct the work of other lab staff, technicians, interns, student workers, and volunteers in materials handling, artifact processing, preservation decision-making, and collections care workflow
• Represent HSMC as an active member of the archaeological and cultural heritage communities through active participation, publication, research, and professional service
• Work with Conservator to maintain an effective disaster/emergency response and recovery plan
• Remain current in curatorial practices and trends in the profession and ensure compliance with museum standards and best practices as prescribed by the American Alliance of Museums, Society for Historical Archaeology, and other professional organizations
• To contribute to fundraising applications as opportunities arise and to ensure delivery against externally funded project objectives
• Oversee space planning and collection storage initiatives
• Develop curricula and lead audience-appropriate training and outreach for staff, students, faculty, and researchers, as required
• Contribute to departmental efforts to support HSMC social media and communications campaigns
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Historic St. Mary’s City is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including minority candidates.