Job Listing: Curator of Education and Public Engagement

Name of Organization – Museums at Washington & Lee University

Lexington, VA

Closes – Until Filled

Title – Curator of Education and Public Engagement

Compensation – Minimum Pay: $71,761.00 - Pay Commensurate with Experience

Type – Exempt, Full Time, Benefit Eligible 

Apply –  Review of applications will begin on October 21 and continue until the position is filled.  A resume and cover letter are required. Please upload these documents when prompted on the application form. You will be asked to provide names and contact information for three professional references.

Application instructions are at https://www.wlu.edu/employment-opportunities.

Summary – Under the direction of the Director of the Institutional History Museum, The Curator of Education & Public Engagement creates and manages a multidisciplinary education program that supports the educational mission of Washington and Lee University’s Institutional History Museum, which is made up of the University Chapel and Galleries, the Washington Hall Gallery, and the future Institutional History Museum. The incumbent will curate a program in which the museum, the university community, K-12 educational partners, and all external stakeholders interact with the sites to further their understanding of the history of our campus and nation. The CEPE will also maintain the website and social media pages; conduct historical research; work with the Director to develop educational programming, supervise educational programming, and coordinate rentals/special events within the museums. Finally, the Curator will support the training and management of the gallery attendants, interns, and other staff as assigned.

Washington and Lee University actively promotes a dynamic and inclusive environment that allows students and employees of multiple backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives to learn, work, and thrive together. Successful candidates will contribute to that environment and exhibit potential for excellence in their areas of expertise.

Visit jobs.wlu.edu to learn more about working at W&L, our benefits, community, and living in the area.

Responsibilities – 

• Develop comprehensive educational materials and interpretations to support the Institutional History Museum’s mission.

• Plan, produce, and document tours, rentals, and educational events for the museum.

• Create exhibition narratives/tour outlines each season for audiences of all ages.

• Conduct research to support program development.

• Develop special events and programming, in coordination with the museum staff, to support the museum’s mission.

• In collaboration with the Director, review and update all existing interpretations and to support current and future museum exhibitions.

• Enforce standing policy on facilities use and programming.

• Assist the museum staff in the development and promotion of internship opportunities within the museum.

• Supervise & train gallery attendants to engage with the interpretation/exhibitions in a way that is reflective of the museum’s mission.

• Collaborate with the Communications team to produce a robust marketing plan that communicates the vision of the institution’s Education and Engagement Programs.

• Assist the director and related departments in targeting grants, private funding, and non-traditional programming support.

• Supervise the site’s social media and websites.

• Form strategic alliances with teachers and administration at area K-12 schools.

• Give gallery tours and assist with programs and special events as needed.

• Identify opportunities to partner with other non-formal and/or non-traditional educational organizations.

• Strengthen relationships with faculty both on campus and at local universities through curriculum sharing or other joint projects.

• Program internal events that enrich the staff’s understanding of our nation’s history and the history of the campus, encouraging open dialogue about curatorial programming.

• May be required to perform a variety of duties in support of high-level organizational projects, as a back-up to other staff, or in response to weather-related and other emergencies. This position may supervise one other staff member, as well as volunteers and interns.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications – 

• Master’s degree in History, Museum Studies, Public History, or similar discipline. 5 or more years’ experience working in a museum environment or similar environment

• Demonstrated expertise in applicable museum practices, including collections management

• Program management; Strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills

• Highly self-motivated, team player

• Innovative and creative thinking

• Must be detail-oriented and able to multi-task

• Must be able to exercise clear communication on a daily basis to all stakeholders

• Must have thorough knowledge and high comfort level in working with collections management software, MS Office, and Outlook Calendar for scheduling events and sharing information

• Experience in the development and implementation of education and special events programming

About – Founded in 1749, W&L is the ninth-oldest college in the U.S. Today, W&L is a top-ranked, private university where students grow intellectually, unlock opportunities and prepare for their futures.