USA: A Perspective on Curatorship

Curators, Museum Technicians, Conservators, and Historic Preservationists

• As of 2010, the median pay for curators, museum technicians, and conservators was $42,310. 
• As of 2010, there were 23,800 curators, museum technicians, and conservators in the U.S. 
• The job outlook for this field from 2010—2020 is expected to be at 16 percent growth (average). 
• For more information on what museum curators, technicians, and conservators do, educational requirements, work environment, skills, etc., see http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Education-Training-and-Library/Curators-and-museum-technicians.htm. 
• Professor Thomas Visser, Director of the University of Vermont Historic Preservation Program, has published a study of professional career openings in historic preservation in the United States. More information about jobs in this field (as well as current listings of job openings) can be found at http://www.uvm.edu/~histpres/?Page=jobboard.html. 

See also these Web sites of professional museum associations:
• American Alliance of Museums (formerly American Association of Museums)
• National Council on Public History
• American Society for State and Local History
• National Trust for Historic Preservation
• American Institute for the Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works
• Association of Art Museum Curators
• Association of Art Museum Directors
• The Association for Living History, Farm and Agricultural Museums
• Association of Children’s Museums
• Association of Science Technology Centers
• Preserve Net (provides current job listings for conservators and historic preservationists)
• The National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers (NCSHPO) is the professional association of the State government officials who carry out the national historic preservation program as delegates of the Secretary of the Interior pursuant to the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended (16 USC 470)  (Note: jobs in preservation are also listed on this site).
• Association for Preservation Technology International
For a complete list of museum associations (including regional and state and local ones), visit http://www.jobmonkey.com/museumjobs/museum-organizations.html.

THE ORGANISATION OF AMERICAN HISTORIANS – CLICK HERE TO GO TO SOURCE

CURATOR: Case Study

Job description

This is an all-embracing term for someone with responsibility for a collection of objects, be it paintings, rocks, stuffed animals, tools, or anything else.

In a national museum you are likely to be a subject specialist with a detailed knowledge of the collection in your care. Much of your time will be spent researching and writing about that collection. A local or independent museum curator may also be an expert, but will have to perform a broader range of tasks including marketing, fundraising, working with schools and planning exhibitions. In smaller museums and galleries you could well be the person in charge.

A recent advertisement in Museums Journal for a curator looked for someone who would be able to lead a large team of volunteers, run educational events and manage the building, shop and the collection. All for £17,000 a year.

Another opening called for someone to develop, manage and promote museum services in a town in the South East. It was offering up to £29,000. However, the core task of a curator remains working with objects - acquiring, researching, storing and interpreting them for the public. In larger museums curators can also be called keepers.

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MOMA-NY A STANDARD SETTING ADVERTISEMENT

Curator, Architecture & Design  Application deadline: Friday, October 4, 2013, 6pm The Metropolitan Museum of Art1000 5th Ave New York, NY 10028 www.metmuseum.org

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of the world's finest museums, seeks a Curator of Architecture & Design that is a specialist in both Architecture and Design. In this respect, the Curator will work closely with the Chairman and will participate in the active research, development and management of the Modern and Contemporary collection and the Breuer project; major special exhibitions; initiation of collection displays, publications and interpretation; and participation in all activities of the Department. Primary responsibilities and duties:–Working closely with the Chairman and other full Curators, assist with management of the Modern and Contemporary Department. –Using expertise in architecture and design, lead the review of architecture, design and other related aspects of the collection. –Lead departmental collection and research strategies in respect to architecture and design. –Initiate and curate major special exhibitions for the Breuer project. –Devise and plan collection displays and other projects for Modern & Contemporary. –Initiate special exhibitions, including research, catalog entries and other texts for Museum Programs. –Cultivate new relationships and maintain existing connections with donors, patrons, collectors, colleagues from other international institutions, the scholarly community, dealers, and other individuals involved with the interests of the Museum. –Act as editor, key author, and essayist as appropriate for major exhibition catalogues and other specialized publications, including online content. –On behalf of Chairman, oversee and expedite correspondence related to Collection and Modern and Contemporary Programs. –Contribute to public programs (Learning, Volunteers, Visiting Scholars, etc.) as appropriate. –According to Modern & Contemporary Department objectives, interact with potential sponsors and assist with fundraising as appropriate. –Advise on planning programs for Modern and Contemporary Department patrons' groups. –Other related duties. Requirements and qualifications: Experience and skills:–Minimum ten years (preferably fifteen years) experience in a museum or academic institution. –Demonstrated engagement with artistic, architectural and design theory and international practice across the world. –Demonstrated scholarly achievement and extensive published record, including evidence of original research. –Initiated and executed major and relevant loan exhibitions with broad international scope. –Demonstrated commitment to broad international engagement and learning. –Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with internal colleagues across the Museum and externally with artists, designers, scholars, architects, donors and general public. –Ability to create and maintain precise and widely researched records. Knowledge and education:–PhD (or equivalent) history of art or architecture. –Deep expertise in twentieth and twenty-first century architecture, design and art. –Extensive background in international modern and contemporary culture. –Excellent written and spoken English. –Proficiency in one non-English language. Application deadline: Friday, October 4, 2013, 6pmThe Curator for Architecture & Design for the Modern & Contemporary Department is full-time and includes full benefits. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Send cover letter, indicating position of interest, resume, and salary history to employoppty@metmuseum.org as a Word attachment only, with "Curator/Architecture & Design" in the subject line