Historian Supervisor

The Montana Historical Society has an opening for a full-time Head of Curation. This position oversees the work of the curatorial division, which includes supervising the staff and managing the curatorial budget. This position is responsible for developing, implementing, and administering policies and procedures, and participating in fostering community engagement and audience development. The Head of Curation oversees and conducts the research, interpretation, and dissemination of information regarding the museum program's collections, primarily through physical and digital exhibits. With museum leadership, coordinates short- and long-term exhibit schedules; coordinates and assists other Society programs with activities and projects, especially those directly related to the Society's art and artifact collection; and conducts complex historical research.

The ideal candidate is motivated, energetic, loves being part of a team and is excited about being a part of the Montana Historical Society.

The Head of Curation works 40 hours a week, Monday through Friday.

Representative Duties:

• Supervise and manage work of Curator and Curator of Indigenous Collections

• Research the history of a region, specific time period, or artifact.

• Advise or consult with individuals and institutions regarding issues such as the historical authenticity of materials or the customs of a specific historical period.

• Prepare interpretation for publications and exhibits that describe the past and trace historical developments and review publications prepared by others to ensure their historical accuracy.

• Organize historical information for publication and for other means of dissemination, such as use on internet sites.

• Provides reference services to the public, other institutions, and organizations to promote the aims and activities of historical societies.

• Conduct historical research as a basis for the identification, interpretation, preservation, and conservation of historic places and materials.

• May process or preserve materials and artifacts as part of their historical research.

Hours of Operation:

The Montana Heritage Center operates seven days a week: Monday - Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Montana Heritage Center is open holidays except Thanksgiving and Christmas.

As an employee of the Montana Historical Society your work hours may fall outside the regular Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. schedule.

Education:

• Master's degree in history, museum studies, historical preservation, archaeology, or related field

Experience:

• Five years of museum, historical preservation, archaeology, or job-related experience

• Two years of supervisory experience

• Other combinations of education or experience may be substituted

Knowledge of:

• Professional museum ethics, philosophies, record management, registration and accessioning procedures

• Artifact care and handling, storage methods

• Computerized information management systems and software

• Montana history, art, and material culture

• Exhibit development and implementation

• State and national laws affecting museum practices

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing

• Conduct primary research

• Work independently and as part of a team

The following documents must be submitted to be considered for this position (be sure to mark each attachment as relevant):

• Cover Letter

• Resume

• State of Montana Application