Curator - Education & Outreach

General Summary

Curators at the Door County Museum and Archives are responsible for the museum's day-to-day operations, including greeting, engaging, and guiding museum visitors, responding to inquiries, accepting artifact donations, assisting with programs, tours, and events, maintaining the visual presentation of the facility and exhibits, and caring for collections.

Additionally, each curator specializes in one of three areas—Collections, Exhibitions, or Education and Outreach—based on their expertise and the Museum's evolving needs.

Museum Curators are proactive team players within a small, highly collaborative environment, contributing to various projects and museum operations. Consistent attendance and punctuality are essential. The position also requires clear and accurate communication, both written and verbal.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Job Functions

1. Help the public with various research inquiries.
2. Help develop engaging educational programs and exhibits for audiences of all ages.
3. Facilitate donations and assist in the documenting, organizing and care of the collections.
4. Help maintain and enhance the visual presentation of the exhibits and facility.
5. Assist in researching and applying for grants to support educational initiatives and exhibits.
6. Assist in creating and distributing promotional materials.

General Job Functions

1. Staff the Door County Museum during open hours with exceptional customer service.
2. Work a semi-flexible schedule, including some weekends.
3. Conduct light custodial work as necessary to keep the Museum clean and organized.
4. Support the other curators and management as needed.
5. Attend monthly staff meetings as well as other related meetings as requested.
6. Work closely with other County departments and assist them with their needs.
7. Perform other job-related duties as assigned or directed.

Requirements

Required Training and Experience

1. Bachelor's degree in history, education, museum studies, marketing, art and design, other related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
2. A minimum of six months of customer service
3. Valid driver's license.

Preferred Training and Experience

1. Education and Outreach – Proven experience in developing and promoting engaging history education programs, with a track record of successfully collaborating with schools and community organizations to enhance public engagement and learning.
2. Exhibitions – Strong experience in exhibition planning, design, and fabrication, including a deep understanding of interpretive methods, installation processes, and creating immersive, educational, accessible, and visually impactful displays.
3. Collections – Demonstrated expertise in collections management, including artifact handling, conservation, and cataloging and documentation, ensuring the longevity and preservation of valuable museum holdings.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

1. Knowledge of and ability to learn and communicate the nuances of Door County history.
2. Ability to read, comprehend, and communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
3. Basic skill in the using Microsoft Office computer software and Google applications. Familiarity with using Internet to find information.
4. Passion for working with learners of all ages.
5. Ability to be self-motivated, organized, and goal oriented.
6. Strong attention to detail and proactive problem-solving abilities.
7. Ability to manage multiple projects at the same time.
8. Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
9. Ability to use tact and courtesy in maintaining an effective working relationship with all County employees, County supervisors, County officials, and the public.

Physical & Working Conditions

Duties take place 90% in an office/museum environment and 10% working off-site. The person in this position occasionally moves boxes, exhibit components and containers up to 50 pounds around the museum and storage areas.

The person in this position will interact continuously with the public in person, via e-mail and over the telephone.

In an effort to provide for continuity of County government and to cope with the problems of the emergency, you may be required to work during a proclaimed state of emergency consistent with Sec. 323.14 Wis. Stats. and County emergency management plans and programs.

The above is intended to describe the general content of the requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.