Community Outreach Coordinator

Overview
This part-time position (up to 15-18 hours/ week) reports to the Museum Educator to assist in the
creation and implementation of high-quality, mission-centered programming for all ages. The
Community Outreach Coordinator is responsible for assistance in event planning (Juneteenth,
History Makers Gala) and educational programming. This position is also responsible for assisting
with public program development and execution, maintaining collaborative relationships with other
Museum departments on a variety of projects, and some administrative duties. Some travel and
evening/weekend work is required. This position pays $15/hour.

Position Impact
The Community Outreach Coordinator helps educate audiences of all ages and backgrounds across
Iowa on the wealth of important historical and cultural information found at the African American
Museum of Iowa. This position allows for the museum to maintain its statewide efforts and
connections with existing organizations and donors through collaborative programs and large
events. They ensure engaging visitor experiences at group presentations and guided tours as well
as valuable patron experiences through the AAMI’s traveling resources. The learned outcomes from
these experiences foster a stronger, more aware community and can lead to increased membership,
volunteerism, and even financial support for the AAMI.

Qualifications
A two-year college degree in Community Relations, Tourism, Hospitality, Education, or related is
preferred. Equivalent experience working in a formal or informal education setting will be considered.
Candidates with lived experience are encouraged to apply. Previous knowledge of museum,
education, or event planning practices is preferred, but willingness to train in those fields is required.
The ideal candidate should be organized, self-motivated, and creative. The candidate should have
an enthusiastic and welcoming personality, a positive attitude, the ability to relate to all groups of
people, and the ability to present historic content in an engaging manner. Strong computer
knowledge (Microsoft Suite, Google Suite, Internet, etc.) and reliable transportation is required.

Responsibilities
● Schedule and execute guided tours and field trips to the AAMI’s exhibits.
● Schedule, prepare, and execute educational group presentations and youth workshops in
partnership with the Museum Educator.
● In collaboration with the Administrative Coordinator, assist in scheduling traveling exhibits
and traveling trunk reservations and coordinate timely shipping and/or pick up and drop off.
● Lead in the logistical planning and execution of Juneteenth Festival and History Makers Gala
with the Museum Educator (and Development Director).
● Serve as core contact for community organizations
● Other duties as assigned.

How to Apply
Please send a cover letter, resume, and three references to search@blackiowa.org. This position is
open until filled. For more information about the Museum, visit our website at blackiowa.org. Please
direct questions to search@blackiowa.org.


Administrative Coordinator

Overview
The Administrative Coordinator provides nancial, administrative, and clerical support to the AAMI. This
part-time position (maximum of 18 hours a week) reports to the Deputy Director. Hours are preferably
scheduled on-site at the Museum (55 12th Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA) Tuesday through Friday between 8am
and 4:30pm. This position pays $15/hour.

Position Impact
The Administrative Coordinator helps ensure the organization runs smoothly by assisting in nancial and
facilities management, ensuring the generosity of our donors and members is recognized, and helping all
patrons have a meaningful experience at the Museum.

Qualications
Experience in office management and/or nance/bookkeeping preferred. Prociency in Microsoft Office
and reliable transportation are required. Database and/or QuickBooks experience preferred. Training will be
provided. The ideal candidate should be self-directed and dependable, attentive to detail, and possess
excellent organizational skills.

Responsibilities
● Finance and Administration
o Process accounts payable transactions including entering invoices and generating checks via
QuickBooks
o Maintain accounts payable and accounts receivable les.
o Enter received payments in the check log and DonorPerfect database

Generate membership and donation acknowledgement letters.
o Take prepared deposits to the bank weekly.
● Visitor Services
o Oversee the front desk during shifts including supervising volunteers and making sales of
merchandise and admissions.
o Coordinate rentals of the Museum’s traveling exhibits.
● Other Duties
o Work with vendors, schedule appointments, and assist with maintenance agreements.
o Coordinate regular tracking and purchasing of inventory for the museum store, including
conducting end-of-year merchandise inventory.
o Other duties as assigned

How to Apply
Please send a cover letter, resume, and three references to search@blackiowa.org. This position is open
until lled. For more information about the Museum, visit our website at blackiowa.org. Please direct
questions to search@blackiowa.org.


Director of Registration

OVERVIEW: The Director of Registration heads the Department of the Registrar, a 6-person department responsible for maintaining records on all works of art owned by or entrusted to the care of the Seattle Art Museum across its three sites, and for the location, safety, movement, and transport of these works of art, proactively minimizing risks to the works of art and to SAM.

REPORTS TO: Chief of Design
COMPENSATION: $115,000 – $135,000 annually

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Directs and manages the Department of the Registrar, which is responsible for initiation and maintenance of records on all works of art entering, leaving, acquiring, or in storage with SAM, across all 3 sites
  • Serves as supervisor to 6 registrar team members
  • Devises procedures for creating and maintaining accurate and complete documentation, and for providing other SAM offices with information as needed
  • Acts as the Museum’s fine arts risk manager, selects and maintains SAM fine arts insurance policy and notes any limits, restrictions, and special conditions regarding the permanent collection and loans
  • Supervises preparation of indemnity applications and notes any special conditions imposed by the indemnity panel assuring that these are honored
  • Ensures that shipments fall within the appropriate limits-per-conveyance imposed by indemnity and/or insurance
  • Ensures that condition reports are carefully prepared and annotated, as appropriate, to protect SAM in terms of liability
  • Oversees the maintenance of the collection management computer system (TMS) upon which all SAM collection information is based
  • Determines schedules, establishes priorities, assigns responsibilities, and distributes work
  • Ensures that Registration staff oversees the packing, unpacking, and movement of all shipments of works of art
  • Represents the department in museum-wide long-range planning efforts
  • Participates in strategic planning to ensure the overall success of the Museum’s mission
  • Coordinates with the Director of Facilities and Security staff on the safeguarding of galleries and storerooms, as well as special exhibition spaces
  • Supervision of appropriate staff in arranging for closure doors, special keying of doors as appropriate, as well as restricting access to storerooms and installation spaces
  • Directly lead efforts for the creation of annual department budget, monitor and track performance towards these targets, and adjust when necessary
  • Develops work schedules to meet deadlines and to fulfill objectives for both the permanent collection and loans to/from SAM, determining schedules based on SAM priorities
  • Ensures through scheduling that exhibitions open on time, and that other deadlines are met
  • Ensures that in-house conservation, photography, and curatorial needs are addressed and met in a timely fashion
  • Monitors legal and ethical implications and care standards of all art transactions, including loans of works of art to and from SAM’s collections and art acquisitions
  • Assures that departmental policies, procedures, and practices conform to current museum professional practices and standards regarding special exhibitions and registration functions
  • Acts as liaison with customs officials for the completion of shipping and customs documents
  • Ensures that all foreign shipments entering or leaving SAM and the U.S. are handled in conformity with the customs regulations of foreign countries
  • Manages SAM rights and reproductions and photography services including contract development and review, review and approval of fee structures, and photography schedule
  • Advises the Director & CEO on all matters of policy related to the registration, borrowing, and lending of works of art
  • Drafts and implements SAM Collections Management Policy and Procedures
  • Prepares and monitors registrars operating budget and reviews various other project budgets including exhibitions
  • Oversees the regular physical inventory of all works of art belonging to and on long-term loan to SAM
  • Manages the development of policies regarding couriers and courier training, organizes, develops, and oversees the courier training sessions for appropriate SAM staff
  • Determines advisability of courier accompaniment and selection for special exhibition transits and SAM loans, as necessary
  • Facilitates the determination of works of art suitable for off-site storage, frequently visits all off-site storage facilities to ensure the maintenance of site per the established criteria for the safe housing of works of art under SAM’s jurisdiction
  • Administers personnel procedures in the registrar department including hiring, preparing position descriptions, assessing staff needs, assigning tasks, recommendations for promotion and awards, training, work assignments, performance evaluations, and disciplinary actions
  • Participates in, collaborates on, and/or supervises special projects including but not limited to collections installation, emergency procedures, building renovations and long-range planning

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

  • Master’s degree in Liberal Arts, Art History, or Museum Studies
  • 10+ years in a museum environment, including at least 5 years in management capacity
  • Thorough knowledge of current museum techniques, practices, and standards regarding special exhibitions, registration methods, new acquisitions, collection records and cataloguing, and computerized systems
  • Expert knowledge of fine arts insurance, and U.S. Indemnity regulations and policies
  • Expert knowledge of export licenses, bonding, customs regulations, and security procedures
  • Expert knowledge of acquisition process and procedures
  • Familiarity with foreign languages (especially French, German, Spanish, and/or Italian) to interpret international correspondence, invoices, and documents pertaining to shipments and to assist couriers if preferred
  • Excellent interpersonal and oral & written communications skills, strong track record in exercising sound, timely judgment
  • Ability to work successfully with a high degree of ambiguity
  • Ability to apply and adapt practices and techniques to the special requirements of the museum
  • Strong organizational and management skills; ability to work effectively with personnel from many disciplines; experience handling multiple competing priorities and timely, effective decision-making
  • Effectively present information to management, public groups, etc
  • Ability to assure the organization and its mission, programs and services are consistently presented in strong, positive image to relevant stakeholders
  • Ability to represent the Museum with a high level of integrity and professionalism
  • Organizational ability with strong management and supervisory skills
  • Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with Board members, key donors, executives, management, employees, and the public
  • Successfully assess priorities and work well with deadlines, exceptional time management, problem solving, and analytical skills
  • Ability to motivate teams and simultaneously manage several projects
  • Exercise discretion in maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, ability to communicate and interact and to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community
  • Negotiation, project management, and problem-solving skills required
  • Collaborative and collegial management style
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Zoom, Asana, Slack and internet-based research
  • Demonstrated proficiency and accuracy in using TMS
  • Adhere to and adopt museum policies in a positive and professional manner
  • Ability to pass and maintain security background check clearance
  • Work requires willingness to work a flexible schedule and travel

Assistant Curator

How to apply:

Please email Adrian Fischer (fischer@thebakken.org) with the following information.

1. A cover letter as an attachment or two to three paragraphs in the body of the email detailing why you are interested in this position and how you meet the requirements described in this job description.
2. Your resume or work/skills/training history as an attachment or a link to your LinkedIn public profile in your email response. We do not have a preference. Our aim is to understand where you have worked and the types of roles you have had.
3. OPTIONAL – Please consider filling out an optional, anonymous demographics survey, found here (https://thebakkenmuseum.formstack.com/forms/igm_applicant_demographic_survey). This survey will remain unattached to any application materials and is used only to determine patterns and opportunities for improvement. The hiring manager will not have access to the individual responses collected.

Complete applications will receive confirmation of submission within 72 hours. Application deadline is January 5th, 2025. Please contact Adrian Fischer if you have questions about this process.

Who we are and what we do:

The Bakken Museum is a one-of-a-kind museum with a focus on innovation and the intersection of STEM and the humanities. The museum encourages curiosity through our exhibitions, events, and on and off-site education programs. Our purpose is to awaken the innovator inside each of us.

Our values:

Creativity – We believe that everyone has the ability to use their creativity to help make the world a better place. We aim to foster that creativity in each other and our audiences.
Curiosity – We are always learning, growing, and asking questions. This curiosity is the lens through which we approach learning and making connections in unexpected ways.
Uniqueness – We take pride in the ways we can be surprising or different from what might be expected. We encourage our staff and audiences to bring their full selves and embrace the strengths and connections in our differences.

Adaptability – We acknowledge that change is constant and that we are made stronger by our ability to accept and understand change. We improvise with empathy and purpose, using change as an asset to adapt, grow, and develop in new ways that support the needs of our audiences and each other.

Collaboration – We work to leverage our collective genius in service of our mission. We listen to each other, support one another, work to better understand each other, and as a result, grow and evolve together.

Equity – We will strive to be a place where everyone is welcome, represented, and valued and will work to correct the structural imbalances which prevent that goal.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

The Bakken provides equal employment opportunities for all persons regardless of age, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, marital status, familial status, sex, gender identity and/or expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.

Position Overview:

Working with the Curator of Collections and Exhibits, the Assistant Curator catalogs, researches, and assists in the care and management of the Bakken Museum’s collection. This position also performs research, development, installation and de-installation, and maintenance for the museum’s exhibitions.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Collections – 50%

– Significant responsibility for the documentation of collections materials, including maintaining electronic records database, ensuring accurate documentation of existing records, cataloguing new acquisitions, processing deaccessioned materials, and processing ingoing/outgoing loans.
– Research history and background of artifacts in collection to aid in collections management, support DEAI initiatives, and integrate collections into museum exhibitions and public programming.
– Identifies appropriate items for potential deaccession in accordance with collection policies and makes recommendations to Curator of Exhibits and Collections.
– Researches and carries out appropriate disposal methods for objects identified for deaccessioning.
– Assists in processing paperwork and packaging for shipping of loans to and from other institutions.
– Stabilizes, repairs, and digitizes artifacts and books as needed.
– Promotes the museum’s collection to staff and outside stakeholders.
– Supports grant submissions and execution for exhibitions and collections projects.

Exhibitions – 50%
– Researches and develops concepts, content, and interpretive strategies for exhibitions.
– Maintains and repairs exhibits as needed.
– Assists in the installation and de-installation of exhibits.
– Supports events by interpreting exhibits or objects from the collections to event attendees.

Other duties as needed or required
Perform other duties as needed or required which are within the position’s scope.

Diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion

Diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEAI) are core functions of all positions at the Bakken Museum. While some roles may have more specific responsibilities, the items below are a part of everyone’s role at the museum:
– Demonstrate a commitment to DEAI through continuous personal development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing bias to help cultivate and promote a culture of inclusivity and belonging for all staff.
– Proactively work on your own and collaboratively with other museum staff to ensure equitable and representative experiences for all museum visitors and program participants.
Position Requirements:
– 2+ years of experience in curatorial, library, collections, or similar practices.
– Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
– Strong attention to detail is essential.
– Ability to work on a variety of projects simultaneously.
– Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
– Ability to sit and/or stand for up to 8 hours per shift.
– Ability to move through and access all areas of the buildings and grounds including stairs, indoor and outdoor areas, and small spaces.
– Ability to manipulate computers, office equipment, folding chairs and tables, and similar items related to an office environment.
– Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
– Must be able to use hand tools for exhibit maintenance.

Travel:
Limited to metro area for occasional support of programs or museum initiatives.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the staff member assigned to this position. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The Bakken Museum is committed to pay equity. The Bakken Museum provides pay grade transparency, and benchmarks pay grades and compensation compared to market. In addition to salary, The Bakken Museum offers a comprehensive benefits package for full time staff and part time staff working over 20 hours including employer matched 403(b), employer sponsored health & dental insurance, paid parental leave, and PTO.


Curator

Job Description

This is a one-year contract position for a full-time Curator to support the Veteran Administration’s History Office (VAHO) the National VA History Center Archives (NVAHCA) and the NVAHC Museum (NVAHCM) with the option to extend the position annually for up to four years. The position is based at the VAHO’s Dayton Facility.

The Curator is a full-time position that reports directly to the VA’s Curator and the contractor, New South Associates, Inc.

 

Tasks/Responsibilities

  • Provide support to the Curator in the development of original content related to VA history for a variety of audiences.
  • Research a variety of subjects and provide historically accurate content for dissemination through a variety of platforms and outlets.
  • Conduct research on objects for use in blog posts, articles, online exhibits and the virtual museum.
  • Utilize appropriate software to design brochures, pamphlets, text panels, wayside signs, and other exhibit and interpretive elements.
  • Collaborate with historians, curators and other team members to development a variety of interpretive products.
  • Provide research support for inquiries related to VA History, coordinating responses for special research projects with high-priority deadlines in consultation with the Curator, Chief Historian, and/or Senior Archivist.
  • Collaborate with the NVAHC team in developing a digitization plan for creation of 3D assets.
  • Compile and submit monthly status reports on workload progress related to content creation, exhibit development, including online and virtual.
  • Provide an oral summary of performance during the monthly Program Review Meeting.

 

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in history, museum studies, or a related field
  • Requires at least two years of experience in content creation, exhibit design, graphics arts or a combination of those disciplines.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, Adobe Creative or similar.

 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Graduate degree in Museum Studies

 

Required Documents

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter
  • List of three references with contact information

 

This is an hourly position with a pay range between $70,000 and $75,000 and is negotiable based on qualifications and experience.  In addition, this benefited position includes paid insurance, personal leave, and paid federal holidays in addition to a 401k plan with a 10% corporate match after one year’s employment and participation in a qualified bonus program.

New South Associates, Inc. will hire a qualified professional to serve as a full-time curator. We are an equal opportunity employer. If interested, please email the required documents to Kim Blanke, kblanke@newsouthassoc.com.


Performing Educator

Hours Per Week: 12 average
Compensation: $20

How to Apply:

Please email Justin Spencer at spencer@thebakken.org with the following information.
1. Two to three paragraphs in the body of the email detailing why you are interested in this position and how you meet the requirements described in this job description. Each paragraph should be between 3-7 sentences, for a total length of no more than 21 sentences. Do not attach a cover letter.
2. Your resume or work/skills/training history as an attachment or a link to your LinkedIn profile in your email response. We do not have a preference. Our aim is to understand where you have worked and the types of roles you have had.
3. OPTIONAL – Please consider filling out an optional, anonymous demographics survey, found here (https://thebakkenmuseum.formstack.com/forms/igm_applicant_demographic_survey). This survey will remain unattached to any application materials and is used only to determine patterns and opportunities for improvement. The hiring manager will not have access to the individual responses collected.

Complete applications will receive confirmation of submission within 72 hours. Application deadline is Dec 30th. Please contact Justin Spencer if you have questions about this process.

Who we are and what we do:

The Bakken Museum is a one-of-a-kind museum with a focus on innovation and the intersection of STEM and the humanities. The museum encourages curiosity through our exhibitions, events, and on and off-site education programs. Our purpose is to awaken the innovator inside each of us.

Our values:

Creativity – We believe that everyone has the ability to use their creativity to help make the world a better place. We aim to foster that creativity in each other and our audiences.

Curiosity – We are always learning, growing, and asking questions. This curiosity is the lens through which we approach learning and making connections in unexpected ways.

Uniqueness – We take pride in the ways we can be surprising or different from what might be expected. We encourage our staff and audiences to bring their full selves and embrace the strengths and connections in our differences.

Adaptability – We acknowledge that change is constant and that we are made stronger by our ability to accept and understand change. We improvise with empathy and purpose, using change as an asset to adapt, grow, and develop in new ways that support the needs of our audiences and each other.

Collaboration – We work to leverage our collective genius in service of our mission. We listen to each other, support one another, work to better understand each other, and as a result, grow and evolve together.

Equity – We will strive to be a place where everyone is welcome, represented, and valued and will work to correct the structural imbalances which prevent that goal.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

The Bakken provides equal employment opportunities for all persons regardless of age, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, marital status, familial status, sex, gender identity and/or expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.

Position Overview:

Educators help develop, deliver, and support Onsite and Outreach education programs. Position responsibilities include teaching onsite and offsite workshops, performing shows, providing guided tours, and implementing programming for general admission visitors or organized groups.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Onsite Education Programs Support (25% Teaching, 5% Other)
– Delivers education programs including setting-up, teaching/performing, cleaning-up, and working with students, parents, teachers, and volunteers
– Evaluation of education programs
– Assist with Public Programs or events as needed

Outreach Programs Support (65% Teaching, 5% Other)
– Delivers education programs including setting-up, teaching/performing, cleaning-up, and working with students, parents, teachers, and volunteers during shows and classroom workshops.
– Performs additional duties and responsibilities specific to individual programs and work plans, as agreed upon with supervisor.

Other duties as needed or required
– Perform other duties as needed or required which are within the position’s scope.

Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion:

Diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEAI) are core functions of all positions at the Bakken Museum. While some roles may have more specific responsibilities, the items below are a part of everyone’s role at the museum:
– Demonstrate a commitment to DEAI through continuous personal development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing bias to help cultivate and promote a culture of inclusivity and belonging for all staff.
– Proactively work on your own and collaboratively with other museum staff to ensure equitable and representative experiences for all museum visitors and program participants.

Position Requirements:

– Experience teaching, supervising, and/or working with K-12 youth in a formal or informal educational setting
– Experience with theatrical performance and/or performance storytelling
– Excellent written and verbal communication skills
– Ability to work independently and as part of a team
– Ability to work some evenings and weekends
– A valid driver’s license

Physical demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
– Ability to sit and/or stand for up to 8 hours per shift.
– Ability to move through and access all areas of the buildings and grounds including stairs, indoor and outdoor areas, and small spaces.
– Ability to manipulate computers, office equipment, folding chairs and tables, and similar items related to an office environment.
– Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
– Ability to drive a museum vehicle.

Travel:

This position requires regular travel throughout the metro, and occasional day trips within greater Minnesota.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the staff member assigned to this position. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The Bakken Museum is committed to pay equity. The Bakken Museum provides pay grade transparency, and benchmarks pay grades and compensation compared to market. In addition to salary, The Bakken Museum offers a comprehensive benefits package for full time staff and part time staff working over 20 hours including employer matched 403(b), employer sponsored health & dental insurance, paid parental leave, and PTO.


Museum Facilitator & Visitor Services Representative

Hours Per Week: 15
Compensation: $16.50/hour

How to Apply:

Please email Shelby Louk at louk@thebakken.org with the following information.

1. Two to three paragraphs in the body of the email detailing why you are interested in this position and how you meet the requirements described in this job description. Each paragraph should be between 3-7 sentences, for a total length of no more than 21 sentences. Do not attach a cover letter.
2. Your resume or work/skills/training history as an attachment or a link to your LinkedIn profile in your email response. We do not have a preference. Our aim is to understand where you have worked and the types of roles you have had.
3. OPTIONAL – Please consider filling out an optional, anonymous demographics survey, found here (https://thebakkenmuseum.formstack.com/forms/igm_applicant_demographic_survey). This survey will remain unattached to any application materials and is used only to determine patterns and opportunities for improvement. The hiring manager will not have access to the individual responses collected.

Complete applications will receive confirmation of submission within 72 hours. Application deadline is Dec 30th. Please contact Shelby Louk if you have questions about this process.

Who we are and what we do:

The Bakken Museum is a one-of-a-kind museum with a focus on innovation and the intersection of STEM and the humanities. The museum encourages curiosity through our exhibitions, events, and on and off-site education programs. Our purpose is to awaken the innovator inside each of us.

Our values:

Creativity – We believe that everyone has the ability to use their creativity to help make the world a better place. We aim to foster that creativity in each other and our audiences.

Curiosity – We are always learning, growing, and asking questions. This curiosity is the lens through which we approach learning and making connections in unexpected ways.

Uniqueness – We take pride in the ways we can be surprising or different from what might be expected. We encourage our staff and audiences to bring their full selves and embrace the strengths and connections in our differences.

Adaptability – We acknowledge that change is constant and that we are made stronger by our ability to accept and understand change. We improvise with empathy and purpose, using change as an asset to adapt, grow, and develop in new ways that support the needs of our audiences and each other.

Collaboration – We work to leverage our collective genius in service of our mission. We listen to each other, support one another, work to better understand each other, and as a result, grow and evolve together.

Equity – We will strive to be a place where everyone is welcome, represented, and valued and will work to correct the structural imbalances which prevent that goal.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

The Bakken provides equal employment opportunities for all persons regardless of age, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, marital status, familial status, sex, gender identity and/or expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.

Position Overview:

The Museum Facilitator works directly with museum visitors throughout the museum welcoming visitors, answering questions, interpreting exhibits, facilitating activities, all the while providing exceptional service. This role will also support the museum’s Admissions Desk.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Admission Desk – 40%
– Staff the Visitor Services Desk as needed including the sale of admission tickets and museum store merchandise and answering the museum’s general phone line.
– Performs additional duties and responsibilities specific to individual programs and work plans, as agreed upon with supervisor.

Facilitate Science Studio – 30%

– Actively engage with visitors by greeting them, inviting them to engage with the activities, and supporting their engagement.
– Reset the space as needed so visitors have a fresh place to play and learn.
– Prepare and restock exhibit and program supplies as needed.
– Equitably monitor visitor behavior and address as needed to ensure a safe experience for all visitors and to ensure the safety and security of museum staff, facilities, exhibits, and collections.

Visitor Service – 30%

– Provide exceptional customer service to all visitors.
– Move throughout the public museum spaces and interact with visitors, answer questions, and provide interpretation about the museum and exhibits.
– Contribute to the museum’s general upkeep by ensuring public spaces are tidy and reporting maintenance needs as needed.
– Anticipate and proactively respond to unexpected situations as they arise, ensuring the best possible experience for visitors. Communicate with other museum staff to ensure efficient and effective operations.
– Communicate effectively and proactively with other museum staff to ensure efficient and effective operations.
– Keep current on all emergency procedures and understand role and responsibilities in emergencies.

Other duties as needed or required
Perform other duties as needed or required which are within the position’s scope.

Diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion:
Diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEAI) are core functions of all positions at the Bakken Museum. While some roles may have more specific responsibilities, the items below are a part of everyone’s role at the museum:

– Demonstrate a commitment to DEAI through continuous personal development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing bias to help cultivate and promote a culture of inclusivity and belonging for all staff.
– Proactively work on your own and collaboratively with other museum staff to ensure equitable and representative experiences for all museum visitors and program participants.

Position Requirements:

– Exceptional customer service skills.
– Ability to work weekends required with occasional weekdays and evenings.
– Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
– Strong listener, giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand, and asking questions as appropriate.
– Some experience working with a point-of-sale system preferred, but not required.

Physical demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
– Ability to sit and/or stand for up to 8 hours per shift.
– Ability to move through and access all areas of the buildings and grounds including stairs, indoor and outdoor areas, and small spaces.
– Ability to manipulate computers, office equipment, folding chairs and tables, and similar items related to an office environment.

Travel:

Limited to metro area for occasional support of programs or museum initiatives.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the staff member assigned to this position. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The Bakken Museum is committed to pay equity. The Bakken Museum provides pay grade transparency, and benchmarks pay grades and compensation compared to market. In addition to salary, The Bakken Museum offers a comprehensive benefits package for full time staff and part time staff working over 20 hours including employer matched 403(b), employer sponsored health & dental insurance, paid parental leave, and PTO.


Museum Curator

The Museum Curator is responsible for all aspects of the museum’s collection’s care, management, and preservation. The Museum Curator collaborates with the Executive Director (ED) to fabricate, install, and maintain exhibits, including permanent exhibits inside the museum, temporary, and traveling at satellite locations across McHenry County.

Collections Management  

Manages all registration duties for objects, including meeting with donors, researching provenance, accessioning & deaccessioning, deeds of gift, condition reports, object photography, incoming and outgoing loans, preparing artifacts for storage, conducting inventories, and rotation of objects in permanent exhibits.
Supervises the physical care of objects, including proper storage, monitoring climate control, pest management, and cleaning routines.
Enforces and reviews the museum collections policies and best practices.
Ensures adequate resources are available to care for and preserve the collection by preparing an annual budget.
Oversees the physical care of the museum collections, including proper storage and archival supplies, monitoring temperature and humidity levels, security of the collection, pest infestation maintenance, and cleaning routines.
Serves as chairperson of the Collections Committee.
Serves as liaison on the Research Library Committee.
Manages collections interns and volunteers.

Exhibitions

Works with ED to set exhibit schedule, including a themed exhibit every two years and rotating displays in other community organizations.
Prepares an annual budget for exhibit fabrication and maintenance.
Research, compose, and edit exhibit labels.
Research and develop interactives and hands-on activities to implement in exhibitions.
Oversees the temporary loans of artifacts – both outgoing and incoming.
Enforces and reviews the museum exhibit and loan policies.
Serves as liaison and chairman of the Collections Committee.
Manages social media related to collections.

General Duties

Reports to the Executive Director but works collaboratively with the Museum Coordinator and Membership & Volunteer Coordinator.

Assists museum visitors as needed and works at various Society events, including festivals, fundraisers, and – when required – other special programs every fifth or sixth Saturday.

Assists with general office duties, including opening/closing the museum and regular housekeeping.

Education/Experience

BA in Museum Studies/Public History (MA preferred)

5-7 years’ experience in collections management

3-5 years in designing exhibitions

 


Assistant Curator

The Assistant Curator is a creative, resourceful, and organized professional with a passion for military history and a commitment to supporting the First Division Museum’s mission. This role assists in developing and managing a collection of archives displayed in both permanent and temporary exhibits. The Assistant Curator collaborates closely with the Curator to ensure the collection effectively tells the history of the 1st Infantry Division through engaging in-person and digital formats for diverse audiences.