Description

Only applicants who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements and meet all selective requirements (listed below) will be placed on the eligible list. 

The State Historical Society of Iowa’s (SHSI) mission at the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) is to preserve state history and educate the public on Iowa’s past. To accomplish our mission, we are seeking a talented, highly qualified, and passionate candidate to join the State Historical Museum of Iowa’s team as State Curator/Museum Curator (Curator). A successful candidate will play a key role in preserving and sharing Iowa’s rich history. In this integral role, you will be at the heart of our preservation and education efforts.

Do you have a passion for curating museum collections, a keen eye for historical detail, and experience creating engaging exhibits? Join our team!

Position Responsibilities:

A key individual is being sought to provide curatorial oversight for the State Historical Museum of Iowa’s collections (100,000+ objects), engage with donors and constituents, represent SHSI in public and with the media, provide public engagement for learners at all levels, collaborate with the Registrar and Collections Coordinator to manage the museum’s collections, and work with the Exhibits Manager and museum team to develop exhibitions. This position will report to the Museum Collections & Exhibits team manager.

In this vital role, you will:

• Provide curatorial leadership and strategic oversight for the Museum’s collections.
• Actively engage with donors, stakeholders, and the broader public to build support and enthusiasm for Iowa’s history.
• Represent the State Historical Society of Iowa (SHSI) in media appearances, public forums, and professional settings.
• Deliver meaningful educational experiences for learners of all ages.
• Collaborate closely with the Registrar, Collections Coordinator, Exhibits Manager, and the museum team to manage collections and curate compelling exhibitions.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Making thoughtful recommendations on acquisitions and deaccessions to strengthen the collection.
• Participating in collections committees at both staff and board levels.
• Helping shape and annually update SHSI’s collecting plan.
• Assisting researchers, staff, and the public with Iowa history inquiries.
• Leading content creation for exhibitions, including artifact selection, research, and label writing.
• Partnering with the SHSI Education Team to develop public programming that brings history to life.
• Representing the museum through engaging tours, historical presentations, and community events.
• Strengthening relationships across Iowa by providing outreach and technical assistance to historical and cultural organizations.

This position is based at the State Historical Building in Des Moines, with a primary schedule of 8:00 A.M. – 4:30 P.M., Monday through Friday. Ability to work occasionally on evenings and weekends for programming and events is required. Some travel is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience as a museum curator and/or public historian
• Knowledgeable about Iowa and Midwest history
• Experience researching and evaluating potential acquisitions for inclusion in the collection and existing collections for context and mission alignment
• Previous experience developing museum exhibitions and using artifacts and images to tell engaging history stories
• Previous experience writing clear and concise interpretive exhibit text for general audiences
• Strong public speaking skills and ability to engage a variety of audiences and the media; comfortable being in a public-facing role
• Strong writing skills and ability to simplify complex and nuanced historical topics for public consumption
• Previous experience in doing public engagement for learners at a variety of levels
• Experience using a museum collections management system
• Strong organizational, critical thinking, time management, and communication skills
• Capable of working independently and collaboratively within a team environment
• Ability to communicate effectively within a collaborative team environment
• Knowledgeable about museum ethics and best practices
• Ability to carefully handle collection artifacts, including fragile and large objects
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs
• Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university with course work in history, public history, museum studies, curatorial–museum management, historic preservation and the equivalent of at least four years of full time experience in curatorial museum work, public history, museums, professional research, education, or other experience associated with history, museums, historic sites, and/or historic preservation.

Benefits:

At the State of Iowa, we are committed to your well-being. As a valued team member, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Paid Time Off: Enjoy vacation with accruals that rollover on a yearly basis, sick leave with no limits on accrual and 9 paid holidays per year.
• Great Benefits: Excellent Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance Options.
• Retirement Plan: IPERS Retirement package and an option for a deferred compensation plan.
• Flexibility: Flexible Spending Accounts (medical and dependent care).
• Life Insurance: Free Life Insurance.
• Support: Employee Assistance Programs and Employee Discount Programs.

To learn more about the benefits of working with the State of Iowa, visit our benefits webpage.

About the State Historical Society of Iowa

The State Historical Society of Iowa has been a trustee of Iowa’s historical legacy since 1857. With a dual mission of preservation and education, the society maintains a museum, two research centers and seven historic sites. The society preserves and provides access to Iowa’s historical resources through a variety of statewide programs, exhibitions and projects while serving as an advocate for Iowa’s past and connector to the future. Learn more here: https://history.iowa.gov/about/strategic-plans

Selectives

109 Curator – Museum Management:

Curator – Museum Management 6 months experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in the overseeing and management of a museum.

AND

277 History:

6 months experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both where a knowledge of history and the ability to share/apply that knowledge were major competencies required by the job and where history was in some way applied as a major job function such as:

• Historian
• Archivist
• History teacher (where the bulk of the time was spent teaching history)
• History professor or instructor

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

1) Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in history, anthropology, archeology, architecture, curatorial/museum management, literature, English, art, natural history, architectural history, library science, or historic preservation, and experience equal to one year of full-time work in professional research, museum, education, editing, or other experience associated with history, anthropology, archaeology, architecture, architectural history, art, museums, historic sites, or historic preservation.

2) A total of five years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in number one), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in history, anthropology, archeology, architecture, curatorial/museum management, literature, English, art, natural history, architectural history, library science, or historic preservation equals one year of full-time experience.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description (Download PDF reader).

Additional Qualification Requirements

• Knowledgeable about museum operations, collections management, and exhibition development
• Knowledgeable of museum best practices related to collections management and exhibition development
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, with visitors, constituents, and colleagues
• Demonstrates initiative, commitment, and attention to detail
• Adheres to ethical standards, follows policies, and cooperates with supervisors
• Promotes teamwork, cooperation, and group identity
• Effective in communicating with visitors, maintaining a polite and helpful demeanor
• Capable of working independently and collaboratively within a team environment

To apply please visit the State of Iowa’s hiring portal here.

Manager of Collections and Visitor Experience
Position Description

Job Summary:

The Manager of Collections and Visitor Experience will manage collections, including maintenance and supervision of artifact storage, cataloging, and accessioning. They will also coordinate all aspects of the museum’s membership program, assist with tours, and general operations of the facility. Other duties may vary based on the needs of the museum. The position will report directly to the Executive Director.

Major Responsibilities:

• Maintains and supervises the maintenance of artifacts and organization in storage.
  Supervises and completes artifact cataloging, including numbering, physical description, photography, and placement in storage.
• Manages and maintains collection records (worksheets, conservation records, inventories, and computer data)
• Reviews collections work completed by volunteers.
• Assists in exhibit development and interpretive programs.
• Responsible for the Museum’s continuing efforts to promote and increase all areas of membership (individual, family, corporate/business).
• Executes personal follow-up plan for membership renewals, lapsed memberships, and new prospect solicitation.
• Responsible for data entry and keeping up-to-date records, solicitation, and renewal letter input and generation, and mailing of membership cards.
• Attends professional meetings when appropriate and feasible, including board meetings.
• Position will require working occasional weekends, including Sundays.
• Will be responsible for coordinating and assisting with special fundraising and member events.
• Performs other duties as assigned, including but not limited to, guest tours, gift shop duties, cleaning, etc…

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of: General office management principles and practices, including record maintenance, cash handling, inventory management, and general history of the area/tourism industry.

Skill in: Communicating clearly and effectively, orally and in writing, with the public, community organizations, tourism providers, and staff. Must be able to read and interpret policies and procedures; prepare a variety of reports, records, and correspondences; maintain a filing and recordkeeping system. Skills in social media, web design, and collections software are a plus.

Education:  Bachelor’s Degree in History or a similar field, including museum studies or a related field.

Experience: Must possess customer service, cash handling, and museum knowledge. 3-5 years of collections experience is preferred, but not required.

Physical Demands Requirements and Working Conditions:

This is primarily an office classification, although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. The ability to climb stairs is also required. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects that weigh up to 50 pounds without assistance. Employees work in an environment with limited noise levels and controlled temperatures. Employees may interact with upset members of the public or their representatives while enforcing museum policies and procedures.

Compensation and Benefits:

This is a full-time, salaried position with benefits. Benefits include PTO, 403b plan, and health insurance stipend. Starting wage of $17.00 per hour, but negotiable based on experience. After completing a 3-month probationary period, employees can receive tuition and travel support for professional development as the budget allows.

Interested applicants should submit a resume and letter of interest via email to Ashley LaVigne, Executive Director at koochmuseums@gmail.com, or by mail to:

Koochiching County Historical Society

Attn: Ashley LaVigne

214 6th Avenue

International Falls, MN 56649

Applications should be submitted by May 31st, 2025. Should the position go unfilled, it will re-open and stay open until the vacancy is filled.

Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia)

Jane Emison Assistant Curator of South & Southeast Asian Art

Full-time, exempt, union

Salary: $60,000 – $80,000

Onsite

The Job

To develop, research, exhibit, and publish Mia’s collections of South & Southeast Asian Art.

In this role, you will…

·         Interpret the museum’s collections of South & Southeast Asian Art through permanent collection gallery displays and didactic materials. Propose and oversee regular gallery rotations. Speak publicly about the museum’s collection and provide training for museum guides so that they can accurately and knowledgeably represent the collection.

·         Conduct research and mount special exhibitions, with accompanying publications that add to the field of knowledge about South & Southeast Asian Art. Such exhibitions should be of the scale of Cargill and/or US Bank Galleries, but do not preclude larger-scale shows.

·         Oversee the care and preservation of the collection by ensuring proper and responsible handling and installation of objects and by recommending objects for conservation treatment. Participate in the museum’s efforts to secure funding for conservation initiatives.

·         Locate, research, and propose acquisition of South & Southeast Asian Art works of art that significantly augment the museum’s existing collections. Review the museum collections of South & Southeast Asian Art for potential deaccessions. Maintain a current knowledge of the art market and professional relations with art dealers.

·         Locate, research, and propose acquisition of South & Southeast Asian Art works of art that significantly augment the museum’s existing collections. Review the museum collections of South & Southeast Asian Art for potential deaccessions. Maintain a current knowledge of the art market and professional relations with art dealers.

·         Actively participate in broader museum initiatives through committees or specially formed teams.

·         Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required or assigned, including assisting the head of the department as assigned.

To be successful in this role, you have…

·         Demonstrated ability to work independently and coordinate complex projects to completion

·         Demonstrated ability to write interpretive material

·         Excellent written and verbal communication and organizational skills

·         Team skills and ability to work effectively and positively with staff, trustees, and all other internal and external contacts

·         Ability to build positive and effective relationships with donors and the broader community

Requirements:

·         M.A. in the field of South & Southeast Asian Art; Ph.D. desirable.

·         Proficiency in applicable languages

·         Minimum of 3 years of employment in a collection-based curatorial department with direct experience in the area of South & Southeast Asian Art, including proven record of organizing exhibitions and producing publications of high quality

·         Significant demonstrated art historical research skills and experience

Mia Culture

The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) is an audience-centered, equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone is welcome. Mia is Mission Driven, Generous, Agile, Emotionally Aware, and Positive, and endeavors to create a workplace culture where staff are responsible to one another, to our visitors, and to themselves to do the best work possible.

Mia Benefits and Perks

Health and Wellness: Mia offers comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, paid life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, and vision coverage. We have a wellness and employee assistance program to support your overall wellbeing.

Financial Security: We provide financial peace of mind with a variety of options, including a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for health expenses and a Dependent Care Account (DCA) for dependent care expenses.  Our 403(b) Retirement + Savings Plan includes a percentage of salary contribution from Mia after two years of employment (and minimum hours and age eligibility requirements are met).

Additional Perks: In addition to paid vacation, personal, sick days, enjoy a balanced work-life with a 37.5-hour work week and 11 paid holidays.

Join Mia and enjoy a workplace that values your health, financial security, and personal development, all while contributing to a vibrant cultural institution.

To Apply

To be considered for this position, please apply online at https://jobs-artsmia.submittable.com/submit.

Posting Deadline

No set expiration date. Job postings typically stay posted until candidates are selected for phone interviews.

Mia is committed to championing policies and practices that value diversity, foster equity, and empower an accessible and inclusive environment. Our strength lies in the diversity among the broad range of people who contribute their time and talents to Mia. We consider inclusion and accessibility a driver of institutional excellence and seek out diversity of participation, thought, and action. It is our aim, therefore, that our employees, trustees, interns, and volunteers reflect and embrace these core values.

Mia is recognized by the Age-Friendly Institute’s Certified Age Friendly Employer (CAFE) program that identifies organizations committed to being the best places to work for employees aged 50+.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION / EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia)

A. W. Mellon Assistant or Associate Curator of Japanese & Korean Art  

Department of Asian Art

Full-time, exempt, union

Salary: $60,000 – $100,000

Onsite

The Job

To develop, research, exhibit, and publish Mia’s collections of Japanese and Korean art. Identify and cultivate donor support for these activities.

In this role, you will…

·         Report to and assist the Curator of Japanese and Korean Art / Director of the Clark Center.

·         Interpret the museum’s collections of Japanese and Korean art through permanent collection gallery displays and didactic materials. Propose and oversee regular gallery rotations. Speak publicly about the museum’s collection and provide training for museum guides so that they can accurately and knowledgeably represent the collection.

·          Conduct research on the permanent collection and mount special exhibitions, with accompanying publications that add to the field of knowledge about Japanese and Korean art. Such exhibitions should be of the scale of Mia’s Cargill and/or US Bank Galleries, but do not preclude larger-scale shows.

·          Oversee the care and preservation of the collection by ensuring proper and responsible handling and installation of objects and by recommending objects for conservation treatment. Participate in the museum’s efforts to secure funding for conservation initiatives.

·          Locate, research, and propose acquisitions of Japanese and Korean works of art that significantly augment the museum’s existing collections. Review the museum collections of Japanese and Korean art for potential deaccessions. Maintain a current knowledge of the art market and professional relations with art dealers.

·          Develop and coordinate lectures and activities pertaining to Japanese and Korean art. Foster and maintain relationships with trustees, collectors, potential donors, and the general public, including community outreach.

·          Actively participate in broader museum initiatives through committees or specially formed teams.

·          Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required or assigned.

To be successful in this role, you have…

·         Demonstrated ability to work independently and coordinate complex projects to completion.

·         Excellent written and verbal communication and organizational skills.

·         Team skills and ability to work effectively and positively with staff, trustees, and all other internal and external constituents.

·         Ability to build positive and effective relationships with donors and the broader community.

·         Excellent time-management and problem-solving skills and ability to prioritize tasks.

Requirements:

·         M.A. in the field of Japanese art, with some knowledge of Korean art (Ph.D. desirable).

·         Competence in Japanese language.

·         Minimum of 3 years of employment in a collection-based curatorial department with direct experience in the areas of Japanese and Korean art, including proven record of organizing exhibitions and producing publications of high quality.

·         Demonstrated ability to write interpretive material and to express complex ideas in an engaging way to a wide audience.

·         Demonstrated art historical research skills and experience.

Mia Culture

The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) is an audience-centered, equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone is welcome. Mia is Mission Driven, Generous, Agile, Emotionally Aware, and Positive, and endeavors to create a workplace culture where staff are responsible to one another, to our visitors, and to themselves to do the best work possible.

Mia Benefits and Perks

Health and Wellness: Mia offers comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, paid life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, and vision coverage. We have a wellness and employee assistance program to support your overall wellbeing.

Financial Security: We provide financial peace of mind with a variety of options, including a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for health expenses and a Dependent Care Account (DCA) for dependent care expenses.  Our 403(b) Retirement + Savings Plan includes a percentage of salary contribution from Mia after two years of employment (and minimum hours and age eligibility requirements are met).

Additional Perks: In addition to paid vacation, personal, sick days, enjoy a balanced work-life with a 37.5-hour work week and 11 paid holidays.

Join Mia and enjoy a workplace that values your health, financial security, and personal development, all while contributing to a vibrant cultural institution.

To Apply

To be considered for this position, please apply online at https://jobs-artsmia.submittable.com/submit.

Posting Deadline

No set expiration date. Job postings typically stay posted until candidates are selected for phone interviews.

Mia is committed to championing policies and practices that value diversity, foster equity, and empower an accessible and inclusive environment. Our strength lies in the diversity among the broad range of people who contribute their time and talents to Mia. We consider inclusion and accessibility a driver of institutional excellence and seek out diversity of participation, thought, and action. It is our aim, therefore, that our employees, trustees, interns, and volunteers reflect and embrace these core values.

Mia is recognized by the Age-Friendly Institute’s Certified Age Friendly Employer (CAFE) program that identifies organizations committed to being the best places to work for employees aged 50+.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION / EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER