Description

The Connecticut River Museum (CRM) is seeking an ambitious, visionary, and creative museum professional to serve as Collections Curator and Exhibitions Manager. By thoughtfully stewarding CRM’s collection and developing innovative exhibits, this position plays an essential role in connecting audiences with the history, environment, and art of the Connecticut River and its surrounding region.

Reporting to the Executive Director, this position will manage the Connecticut River Museum’s collection, library, and archives, and is responsible for all aspects of exhibit development and installation. This position will research and write exhibit scripts, labels, and supplemental materials, collaborating with the Executive Director and other departments to ensure consistent interpretive strategy across CRM. In addition to these duties, this position will supervise interns and volunteers, assist researchers, and represent CRM at public events and conferences. 

The ideal candidate should be comfortable with detail-oriented work and big-picture thinking. The candidate will confidently implement best practices for day-to-day collections and exhibitions management while developing a long-term curatorial strategy and lasting relationships with visitors, donors, and community members. 

Key Responsibilities Include:

Collections Management 

• Manage CRM’s collection of 2,700+ objects, photographic collection of 4,000+ materials, and an archive of 5,200+ paper records. Oversee acquisitions, accessioning, object photography, digitization, documentation, movement, and storage. 
• Organize, supervise, and process loans and acquisitions; communicate with lenders, borrowers, donors, and auction houses.
• Develop CRM’s collections through the identification, appraisal, and acquisition of appropriate objects. Build and maintain relationships with donors.
• Collaborate with Collections Committee to report activities involving collections policies, planning, and exhibits.

Exhibitions 

• Lead exhibit development and installation: choose and research topics for temporary exhibits; collaborate with outside scholars and artists; write and edit scripts; work with graphic designers, fabricators, and other vendors; manage all loans; lead installation.
• Work with the Executive Director to develop a multi-year curatorial strategy and calendar for exhibitions.
• Upgrade and rotate exhibit materials within CRM’s two permanent exhibits.
• Where applicable, write grant proposals for temporary exhibits and report on outcomes.

Administrative & General Duties 

• In partnership with the Executive Director, manage departmental budgets and strategic direction, ensuring alignment with the institutional strategic plan.
• Respond to general inquiries, rights and reproduction questions, and photo requests from researchers and other interested parties. 
• Train volunteers and interns in object handling and exhibition development.
• Represent the Museum at public speaking engagements and museum conferences. 

About Connecticut River Museum

The Connecticut River Museum (CRM) explores and celebrates the dynamic relationship between one of America’s great rivers and the inhabitants along and around its shores. CRM focuses on the role of the Connecticut River—New England’s largest—in the social, commercial, and environmental evolution of its region, from the time of Indigenous Peoples through colonization and industrialization, to the present. By deepening the public’s appreciation of the River’s importance, CRM seeks to inspire future generations to embrace stewardship of this national treasure, one of only 14 rivers in the country designated by the U.S. government as a National Heritage River. 

The Museum is located in Essex, Connecticut, widely acclaimed for its charming architecture, civic spirit, and cultural amenities. Essex is equidistant from New York and Boston and easily accessible both by rail and car. The Museum eagerly pursues opportunities for cross-collaboration with nearby cultural, environmental, and educational institutions, including Yale, Wesleyan, the University of Connecticut, Trinity, and Connecticut College. 

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Connecticut River Museum provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• M.A. in History, Museum Studies, American Studies, or a related subject. Knowledge of Connecticut River, environmental, or maritime history is preferred but not required. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• 3+ years of experience working directly with collections and exhibits.
• Knowledge of best practices for acquisition, documentation, object handling, and loans. 
• Experience with collections databases required; PastPerfect strongly preferred.
• Experience curating or co-curating exhibits; demonstrated involvement in exhibit planning (short- and long-term), writing, and installation.
• Exceptional writing and public speaking skills.
• Record of collaboration with artists, scholars, vendors, and other museum professionals.
• Commitment to CRM’s values: stewardship; openness and innovation; diversity, equity, access, and inclusion; and sustainable development.

Physical Requirements

     This position requires physical activity, such as climbing ladders; lifting heavy materials; painting walls; and moving tables, chairs, and exhibit cases.

How to Apply:

The Connecticut River Museum has engaged Brent D. Glass & Associates to lead the search. Qualified candidates should send a resume and cover letter to careers@brentdglass.com (preferred) or 1921 Sunderland Place NW, Washington, DC 20036. Links to application materials will not be accepted (i.e. Google Docs).

Recruitment will remain open until the position is filled.