Opening: Utah State University

Department Sociology, Social Work & Anthropology (SSW&A)

Position Summary
USU is seeking a curator to oversee and coordinate programming, exhibit production, and collections care at the Utah State University Museum of Anthropology, which houses over 4,500 ethnographic and archaeological objects. The successful candidate will oversee and coordinate day-to-day fiscal and administrative functions as they relate to the museum’s galleries and curatorial facilities; collaborate with the museum director to hire up to fifteen student and other employees each year; and supervise that workforce and the museum’s dynamic docent program. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to be an integral part of the museum’s move from its current space to a much larger and renovated-to-suit historic building on the USU campus.

Responsibilities
1. Hires, trains and supervises subordinate staff, students, and volunteers; assigns, prioritizes and coordinates day-to-day tasks.
2. Teaches the 3-credit class Anth 3310 “Introduction to Museum Studies” each spring term.
3. Oversees ongoing, USU student-staffed museum programming (“Saturdays at the Museum of Anthropology” and a bilingual exhibit interpretive initiative) and develops new museum programming in collaboration with the director.
4. Oversees and mentors students in the installation of exhibits at the museum and in strategic outreach locations.
5. Manages and develops the museum’s collections following accepted professional standards, policies and procedures for accessioning/deaccessioning, maintenance, cataloging, and records management.
6. Oversees the security, climate control, and maintenance of the museum’s collections, exhibits, and infrastructure.
7. Promotes knowledge of the museum’s collections through exhibits, teaching, publishing and lecturing to various constituencies, and via the internet.
8. Oversees management of the financial operations associated with the museum’s programs, collections, and exhibits.
9. Assists the director in developing grant proposals to federal, state and local agencies and private foundations.
10. Promotes awareness of and support for the museum among scholars, collectors, donors, and educators, as well as among museums, the university community, and the general public.
11. Collaborates with the Anthropology staff assistant to maintain the museum’s web site.
12. Works to ensure the coordination and integration of departmental operations, policies, procedures, and long-range plans with those of the museum as a whole.
13. Participates as a senior team member in problem solving for the purposes of addressing institutional issues.
14. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
1. Master’s degree in education, museum studies, anthropology, or an allied content field
2. At least two years of experience applicable to the duties listed in the position summary and responsibilities sections of this announcement
3. Highly developed verbal and oral communication skills and the ability to present effectively to diverse constituencies
4. Strong interpersonal skills and skills in diplomacy, negotiation, planning and organization
5. Ability to work without close supervision, to take initiative and anticipate actions needed, and to exercise discretion and independent judgment
6. Working knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting and cost control procedures
7. Ability to supervise and train employees, to include organizing, prioritizing and scheduling work assignments
8. Skills in the use of personal computers and software

Preferred Qualifications
1. Ph.D. or EED in education, anthropology, or an allied content field in the humanities or social sciences
2. Certification or other educational experience in Museum Studies or elements thereof
3. At least three years working in a museum setting in varied capacities or in positions requiring multiple disparate skill sets
4. Experience teaching in a university setting and working closely with undergraduate students
5. Experience teaching, at least informally, at the K - 12 levels
6. Evidence of successful grant-writing
7. Strong records maintenance skills
8. Demonstrated artistic/creative ability and accomplishments
9. Knowledge of basic curatorial standards of care for a variety of objects
10. Knowledge of the software applications Past Perfect, Adobe Illustrator, and In Design

Review Date 11-01-2011

Position Close Date Open Until Filled

Salary Minimum salary, $33,700 plus excellent benefits; actual salary dependent on experience

See http://jobs.usu.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=56657 for more information and to apply online.

Requisition Number 052881

Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory background check. Utah State University is an AA/EO Employer and encourages gender and ethnic diversity.