Part-time Curator/Administrator, Mattapoisett Museum, (Mattapoisett, MA)

Posted December 2, 2022

Description

A vibrant place of learning and community activities, the Mattapoisett Museum is dedicated to preserving significant artifacts from Mattapoisett’s past and promoting the culture and arts of its present. The Museum is housed in an 1821 Meeting House and a replica 200-year-old carriage house in Mattapoisett’s historic village center. A permanent exhibit dedicated to the town’s significant role in whaling is on display in the Mendell Gallery. In addition, open-air exhibits about notable landmarks in town extend outdoors into the Museum’s gardens. The Museum and grounds also function as a venue for various cultural and educational events and programs throughout the year. 

The Curator/Administrator oversees the day-to-day business of the museum and guides the museum according to its mission and the board of directors’ vision. They are responsible for all aspects of the management and operation of the Museum, its facilities, collections, and programs. In addition, the Curator/Administrator provides visible and inspirational leadership to the organization, ensures a high-quality experience for visitors and the community, and in partnership with the Board, participates in setting fundraising goals and financial plans.

Responsibilities

• PROGRAMMING/EDUCATION
  • Assist the programs committee with programs for adults/children/families/school groups to acquaint them with local history, including exhibits, lectures, concerts, workshops, tours, films, etc., occasionally in collaboration with other community organizations.
  • Use the collections and artifacts to develop displays, activities, and exhibits.
  • Act as the primary point of contact with the public: engage museum visitors in programs and exhibits and provide customer service.

• COMMUNICATIONS/PUBLIC RELATIONS
  • Collaborate with board members and volunteers to manage communications and public relations to advertise programs, exhibits, activities, and events.
  • Assist board members and volunteers with designing all print collateral and online media (membership letters, annual appeal letters, press releases, newsletters, ads, invitations, etc.); ensure timely publication.
  • Represent the museum at events, conferences, and other venues.
  • Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

• BUDGET/FINANCE
  • Assist Treasurer in the preparation and tracking of the annual budget.
  • Work with the board to identify grant opportunities to fund programs and projects; write and submit proposals.
  • Collect funds for donations, merchandise sales, membership dues, museum admissions, etc., as needed.

• OPERATIONS/ADMINISTRATION
  • Collaborate with Board to strategize, plan, and execute organizational initiatives.
  • Communicate to Board about current conditions of physical premises and collections environment, security, and organizational matters.
  • Maintain institutional documents, records, and correspondence files; oversee archiving and storage.
  • Manage office space, computer and office equipment, software, supplies, USPS, and other mail services.
  • Maintain safety and security standards at the museum, responding to and resolving issues of concern to patrons or staff.
  • Manage day-to-day facility operations; works with the Board on facility management and maintenance. 
  • Oversee setup of space for events, meetings, and activities at the museum and offsite.
  • Supervise, help recruit, train, and direct volunteers, docents, interns, and staff.
  • Prepare monthly reports for the Board and attend Board meetings.
  • Review current museum policies and recommend changes and updates.
  • Other duties and projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in history or a related field is preferred.  Advanced degree desired.
• Three to five years of administrative or management experience in a museum or cultural resource setting.
• Demonstrated success in a leadership and management role.
• Able to lead the organization and its volunteers administratively and act as a strategic partner with the Board.
• Proven ability in creating organizational and process efficiencies.
• Knowledge of archival and preservation methods and collections management.
• Experience creating and installing exhibits. 
• Demonstrated success in writing grants and securing funds from foundations and corporations.
• Knowledge and drive to grow membership, steward donors, and fundraise annually for operations, special projects, and programs.
• Design social media and website content to build community beyond the town borders.  
• Possess strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience using Little Green Light and Catalogit or similar software programs. 
• Display enthusiasm for promoting and sharing local history and culture.

Special Requirements/Physical Demands/Working Conditions:

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a small-office environment.
• Flexibility in working hours, including some evenings and weekends. 
• Highly organized and able to manage multiple priorities. 
• Foster and maintain a mutually beneficial relationship between the Mattapoisett Museum and the Trustees of the Mattapoisett Christian Church. 

Relevant Position Information:

Job Title – Curator/Administrator

Reports to: Board of Directors 

FLSA Designation: Non-Exempt

Job Type: Part-time, 20 hours per week

Pay: $25/hr

No benefits 

How to Apply

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three (3) references to [email protected].  Incomplete submissions will not be considered.  The Mattapoisett Museum is an equal opportunity employer.  No phone calls, please.