Greenwich Historical Society, site of the National Historic Landmark Bush-Holley House, has a unique opportunity for candidates with a successful track record of art and history museum leadership and who are committed to tell a fuller history to a broader audience. As we enter an exciting new phase of our Strategic Plan and prepare to engage with a Capital Campaign, the Greenwich Historical Society seeks a qualified leader to manage a cross-departmental team of curators, archivists and education staff.
The Director of Curatorial Affairs and Programs reports directly to the Executive Director & CEO and oversees a department that encompasses all aspects of the organization’s museum, archives and library collections, exhibitions, public programs and education functions. The Director of Curatorial Affairs and Programs will be a strategic partner with the Executive Director/CEO, CFO/COO and Directors of Development and Marketing, in developing and implementing short-term, medium-term and long-term plans that promote the realization of strategic objectives in a financially sound manner.
Background
Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, Greenwich Historical Society provides a dynamic schedule of special exhibitions, tours, public programs and education programs that support its vision to “tell a fuller history of Greenwich to a broader audience.” Its beautiful 2.5 acre campus was expanded in 2018 with the addition of a 10,000 sq. ft., award-winning museum, housing two state-of-the art exhibition galleries, research library and archives. The campus is home to the National Historic Landmark Bush-Holley House, site of Connecticut’s first art colony and a cradle of American Impressionism between 1890 and 1920, and includes several historic buildings, landscape and gardens restored to the art colony era.
Job Summary:
The Director of Curatorial Affairs and Programs is responsible for directing the research, development and implementation of dynamic exhibitions and public-facing programs that engage younger audiences and deepen the Historical Society’s relationships with its constituents, and for ensuring the care, stewardship and interpretation of its art and history collections.
Key Responsibilities:
- Research, propose and curate exciting, thought-provoking history and art exhibitions that engage with diverse local and national audiences.
- Curate at least one exhibit each year based on internal history and art collections
- Identify and recruit guest curators to ensure an ongoing schedule of strong rotating exhibitions
- Ensure the Historical Society’s museum and archival Collections are professionally cared for and made accessible, and provide management oversight to Historical Society collections staff including Curator of Library and Archives, Manager of Collections and Interpretation as well as researchers, cataloguers and other project archivists.
- Serve as a primary public-facing advocate and scholarly resource on the history and interpretation of the ca. 1730 Bush-Holley House and its historic artworks and furnishings, ensuring its continued preservation and relevance.
- Provide oversight to the Historical Society’s Education team to strengthen school programs, outreach to families and community partners and development of strong mission-based public programs.
- Serve as leader of the Historical Society’s Community Engagement Team, convening bi-weekly meetings in coordination with staff across the Education, Curatorial, Development and Marketing departments.
- Prepare the annual collections, exhibitions, program and education plans and budgets, in collaboration with the Curator of Library and Archives, the Manager of Museum Collections and Interpretation, and the Associate Director of Education and Outreach.
- Identify cost savings opportunities in cooperation with the CFO/COO.
- Working in partnership with the Executive Director and Director of Development, oversee and regularly update the 3-year plan for exhibitions, identifying grant funding and sponsorship opportunities, and provide strong grant writing support to secure funding.
- Manage curatorial grant-related records and reports.
- Provide clear, concise, relevant and timely information to the Executive Director and CEO and to the Board of Trustees as requested.
- Partner with the Executive Director, CFO and other senior leadership staff in the strategic planning process.
Traits and Background:
The successful candidate will be an integral part of senior leadership, shaping the curatorial, programmatic and strategic direction of the Greenwich History Society and National Historic Landmark Bush-Holley House.
The ideal candidate will be a creative and conscientious museum professional with an excellent record of developing exhibitions and programs that have reached broad audiences. The Director of Curatorial Affairs and Programs will demonstrate superior writing and speaking skills to a wide variety of audiences. The successful candidate will be a collaborative, consensus building leader and team player who can inspire staff, drive organizational excellence and be adept at managing a variety of complex tasks in a timely manner.
Qualifications:
M.A. in Art History, American Studies, History, Material Culture Studies or similar field (Ph.D. preferred) and 10 years of professional museum curatorial experience. She/he will be familiar with the professional practices of an AAM accredited museum and will demonstrate leadership ability in museum administration.
Compensation and Benefits:
Compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications
Employee benefits include health insurance, retirement plan, vacation and holiday pay
EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Full time, exempt
To apply: Send cover letter and resume to Debra Mecky in care of Lkelly@greenwichhistory.org.
