Job Description
History Colorado is seeking a dynamic museum professional with significant curatorial experience in museum collection curation, contemporary collecting, exhibit development, and access to and care of historic and art photography.
The History Colorado Photography Department is one of four curatorial departments responsible for the permanent collection that is central to History Colorado's educational and interpretive mission. The collection spans curatorial disciplines and typologies and, while recognizing there
are issues and collecting goals unique to each curatorial area, staff works collaboratively to research, document, and preserve the people, places, and stories of Colorado history.
The History Colorado photography collection includes over 1 million print images, films and negatives that span Colorado and western U.S. history from the 1840s to the present. Among the strengths of the collection are holdings from photographer William Henry Jackson and the Detroit Publishing Company with which he was affiliated, the Aultman Studio of Trinidad, and the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad (D&RGRR).
For more information about the History Colorado collection, please visit:
https://www.historycolorado.org/research-learn
Additional Info & Requirements
Primary responsibilities and duties of the Curator of Photography include:
- Acquisition, management, research, and interpretation of the photography collection.
- Working to build a meaningful collection for the 21st century through the pursuit of a purpose-driven acquisition and deaccessioning program tied to institutional vision and goals and the development and active implementation of an updated collection plan in collaboration with other curatorial departments.
- Participating in the collaborative, team-based exhibit development process, which may include serving as a content specialist, collections resource, or exhibit developer depending on the exhibit project and team composition.
- Developing well-thought out collections projects for volunteers, interns, and guest curators; and the supervision of these volunteers and contractors.
- Serving as a curatorial services resource and collaborator for History Colorado's museums across the state.
- Improving physical and intellectual control of and access to collection resources through hands-on collection processing and documentation in coordination with Collections Management and Registration.
- Working with Collections and Hart Research Center staff to provide and expand broad public access to collection resources through digital means and on-site physical access.
- Playing a lead role in the conception, development and implementation of collections digital initiatives and planning for digital asset management.
- Using a variety of approaches, including; public presentations, education programs, scholarship, technology, responding to patron and scholarly inquiries, and collaboration with other departments and divisions to realize the collection's full potential as an interpretive and educational tool and a resource for understanding Colorado history.
- Actively participating in division and organizational strategic planning.
- Promoting the mission and goals of History Colorado through cultivating and sustaining relationships with the community, including artists/photographers, collectors, colleague institutions and partner organizations.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, SUBSTITUTIONS, CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT & APPEAL RIGHTS: - Master's Degree in an appropriate field such as History, Art History, American Studies or Museum Studies, with a specialization in the history of photography preferred.
- Demonstrated expertise in the history of photography including its materials, formats, and processes.
- A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible curatorial experience working with photographic material in a collecting institution with a public audience.
- Demonstrated ability to plan strategically and creatively.
- Knowledge of museum collection and archival standards and best practices, and information management techniques and database systems used in archival, curatorial and museum registration departments.
- Familiarity with collecting, preserving, and providing access to born digital materials.
- Good communication skills, both written and oral, including evidence of scholarly research and writing, as well as, lectures and public programs, for a variety of audiences.
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse community groups, colleagues, scholars and researchers, and partner organizations.
- Experience with strategic planning for collection projects and the ability to manage a broad variety and number of tasks.
PREFERRED CANDIDATE CAN SUCCESSFULLY DEMONSTRATE: - The successful candidate will be a forward thinking and dynamic individual who possesses a passion for preserving and sharing the past and a belief in the power of original artifacts/documents/photographs and the stories they embody to engage people in making personal connections to history through research, exhibit experiences, and educational programs. A creative imagination, sensitivity to diverse cultures and indigenous practices, and a willingness to step outside the traditional curatorial role are highly desirable, as are:
- Knowledge of Colorado history and history of the American West.
- Experience with artifact and archival collection management databases.
- Familiarity with the management of copyright for photography and moving image collections.
- Experience developing exhibits in a team environment.
- Knowledge of preventive conservation practices.
- Successful grant writing and administration experience.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a team environment.
- Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
- Experience supervising staff, volunteers and interns.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: - Ability to work occasional evenings and to travel by car or air, typically for periods of less than one week in duration.
- Ability to lift boxes up to 40 lbs. from 14 ft. shelves while on a ladder
- The successful candidate must pass a criminal history background check prior to hire
The Community
If you are considering a career opportunity with the goal of making a difference, consider joining the dedicated people at History Colorado. Our professionals inspire generations to find wonder and meaning in our past and to engage in creating a better Colorado. The History Colorado Center is conveniently located near the Denver downtown shopping area, restaurants, and cultural facilities. In addition to a great location, we offer fantastic benefits including:
Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA
Defined Contribution Plan plus 401K and 457 plans
Medical and dental health plans
Employer supplemented Health Savings Account
Paid life insurance
Short- and long-term disability coverage
10 paid holidays per year plus 12 hours of vacation and 6.66 hours of sick leave a month
Free RTD EcoPass (Denver Metro locations)
BenefitHub state employee discount program
CafeWell employee wellness program
Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more
HISTORY COLORADO has a strong commitment to diversity and cultural competence. We welcome responses from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.
HR Info
Interested applicants should submit the following materials:
- A cover letter expressing interest in this position and outlining relevant experience.
- A resume or CV of education and employment history.
- Three professional references, including current phone, email addresses and affiliations.
Curator of Photography Supplemental Questionnaire
* 1. What relevance do history museums and the collections they hold have for contemporary
audiences?
* 2. What is the role of a curator in the 21st century museum?
* 3. What are the most important elements of collection management for photography and
moving image collections?
* Required Question