The Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center (WVMCC) fosters dynamic connections to the history, cultural traditions, and arts of the Wenatchee Valley. As a mid-size museum, the WVMCC is a vital hub for creating community connections with our region’s unique heritage and arts through creative, interdisciplinary programs, exhibits, and publications.

The Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center is seeking a dynamic and enthusiastic individual to serve as the Curator of Exhibits. This position plays a crucial role in developing, planning, and executing engaging and educational exhibits that showcase the museum’s diverse collections and promote cultural appreciation in the Wenatchee Valley community. The Curator of Exhibits will work closely with the curatorial team, museum staff, and external partners to create memorable and impactful exhibitions.

The Curator of Exhibits at the Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center will have the opportunity to make a significant impact by curating compelling and thought-provoking exhibits that inspire our community and enrich visitor experiences.

Reporting to the Director of Operations, the Curator of Exhibits has the following responsibilities:

Exhibit Department:
• Develop and manage annual exhibit budget
• Cultivate and maintain external relationships and partnerships
• Develop and implement long range exhibit plan

Exhibit Development and Curation:
• Curate and develop innovative and educational exhibits that align with the museum’s mission and strategic goals.
• Manage the entire exhibition process, from initial concept and planning to design, installation, and maintenance.
• Conduct research to provide accurate historical and cultural information related to the exhibits.
• Develop and maintain relationships with external partners, such as artists, collectors, and community organizations, to facilitate collaboration and loan of artifacts.

Artifact Management:
• Oversee the Collections Committee and manage Collection’s acquisition process
• Work with Collections Manager on the selection process for artifacts used in temporary and permanent exhibits.
• Implement preservation techniques to ensure artifacts are well-preserved during exhibit display.
• Collaborate with collection staff in acquisitions and deaccessioning decisions.

Interpretation and Labeling:
• Develop clear and engaging exhibit interpretive materials, including labels, panels, and interactive elements, that appeal to diverse audiences.
• Conduct thorough research to ensure accuracy and relevance of exhibit content.
• Employ innovative storytelling techniques to make exhibits interactive, immersive, and accessible to visitors of all ages and backgrounds.

Team Collaboration:
• Collaborate with museum curatorial, education, and marketing teams to ensure seamless integration of exhibits with educational programs and promotional initiatives.
• Assist in the installation and dismantling of temporary and permanent exhibits.
• Supervise Exhibit Assistant and Exhibit volunteers. Create annual and short-term work plans. Manage annual performance review process for exhibits staff.
• Support the training and supervision of volunteers and interns assisting with exhibit-related tasks.

Public Engagement and Outreach:
• Interpret exhibits for visitors, provide guided tours, and answer questions related to the exhibits.
• Participate in outreach activities, such as lectures, workshops, and community events, to promote the museum and its exhibits.
• Contribute to museum publications, website content, and social media platforms by providing exhibit-related information and updates.

Job role and duties will evolve and be modified over time and with the growth and development of the Museum.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in Museum Studies, Art History, History, Anthropology, or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in exhibit curation and development within a museum or cultural center.
• Strong knowledge of museum standards and best practices in artifact management, conservation, and exhibition design.
• Excellent research and communication skills, with the ability to write engaging and informative exhibit content.
• Proficiency in using exhibit design software and applications.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Passion for promoting cultural appreciation and exploration through exhibits.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred

This is a 40-hour/week position, with an hourly range of $25 – 27/hr. Salary is dependent on experience and qualifications. Museum benefits include service-based accrual PTO, 10.5 paid holidays, a health care stipend, a SIMPLE IRA with employer match, opportunities for professional development, and the potential for some flexible scheduling and telework.

Interested applicants should submit the following materials to Courtney Tiffany, Director of Operations, at ctiffany@wvmcc.org with the subject heading: Curator of Exhibits.

• An updated resume in PDF or Word format
• Letter of interest describing why you are interested in this position and how your experiences meet the needs of the position
• Contact information for three professional references

The Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center is committed to creating a diverse environment and is an equal opportunity and at-will employer. All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Conditions of Employment
Employment at WVMCC is contingent on the verification of background information submitted by the applicant, including the completion of a criminal record check and education when applicable.

The duties listed above are intended as illustrations of the types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific job duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment contract and is subject to change as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.