Curator

About Motown Museum

In the 1960s, Hitsville U.S.A. was buzzing with activity. These modest buildings on Detroit’s West Grand Boulevard housed dozens of the music industry’s most talented, passionate and successful people. More than half a century later, the walls of Motown Museum continue to hold that entrepreneurial energy for its staff—and you could be part of our team. 

As a museum and cultural institution, we seek to hire talented and skilled individuals interested in careers, internships, and volunteers across a variety of functions—including staff for collections, programming, fund development, guest services, retail, management, and more.

About The Role

The Curator is responsible for designing the overall exhibit plan and strategy for the organization. This person conceptualizes onsite, community, and digital exhibits, along with complimentary programs that illuminate Motown’s illustrious history. This position is also responsible for overseeing the design fabrication and installation process for exhibits.

What You'll Do

Essential Functions

• Responsible for managing relationships with vendors and consultants as well as coordinating workflow.
• Serves as an interpreter of history for the organization.
• Develops and designs exhibits rooted in authenticity for universal audiences.
• Responsible for curating the digital jukebox.
• Draft policy and maintain compliance with professional best practices and Museum standards.
• Serve on the Acquisitions Committee to establish collecting priorities and recommend objects and archives for accessioning/deaccessioning.
• Develop and sustain strategic partnerships with universities and professional organizations.
• Represent the Museum’s interests in meetings of professional partnerships and collaborations.
• Participate in and, in some cases, lead strategic projects for the Museum relative to community advancement and professional development.
• Prepare and manage departmental budget to ensure stated targets are met.
• Write grant proposals for exhibit and project funding.
• Work in tandem with the development department to maximize fundraising opportunities.
  
  

Qualifications

Competencies

• Knowledge of Motown within the context of music culture and American History.
• Strong knowledge of museum curatorial best practices
• Efficient in researching and interpreting history for public programs and/or scholarly publications
• Proven track record for grant procurement
• Demonstrated ability to supervise vendors and staff and work with colleagues, volunteers, and interns
• Commitment to understanding the Museum’s mission and executing it through exhibitions and programming.
• Highly developed writing and speaking skills
• Strong negotiation, resource management, and people skills
• Team-oriented perspective and philosophy that honors the viewpoints and skills of others who participate in exhibition/visual development
• Capable of working with a team to present factual and compelling exhibitions to the public and donors
• Knowledge of Motown music and history, as well as other musical genres is preferred
• Confidence in developing and adhering to policies and procedural standards
• Must be self-directed, well-organized and proficient with working on several projects at once
• Strong attention to design detail and project follow through
• Qualities of originality, imagination and creativity balanced with an ability to work within budget constraints
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; familiar with some form of collections management software preferred
• Flexibility in working with cross-departmental teams
• Ability to competently represent the Museum to the public and potential donors
  
  

Supervisory Responsibility

Yes. The Curator will supervise an Associate Curator, Digital Media Curator, and interns.

Work Environment

This position operates in an office setting and a public environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.

Physical Demands/Strength

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, and use repetitive motions. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, lift and carry 20 pounds, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, handle, grasp, and use eye/hand/foot coordination. Occasionally, the position is required to push, pull, and feel. The position requires medium work.

Environmental Conditions

Occasional atmospheric conditions and frequent temperature changes.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

Salaried. This position may require weekend work and some evenings.

Travel

Moderate to high travel required. Must have reliable transportation, a valid driver license, proof of auto insurance and vehicle registration.

Education/Experience

• Master of Arts degree in Ethnomusicology required; preferably with studies in African American Music and Pop Culture or advanced knowledge of Motown Music and its cultural context; Ph.D. preferred
• Prior museum exhibition experience required
• At least 5 years of demonstrated responsibility in a supervisory capacity
  
  

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

None

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.