Associate Curator - Museum of African American History

The Heinz History Center, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and the largest history museum in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, is currently seeking an Associate Curator, Museum of African American History. The Curator’s primary functions will be related to programs, collections, exhibitions, and scholarship.

The Curator will assist with planning and facilitating an annual slate of already developed public programs and will assist in the development of new programs focused on African American history and culture connected to exhibitions and historic and current events. As well, the associate curator will also contribute to outreach partnerships and collaborations with community-based institutions and organizations.

The Associate Curator will work with the Director of the Museum of African American History in developing a strategic collecting vision that encompasses both archival and museum items. The associate curator will respond to inquiries and offers of donations and the loan of archival and artifact materials. The Associate Curator will work with collection management with cataloging, description, and preservation of collections and disseminate information about incoming collections via the History Center publications, social media, the website, and public programs.

The Associate Curator will work closely with the Director in contributing to the research and development of new exhibits and updates to existing exhibits, as well as reviewing proposals for new exhibits.  The associate curator will be asked to represent the History Center at conferences and off-site meetings and attend division and other in-house meetings.

This is a full-time, salaried / non-exempt position, reporting to the Director of the Museum of African American History.

A minimum of a B.A. (M.A. preferred) in African American History, History, Museum Studies, or American Studies.  The ideal candidate will possess skills that reflect an understanding and experience with museum and archival collections management and curation, including processing and cataloging collections and assessing and interpreting material culture and archives; will have some programming and community relations skills; excellent writing and research abilities, familiarity and practice with digital platforms and software, public speaking experience, and a knowledge of museum and / or archival standards and practice.  The successful candidate will have a demonstrated historical knowledge of the African American experience - an understanding of that history in Western Pennsylvania is a plus.

Why Work at the History Center?

• Rewarding, mission-driven work that makes an impact in the community!
• Smithsonian-affiliated museum located in Pittsburgh’s vibrant and historic Strip District
• Voted the #1 history museum in the nation by USA Today
• Voted Best Museum in Pittsburgh by Pittsburgh Magazine
• Highly professional, collegial staff and dedicated volunteers
• Located in Pittsburgh, one of America’s “most livable” cities
• Dynamic workplace in Pittsburgh’s historic Strip District
• Flexible work schedule, including potential for hybrid work
• Full benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options
• 403(B) retirement plan with employer match
• Paid time off (vacation, personal, and sick days)
• Nine (9) paid holidays
• Company paid life insurance / LTD
• Wellness and Employee Assistance Program
• Discounts in the Museum Shop and Café
• Public transportation and parking options nearby