Exhibition Curator/Director of Interpretation The Lillian & Albert Small Jewish Museum at the Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington seeks an Exhibition Curator or Director of Interpretation (depending on experience) to join our long-established organization as we shift into high gear—developing a new museum that explores the past, present and future of Jewish Washington. Along with the staff, Board, and volunteers, the Exhibition Curator will be part of a team that deeply appreciates the role of museums in helping communities reflect on their history and jointly chart a course for the future. The new museum, projected to open in 2021, will be built at 3rd and F St. NW, as part of the Capitol Crossing development project just a block from the National Building Museum. The museum facility will incorporate our 1876 historic synagogue as its centerpiece “object,” and will feature new exhibition galleries and programming spaces, including a “community lab.” The Exhibition Curator will lead the interpretive/content and experience planning for the core and temporary exhibitions for the new museum, imaginging and implementing engaging, historically rich exhibitions and visitor experiences. Your responsibilities will include creative content and interpretive development; research, writing, and work with scholars and community advisors; project management; public presentations, and fundraising support. The exhibitions will build on the Society’s collection of objects, photographs, documents, stories and oral histories, as well as conceptual planning work completed over the past few years. Our ideal candidate will be a creative self-starter with fresh ideas about interpreting urban history, and a love of storytelling and audience engagement. Primary Responsibilities Develop exhibition interpretive plans and content for the new museum. • Develop innovative, experimental interpretive plans for all exhibition spaces, including core exhibition (4,000 sq. feet), historic synagogue, temporary exhibition gallery (~3,000 SF) and thematic/programmatic spaces. • Bring creative energy to reimagine history and cultural museum interpretation, including new ideas and examples to inform how we think about storytelling and visitor engagement. • Develop and manage curatorial advisory group. • Research and write content briefs for exhibition development. • Support content planning/research for public programs and fundraising. • Work closely with exhibition designers and colleagues to advance exhibition plans. • Participate in and lead public presentations and walking tours. • Work with Museum Experience Committee to define/implement content/experience goals. Research content, develop collections for exhibitions and public programs. • Identify collections as needed for new exhibition; pursues acquisition through research, partnerships/collaborations, community outreach, collecting initiatives, or loans • Support development of museum collections for use in new exhibition through outreach to potential donors to the collection; create and implement new collecting initiatives • Conduct research in areas related to content for new museum exhibitions and programs. • Develop historical content for variety of print and online publications. Manages projects, budgets and schedules. • Solicit and manage contracts for exhibition designer/writer and related contracts. • Serve as lead on grant proposals to NEH, IMLS and others as appropriate. • Work closely with the board and advisory groups to realize vision for the museum. • Support fundraising, programs, member recruitment and related efforts. • Works collaboratively and strategically with staff, board, partners and other stakeholders. Position Details and Requirements Reports to Executive Director Type of Position Full-time, Exempt Education MA in modern Jewish history/American history/public history/or related academic field. PhD preferred. Experience Minimum 5 years professional experience in a curation/content development/interpretive planning position in museum environment Candidates should have a general knowledge of American Jewish history and/or Washington, DC history, as well as proven experience in developing complex exhibitions. Success in the role will depend on excellent written and verbal communication skills as well as strong organizational, analytical and research skills. You should be able to work as part of a small but highly collaborative team in a fast-paced environment with multiple projects and deadlines, and expect occasional weekend and evening hours. Competitive salary based on experience. Please send your resume and cover letter to [email protected] with the Subject Line “Exhibition Curator.” .