"Alerted.org

State Curator/Museum Curator

Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/iowa/jobs/newprint/4922916)

Apply



State Curator/Museum Curator

Salary

$56,700.80 - $86,340.80 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50319 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

25-02997

Agency

005 Department of Administrative Services

Opening Date

04/29/2025

Closing Date

5/20/2025 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

[email protected]

To Apply

Applicants must include a cover letter and CV or resume along with the application submitted through the State of Iowa hiring portal.

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Job Description

Only applicants who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements and meet all selective requirements (listed below) will be placed on the eligible list.

The State Historical Society of Iowa's (SHSI) mission at the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) is to preserve state history and educate the public on Iowa's past. To accomplish our mission, we are seeking a talented, highly qualified, and passionate candidate to join the State Historical Museum of Iowa’s team asState Curator/Museum Curator (Curator). A successful candidate will play a key role in preserving and sharing Iowa's rich history. In this integral role, you will be at the heart of our preservation and education efforts.

Do you have a passion for curating museum collections, a keen eye for historical detail, and experience creating engaging exhibits? Join our team!

Position Responsibilities:

A key individual is being sought to provide curatorial oversight for the State Historical Museum of Iowa’s collections (100,000+ objects), engage with donors and constituents, represent SHSI in public and with the media, provide public engagement for learners at all levels, collaborate with the Registrar and Collections Coordinator to manage the museum’s collections, and work with the Exhibits Manager and museum team to develop exhibitions. This position will report to the Museum Collections & Exhibits team manager.

In this vital role, you will:

+ Provide curatorial leadership and strategic oversight for the Museum’s collections.

+ Actively engage with donors, stakeholders, and the broader public to build support and enthusiasm for Iowa’s history.

+ Represent the State Historical Society of Iowa (SHSI) in media appearances, public forums, and professional settings.

+ Deliver meaningful educational experiences for learners of all ages.

+ Collaborate closely with the Registrar, Collections Coordinator, Exhibits Manager, and the museum team to manage collections and curate compelling exhibitions.

+ Report directly to the Museum Collections & Exhibits Team Manager.

Additional responsibilities include:

+ Making thoughtful recommendations on acquisitions and deaccessions to strengthen the collection.

+ Participating in collections committees at both staff and board levels.

+ Helping shape and annually update SHSI’s collecting plan.

+ Assisting researchers, staff, and the public with Iowa history inquiries.

+ Leading content creation for exhibitions, including artifact selection, research, and label writing.

+ Partnering with the SHSI Education Team to develop public programming that brings history to life.

+ Representing the museum through engaging tours, historical presentations, and community events.

+ Strengthening relationships across Iowa by providing outreach and technical assistance to historical and cultural organizations.

This position is based at the State Historical Building in Des Moines, with a primary schedule of 8:00 A.M. – 4:30 P.M., Monday through Friday. Ability to work occasionally on evenings and weekends for programming and events is required. Some travel is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

+ Previous experience as a museum curator and/or public historian

+ Knowledgeable about Iowa and Midwest history

+ Experience researching and evaluating potential acquisitions for inclusion in the collection and existing collections for context and mission alignment

+ Previous experience developing museum exhibitions and using artifacts and images to tell engaging history stories

+ Previous experience writing clear and concise interpretive exhibit text for general audiences

+ Strong public speaking skills and ability to engage a variety of audiences and the media; comfortable being in a public-facing role

+ Strong writing skills and ability to simplify complex and nuanced historical topics for public consumption

+ Previous experience in doing public engagement for learners at a variety of levels

+ Experience using a museum collections management system

+ Strong organizational, critical thinking, time management, and communication skills

+ Capable of working independently and collaboratively within a team environment

+ Ability to communicate effectively within a collaborative team environment

+ Knowledgeable about museum ethics and best practices

+ Ability to carefully handle collection artifacts, including fragile and large objects

+ Ability to lift up to 40 lbs

+ Master’s Degreefrom an accredited college or university with course work in history, public history, museum studies, curatorial--museum management, historic preservationandthe equivalent of at leastfour years of full time experience in curatorial museum work, public history, museums, professional research, education, or other experience associated with history, museums, historic sites, and/or historic preservation.

Benefits:

At the State of Iowa, we are committed to your well-being. As a valued team member, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

+ Paid Time Off: Enjoy vacation with accruals that rollover on a yearly basis, sick leave with no limits on accrual and 9 paid holidays per year.

+ Great Benefits: Excellent Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance Options.

+ Retirement Plan: IPERS Retirement package and an option for a deferred compensation plan.

+ Flexibility: Flexible Spending Accounts (medical and dependent care).

+ Life Insurance: Free Life Insurance.

+ Support: Employee Assistance Programs and Employee Discount Programs.

To learn more about the benefits of working with the State of Iowa, visit ourbenefits webpage. (https://iowa.attract.neogov.com/recruitment/p/benefits)

About the State Historical Society of Iowa

The State Historical Society of Iowa has been a trustee of Iowa’s historical legacy since 1857. With a dual mission of preservation and education, the society maintains a museum, two research centers and seven historic sites. The society preserves and provides access to Iowa’s historical resources through a variety of statewide programs, exhibitions and projects while serving as an advocate for Iowa’s past and connector to the future. Learn more here:https://history.iowa.gov/about/strategic-plans

Selectives

109 Curator – Museum Management:

Curator – Museum Management 6 months experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in the overseeing and management of a museum.

AND

277 History:

6 months experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both where a knowledge of history and the ability to share/apply that knowledge were major competencies required by the job and where history was in some way applied as a major job function such as:

+ Historian

+ Archivist

+ History teacher (where the bulk of the time was spent teaching history)

+ History professor or instructor

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

1) Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in history, anthropology, archeology, architecture, curatorial/museum management, literature, English, art, natural history, architectural history, library science, or historic preservation, and experience equal to one year of full-time work in professional research, museum, education, editing, or other experience associated with history, anthropology, archaeology, architecture, architectural history, art, museums, historic sites, or historic preservation.

2) A total of five years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in number one), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in history, anthropology, archeology, architecture, curatorial/museum management, literature, English, art, natural history, architectural history, library science, or historic preservation equals one year of full-time experience.

For additional information, please click on thislink to view the job description (https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/hr/documents/class\_and\_pay/JobClassDescriptions/HistoricalProgramSpecialist-01337-91337.pdf) .

Additional Qualification Requirements

+ Knowledgeable about museum operations, collections management, and exhibition development

+ Knowledgeable of museum best practices related to collections management and exhibition development

+ Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, with visitors, constituents, and colleagues

+ Demonstrates initiative, commitment, and attention to detail

+ Adheres to ethical standards, follows policies, and cooperates with supervisors

+ Promotes teamwork, cooperation, and group identity

+ Effective in communicating with visitors, maintaining a polite and helpful demeanor

+ Capable of working independently and collaboratively within a team environment

Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset – our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyTotal Compensation Calculator (https://das.iowa.gov/media/3773/download?inline) .Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.Click here to learn more about IPERS (https://ipers.org/members) .

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?Click here (https://iowa.attract.neogov.com/recruitment/p/benefits) to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!

01

Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely.Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question.Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

+ Yes - I understand and agree.

+ No

02

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?

+ No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

+ Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

03

Have you graduated from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in history, anthropology, archeology, architecture, curatorial/museum management, literature, English, art, natural history, architectural history, library science, or historic preservation, AND do you have experience equal to one year of full-time work in professional research, museum, education, editing, or other experience associated with history, anthropology, archaeology, architecture, architectural history, art, museums, historic sites, or historic preservation?

+ Yes - I have the education and experience identified

+ No - I do not have the education AND experience identified

04

Do you have a total of five years of accredited college or university coursework in history, anthropology, archeology, architecture, curatorial/museum management, literature, English, art, natural history, architectural history, library science, or historic preservation AND/OR full-time work in professional research, museum, education, editing, or other experience associated with history, anthropology, archaeology, architecture, architectural history, art, museums, historic sites, or historic preservation? Thirty semester hours equals one year of full-time experience.

+ Yes - I have the five years required

+ I do not have the five years required

05

Does your application demonstrate that you have 6 months experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in the overseeing and management of a museum?

+ Yes

+ No

06

Does your application demonstrate that you have 6 months experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both where a knowledge of history and the ability to share/apply that knowledge were major competencies required by the job and where history was in some way applied as a major job function such as:

+ Historian

+ Archivist

+ History teacher (where the bulk of the time was spent teaching history)

+ History professor or instructor?

+ Yes

+ No

Required Question

Employer

State of Iowa

Agency

005 Department of Administrative Services

Address

Hoover State Office Building

1305 E Walnut St

Des Moines, Iowa, 50319

Website

https://das.iowa.gov

Apply

Please verify your email addressVerify Email