SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame has immediate full-time openings for the positions of Curator and Museum Educator. Interested candidates should send a resume, cover letter, and references to: info@racingmuseum.net.
Position overview: MUSEUM CURATOR
Department: Curatorial
FSLA Status: Exempt
Reports to: Director
The Museum Curator is responsible for exhibition development, installation, and maintenance of temporary and semi-permanent exhibitions; assistance to Collections Manager when applicable with collection, acquisitions, and conservation; responding to media and public inquiries about the exhibitions and permanent collections; maintaining adequate communication between the curatorial department and the Collections and Exhibits Committee and Board of Trustees.
Principle Duties and Responsibilities Exhibitions:
1. Exhibition planning, development, and installation: Includes long-range planning; creation and maintenance of general and special exhibits annual budgets; researching subjects and scripting of exhibit storyline, panels and labels; designing exhibitions (overall flow, wall elevations, case layouts, object selection); designing exhibit graphics and labels; project management and working with guest curators, exhibit designers and preparators (as needed); producing marketing pieces associated with exhibitions, including exhibit handouts, catalogs and website content; working with Technical Services/Education to develop related interactive exhibits or programs; installation of artwork, display cases and accompanying labels; promoting exhibits with Director of Communications.
2. Correspondence with Collections and Exhibits Committee and Board of Trustees: Answer questions and take suggestions from Museum Trustees regarding exhibition ideas, potential donors or lenders; discuss and review collections issues regarding acquisitions and major projects with Collections Committee and others, as needed; serve as Acting Secretary for all Collections Committee meetings and prepare the meeting materials, including agenda, before meetings, sending approved meeting minutes out to the entire Committee in a timely fashion; deliver Exhibit Report at Annual Board Meeting in August.
3. Graphic Design and Editing: Assist with various graphic design projects and design signage, advertisements, etc., as needed for the Museum and its events; proofing publications, written materials, flyers, etc., before publication.
Qualifications: This Museum Curator position requires a B.A. in Museum Studies, History, or Art History with three to five years of experience in curatorial work. An M.A. in Museum Studies or related field and museum work experience is preferred. This position requires knowledge of collections management and exhibition development procedures, in addition to the ability to prioritize, delegate, and work collaboratively on major projects. A strong attention to detail and superior organizational skills are essential. Knowledge of the thoroughbred racing industry and history preferred. Computer skills required include: Microsoft Office, familiarity with maintaining and updating databases (PastPerfect for collections). Some graphic design skills and software knowledge (Adobe Creative Suite) are preferred.
Salary range: $50,000-$55,000
___________________________________________________
Position Overview: MUSEUM EDUCATOR
Department: Education
FSLA Status: Exempt
Reports to: Director
The Museum Educator is responsible for creating, implementing, maintaining, and promoting educational programs that reflect the Museum’s mission to preserve and promote the history of thoroughbred racing in America and honor the sport’s most accomplished participants in the Official National Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame. The Museum Educator will extend the interpretation and presentation of the Museum’s collection to the public through the development and implementation of curriculum-based programs for youths, as well as through programs for adults. The Museum Educator is responsible for overseeing the Museum’s volunteer program and the Discovery Paddock located at Saratoga Race Course during the annual summer meet, both of which are managed by the Program Educator.
Position Responsibilities:
1. Youth Programs:
- Develop, coordinate, and deliver educational programming (with the Program Educator) for pre-school through college (including weekly pre-school drop-in program), Girl Scouts, 4-H, BOCES, Camps, Health, History and Horses (4th grade curriculum), high school and college programs.
- Coordinate, manage, and display the annual student art exhibits.
- Develop and coordinate Discovery Paddock program at Saratoga Race Course.
- Develop and coordinate an eight-week summer program called “Backstretch Buddies” for the Faith’s House children.
- Develop, coordinate, and deliver special programs targeting to youth and their families, such as Family Fun Days celebrating special events at the Museum.
- Develop outreach programs to bring to schools.
- Plan special events, soliciting donations (e.g., Student Art Show, school vacation programing).
2. Adult Programs:
- Develop, coordinate, and deliver educational programming for adults, including guided tours of the Museum and Oklahoma Training Track, Photo Finish Photography tours and offsite speaking engagements.
- Develop programs highlighting special Museum exhibitions, including ones concerning relevant historic moments and events.
- Coordinate seasonal farm tour series.
- Develop community outreach programs and presentations.
3. Online Programming:
- Create and facilitate online educational programming and virtual tours through Facebook Live, YouTube, and Zoom.
4. Volunteers and Docents:
- Work with the Program Educator to develop, coordinate, and deliver Museum-wide volunteer and docent program, including recruiting, screening, training, supervision, and scheduling.
- Collaborate cross-departmentally to maximize use of volunteers and docents to fulfill the Museum’s needs.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in education, museum studies, history, or equine studies. Knowledge of developmental stages pre-K through 12th grade, with an emphasis on early childhood development, arts-integration, local and national standards, and application of learning theories to museum education. Ability to work effectively with persons of all ages.Highly organized and able to multi-task and prioritize. Flexible and patient with strong customer service, training and supervisory skills. Highly creative and able to problem solve with originality. Ability to work in a fast-paced team-oriented environment.
Salary range: $40,000-$50,000
For more information about the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, including upcoming events, please visit www.racingmuseum.org or call (518) 584-0400.
Press Release
