About the Senator John Heinz History Center
The Senator John Heinz History Center is a Smithsonian-affiliated museum and a first-day Pittsburgh attraction that presents compelling stories from American history with a Western Pennsylvania connection, all in an interactive and engaging environment for visitors of all ages. The largest history museum in Pennsylvania, the AAM-accredited History Center attracts large and diverse audiences to its 370,000-square-foot facility in Pittsburgh’s historic Strip District that includes six floors of long-term and changing exhibition space along with spectacular spaces for special events.
The History Center’s family of museums includes the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum, a dynamic museum-within-a-museum; the Fort Pitt Museum in Point State Park; and Meadowcroft Rockshelter & Historic Village, a National Historic Landmark located in Avella, Washington County, Pa. The History Center also leads a partnership of more than 125 regional historical societies, museums, and organizations dedicated to preserving local history – the History Center Affiliates Program.
A popular destination for families and visitors to our region, the History Center attracts more than 250,000 visitors annually and reaches millions through virtual programs and digital outreach. The History Center was recently recognized as America’s #1 History Museum by USA TODAY and “Pittsburgh’s Best Museum” by Pittsburgh Magazine.
Position Details
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.
Requirements
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
Application Process
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Minorities are encouraged to apply.
Qualified applicants can apply here: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=119602&clientkey=8C418A547E1D3E774FF0277E8175A385
or can submit a cover letter, including salary requirements and how you learned of this vacancy, and a resume to:
Renee Falbo, Chief Human Resources Officer
Senator John Heinz History Center
1212 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-454-6357
hr@heinzhistorycenter.org
