Research Specialist and Associate Curator for at The Strong National Museum of Play

Since 2003, when The Strong adopted its play-based mission, the museum has sought to illuminate American history and culture through the lens of play. Because play is universal and pervasive, The Strong has aspired to collect, preserve, and interpret an inclusive history of play that represents the diversity of people and experiences in the United States. The Research Specialist and Associate Curator for Black Play & Culture will play a critical role in the growth and interpretation of the world’s most comprehensive public collection of playthings and historical materials related to play, through collections acquisition, writing for a public audience, exhibition development, and other related activities.

This position requires an experienced historical researcher who has the ability to contribute to a highly collaborative team that is responsible for developing the collection and interpretive content for a broad range of museum visitors and informal learners. The research specialist and associate curator is required to expend such personal efforts as may be needed to keep up with advances in subject matter information related to this position. The employee must learn the constraints, with particular consideration of the budget, within which this job must be performed and work within those parameters.

All museum staff are expected to cooperate with one another in furthering the museum’s general objectives and in completing museum projects. Similarly, all staff consistently maintain a positive and enthusiastic attitude, act with integrity and in accordance with the highest ethical standards and demonstrate a loyalty to the museum in all public contacts. 

Essential Duties:

The specifications described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Collect materials that document the history of Black play and culture, performing work in accordance with best practices and standards, particularly the AAM’s Code of Ethics for Museums.
• Adhere to museum best practices in collecting, registering, cataloging, caring for artifacts, and record keeping, including using computer databases and other relevant software.
• Oversee assigned collections in storage, on exhibition, and on loan.
• Advance the museum’s interpretive work through writing for blogs, exhibitions, and other public-facing forums.
• Cultivate relationships with prospective donors and manage existing ones, consistent with the collection development strategy. As needed, assist the institutional advancement team with planning membership events and fundraising activities.
• Contribute to the research, development, and implementation of online and onsite exhibits.
• Maintain an active presence among communities engaged in the study of Black play and history, which at times may involve local, regional, or national travel.
• Keep abreast of current developments in the museum field and specific subject areas related to the work of this position.
• Serve as a spokesperson and advocate for The Strong’s overall educational mission. Promote the institution through media appearances, public speaking appointments, consultations, professional memberships, and connection with national and international associations.
• Fulfill public and professional requests for information and assistance. Respond to media requests in conjunction with public relations staff. 
• Work collaboratively with, and support the efforts of, other teams at The Strong, especially the exhibits, collections, ICHEG, marketing and communications, and institutional advancement teams.
• Assist the exhibits research and development team and other museum teams with various projects, as assigned.
• Attend exhibit research and development team and general staff meetings, and others, as requested.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

The candidate may have a combination of education and experience but should possess the required skills and knowledge for successful performance. Our general requirements are:

Graduate degree in History, Black or Africana Studies, Museum Studies, Recreation & Leisure Studies, Sociology, or other relevant program. The museum may consider candidates with significant progress towards a graduate degree, such as a PhD student who is working on the dissertation.

• Experience in a cultural institution developing interpretive/educational materials for non-expert audiences is a plus.
• Detail oriented and strong creative thinking, planning, and organizational skills.
• Excellent writing ability.
• Ability to network and build relationships with diverse communities locally, regionally, and nationally.
• Good track record of successfully completing projects.
• Demonstrated commitment to principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in exhibitions, staff, and guest experience.