Job Description

University of Utah Job Description

Job Title: Curator
Job Code: 0434	Grade/FLSA: D/Exempt
Updated By: DJV, June 2001

Job Summary

Conducts original research on collections and publish results of that research. Determines acquisition, attribution and authentication of collection or exhibit. Oversees staff, outreach programs, interactions with donors and volunteers. Researches potential collection enhancements and formulates grant proposals.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in History, Art, Humanities, Library Science, related field or equivalency plus three years directly related experience required. Knowledge of museum practices, collection management and preservation principles; experience in supervising, teaching and training others; demonstrated knowledge of budget applications required. Organizational skills as well as demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills also required.

An advanced degree and additional experience may be preferred depending upon area of assignment.

This position does not provide patient care.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Disclaimer

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Essential Functions

Conducts original field or collections-based research for publication in scholarly, peer-reviewed publications.
Directs ongoing administration of assigned area, including strategic planning and program development.
Oversees care of collections and promotes expansion of the collections through exchange or acquisition of new collections.
Directs and may instruct educational programs, both formal classroom instruction and informal training.
Provides oversight for lower level staff, volunteers and student research projects.
Prepares and administers budget for specific collection area.
Pursues proactive development strategies to provide support for collections and develops grant proposals.
Sets guidelines for outside requests to acquire or lend collections.
Conducts public outreach programs and participates in tours, lectures and other public programs.
Problem Solving
Original research of a collection is subject to much scrutiny by a variety of critics. Therefore, research must follow exacting standards and withstand scrutiny. Another challenge involves management of time and resources in a manner that maximizes benefits to the collection, department and the University community. This includes identifying and implementing promotional opportunities to enhance the collection growth through fieldwork and acquisition of grant monies. The incumbent must ensure proper methods of care are adhered to with each collection piece. Volunteers are an important component to the success of the organization, it is often challenging to recruit and train dependable volunteers.

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Job Description