Title: Curator of Black History and Culture
Hiring Range: $70,000-75,000
Pay Band: UG
Agency: Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation
Location: Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation
Agency Website: jyfmuseums.org
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
As a key member of the curatorial staff, the Curator of Black History and Culture will be responsible for leading the scholarship and interpretation of Black history and culture at the Jamestown Settlement museum and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. This position will be responsible for historical research, collections development, advising on historical content, providing staff training, and disseminating this history to public and professional communities. This position is committed to the stewardship of the history and cultural representation of Africans, people of African descent, and the African Diaspora in our museums, building relationships with descendant groups, and guiding the Foundation’s conversation surrounding repatriation of historic artifacts as necessary. The Curator of Black History and Culture will work collaboratively on a team of historian curators developing overall interpretation, acknowledging multiple points of view.
Minimum Qualifications
Content knowledge, by working experience or coursework, of 17th and 18th century history as it relates to West Central Africa, the African Diaspora, and experiences of Africans and people of African descent that is applicable to Virginia and early America
Experience using material culture to interpret Black history and culture
Demonstrated ability to conceptualize, research and write articles and interpretive materials
Experience in best museum practices including but not limited to collections management, exhibitions, acquisitions, and object handling
Ability to cultivate community relations with cultural groups
Experience effectively working in groups involving multiple points of view
Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion
Knowledge of conversations regarding repatriation as it relates to artifact collection practices and museum ethics
Ability to meet multiple deliverables with exceptional attention to detail
Skilled at computer programs in a museum environment, including full Microsoft and Google suite of programs and collections management systems
Preferred Qualifications:
Demonstrated knowledge and application, either by experience or coursework, of American Studies, Archaeology, History, or a related field focusing on 17th and 18th-century Virginia history or African American studies, and the legacies and presence of Black culture today.
Degree in history or related field preferred.
Special Instructions:
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
In addition to a completed application, please submit a resume and cover letter.
Your cover letter should include the following-
What inspired you to apply for this position.
What unique and relevant education, skills and experience make you the most successful candidate for this position.
Please take a moment to consider our mission statement and share how you perceive it relating to the role of Curator of Black History and Culture.
Contact Information:
Name: Lee Ann Shelhorse
Phone: 757-253-4553
Email: leeann.shelhorse@jyf.virginia.gov
