Description

Pittsburgh Theological Seminary invites applications for the position of Associate Curator/Curator of Community Engagement of the Kelso Museum of Near Eastern Archaeology. Appointment level (Associate Curator or Curator) will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

This full-time professional staff position offers an exceptional opportunity for an energetic museum professional to help shape the future of one of North America's significant teaching collections of the archaeology and material culture of the southern Levant. The Curator will work closely with the Museum Director to steward the Museum's collections, expand educational programming, strengthen public engagement, develop innovative exhibitions, and support research.

The successful candidate will play a central role in a major initiative to substantially redesign and expand the Museum's permanent exhibitions while helping to establish the Kelso Museum as a leading center for the interpretation of the archaeology, history, and cultures of the ancient Near East. The Kelso Museum is entering an exciting period of growth, including the comprehensive reimagining of its permanent exhibitions, expansion of educational programming, enhanced collections stewardship, increased digital access, and long-term planning for new and renovated museum facilities. The Curator will have an exceptional opportunity to help define the Museum's future and shape its impact for decades to come.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES 

Community Engagement (30%)

• Design and implement educational programming for university students, clergy, teachers, school groups, and public audiences.
• Lead docent training and provide tours for visitors, donors, alumni, and special guests.
• Collaborate with faculty in integrating Museum collections into Seminary teaching and research.
• Represent the Museum through professional organizations, conferences, and community partnerships.

Exhibits (30%)

• Assist in the planning, development, installation, and evaluation of permanent, temporary, and traveling exhibitions.
• Develop engaging interpretive materials for diverse audiences.
• Participate in the comprehensive redesign and expansion of the Museum's galleries.

Collections Management (20%)

• Manage, document, catalog, and interpret archaeological collections according to current museum standards.
• Oversee or coordinate collections care, preventive conservation, environmental monitoring, storage, handling, and integrated pest management.
• Assist in establishing conservation priorities and coordinate work with professional conservators.
• Contribute to collections digitization initiatives and digital access projects.
• Assist with acquisitions, accessions, loans, deaccessions, and collections documentation in accordance with professional ethics and institutional policies.
• Supervise student assistants, interns, volunteers, and visiting scholars as assigned.

Development (10%)

• Support grant writing, fundraising initiatives, and donor cultivation related to collections, exhibitions, and educational programs.

Research (10%)

• Conduct original research on the Museum's collections and contribute to scholarly publications and exhibition catalogs.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Museum Director.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Master's degree (M.A. or equivalent) in Near Eastern Archaeology, Archaeology, Museum Studies, Art History, Anthropology, Ancient History, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the archaeology, history, and cultures of the ancient Near East, with expertise in the Southern Levant.
• Experience developing educational and public engagement programming.
• Experience with museum collections management and professional registration practices. 
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, volunteers, donors, and community partners.
• Experience planning or implementing museum exhibitions.
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to manage multiple concurrent projects.
• Due to the nature of this role involving regular interaction with minors, the successful candidate must successfully complete and maintain the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s required background clearances prior to employment. This includes the PA State Police Criminal History Clearance, the PA Child Abuse History Clearance, and the FBI Fingerprint Criminal History Clearance.

Preferred 

Preference will be given to candidates who possess one or more of the following: 

• Ph.D. in Near Eastern Archaeology or a closely related discipline.
• Field experience in archaeological excavations in the ancient Near East.
• Background in the history of ancient Near Eastern art or art history.
• Experience with archaeological object conservation or preventive conservation.
• Experience with collections management databases and museum digitization initiatives.
• Knowledge of current museum standards, including AAM best practices and ethical guidelines.
• Experience supervising staff, interns, or volunteers.
• Grant writing and project management experience.
• Demonstrated record of scholarly publication and public scholarship.
• Reading knowledge of one or more modern or ancient languages relevant to Near Eastern studies.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

Hybrid: in office 3 days a week (W-F); remote work 2 days a week (M and T). Occasional evening work, weekend tours and educational programs, and travel (10%) will be required.

TO APPLY 

Applicants should submit the following materials to careers (at) pts.edu:

• Letter of interest
• Curriculum vitae or résumé
• Statement describing experience in museum practice and public engagement
• Names and e-mail addresses for three professional references 

Review of applications will begin as they are received. Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled. Pittsburgh Theological Seminary will conduct a background check on all final candidates. References will not be contacted without permission from the candidate.