February 3, 2021

Director of Academic Partnerships and Museum Curator – Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, Harvard University

To apply:  position # 53302BR https://hr.harvard.edu/jobs

DUTIES

The Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology invites applications for the position of Director of Academic Partnerships and Museum Curator. Reporting to the Senior Curator this position leads the Academic Partnerships department, which manages the integration of the Museum into the University curriculum and may also undertake some teaching (70%). The position will have direct curatorial responsibility for an area of the collections (30%).

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Working closely with the Senior Curator, develop the vision for, and manage, the Academic Partnerships department.
  • Develop relationships with University faculty across a range of disciplines, supporting the integration of museum collections into courses and curricula using various methods that will include technology and site visits. Work with curators, museum staff and university constituencies to develop resources in support of courses.
  • Develop interpretive materials for university audiences through collaborative processes and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. 
  • Conduct classes, tours and related activities as needed. 
  • Partner with other members of the Peabody staff to develop programing and special events for University audiences. Represent the needs and interests of the academic community in other Museum initiatives. 
  • Supervise work and processes of departmental staff (2 FTE) including primary responsibility for evaluating performance and performance management. 
  • Undertake customary curatorial work for a specific area of the collections, preferably the collections from Africa: recommend purchases or gifts, and advise on the intellectual content of proposed accessions and deaccessions; contribute to the integrity of information about collections and database content in keeping with current professional practices; make recommendations for conservation and consult on conservation work and collections storage; curate exhibits; conduct and publish research; contribute to programming (lectures, workshops, conferences); identify and obtain funds for research, exhibitions, and programs; respond to researcher and student requests and consult with visiting researchers. 
  • Collaborate with university colleagues, including faculty, and other museums at Harvard; develop and maintain professional affiliations with colleagues in similar positions at other institutions; and attend and present at conferences and professional events on behalf of the Museum.  

Basic Qualifications

  • 7+ years of progressively relevant professional experience including significant teaching experience and experience with diversity and inclusion initiatives.
  • Masters degree required

Other information

  • Masters degree required, preferably in Anthropology, with Ph.D. (or equivalent) preferred; a broad knowledge of anthropology and archaeology; and curatorial experience in an area of the collections with a strong preference for expertise in the ethnography of Africa. 
  • Experience, expertise and demonstrated commitment to develop and nurture diverse approaches to making multi-cultural collections more accessible, particularly in support of the university’s focus in the areas of ethnicity and indigeneity.
  • Some supervisory experience preferred together with skills to direct and mentor staff, and commitment to an inclusive and team-based approach to projects.
  • Must possess excellent organizational, interpersonal, communication, cultural competence, and problem-solving skills. 
  • Demonstrated record of scholarly engagement and production, together with strong public speaking and written presentation skills.
  • Some travel may be required.

The Peabody

The Peabody Museum cares for over 1.2 million items from across the world, including cultural, archaeological, and osteological collections as well as extensive photographic and archival materials. The Museum is committed to the ethical stewardship of its collections through implementation of collaborative and culturally responsive care, interpretation, and engagement. We strive for a diverse, inclusive and equitable working environment and to act in ways that address the global challenges of climate change and environmental sustainability.  

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