Jobs and Internships

SENIOR PREPARATOR Colby College Museum of Art Full-Time, Exempt, Salaried, Administrative Staff Appointment The senior preparator is a multifaceted, multi-skilled position, entrusted with the physical care and handling and installation of the museum’s art collection and exhibition loans. The senior preparator is responsible for the handling, movement, preparation, matting, framing, installing, and packing of artwork in the collection of the Museum and on loan to the Museum. The position requires a high level of responsibility and skillful prioritization, and the senior preparator must be able to multi-task effectively and manage several projects at once. Working closely with colleagues on the collections and curatorial and engagement teams, this position will be called upon to help with all matters pertaining to the physical production of an exhibition as well as ongoing stewardship and daily care of the collection. The senior preparator is responsible for identifying, hiring, and training a skilled crew of part-time art handling personnel and effectively coordinating teamwork on installations and collection care. Founded in 1959, the Colby College Museum of Art is a teaching museum, destination for American art, and a place for engagement with local and global communities. Located on the Colby College campus in Waterville, Maine, the Museum holds more than 10,000 works of art and offers more than 38,000 square feet of exhibition space. Major works by American artists including Albert Bierstadt, Winslow Homer, James McNeill Whistler, Mary Cassatt, and William Merritt Chase form the core of the historical collection, along with significant holdings of American folk art. The modern movement is represented by artists including John Marin, Marsden Hartley, Georgia O’Keeffe, Jacob Lawrence, Joan Mitchell, Isamu Noguchi, and Alma Thomas. The Museum also maintains a significant collection of contemporary American art including works by Alex Katz, Agnes Martin, Sol LeWitt, Maya Lin, Kara Walker, Elizabeth Murray, Martin Puryear, Terry Winters, and Julie Mehretu. Other principal areas of the collection include Greek and Roman antiquities, European prints and drawings, and early Chinese art.  Works in the collection strengthen the Museum’s mission to offer Colby students new perspectives on their classroom studies and expand their understanding of diverse subjects through art. The recent donation of more than 1,500 artworks from Paula and Peter Lunder expands that scope, and the creation of the Lunder Institute for American Art enhances the Museum’s engagement with scholarly and creative production. The Museum welcomes more than 3,500 Maine school children each year and offers a vibrant calendar of family and public programs that are free and open to all. In addition, the Museum serves as a key contributor to the revitalization of downtown Waterville through its membership in Waterville Creates! and its active participation in the programmatic initiatives of Colby College.  Established in 2017, the Lunder Institute for American Art supports innovative research and creative production that expands the boundaries of American art. The Lunder Institute invites visiting artists, scholars, and fellows to engage across disciplines with Colby faculty and students, the College’s network of institutional partners, leading experts, and other creative collaborators. Through incubator grants, fellowships, and symposia addressing regional and global concerns, the Lunder Institute amplifies marginalized voices, challenges convention, and provides a platform for generative dialogue through art and scholarship.  The Colby Museum is deeply committed to strengthening diversity, inclusion, and equity across all strategic and programmatic areas of the Museum, actively building a multiplicity of perspectives and backgrounds represented on our staff and Board of Governors, outreach to diverse audiences, inclusive exhibitions and programs, and a broad-based, expansive collection. We encourage inquiries from candidates who will contribute to the diversity of our college, including its cultural and ethnic diversity. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Preparation, matting and framing, basic collections care, and basic cleaning of objects in the museum collection Design and fabricate archival mounts, boxes, trays, etc. for the long-term storage of artworks in the collection With registrar for collections, manage correct housing of collection objects and packing/crating for shipment Maintain accurate storage location of artwork, reporting daily to the registrar for collections on the movement of each artwork to be entered into the database Perform all duties related to exhibition preparation including, but not limited to, framing, preparing, hanging, moving of heavy sculpture, installation, de-installation, packing, shipping, and receiving artwork Consult as needed on exhibition design elements; work with artists and museum team on site-specific installations Move object cases and other exhibit furniture, install art in all media – mount vinyl text, object labels, photographs and other didactic exhibition material; design and fabricate museum mounts for small objects Coordinate necessary part-time staff and materials for gallery preparation, supervising, training, scheduling, and hiring part-time art handling staff Order supplies and materials for the framing and packing shop and budget costs for exhibitions and permanent collection supplies and operational expenditures Assist with budget preparation and tracking of installation/deinstallation-related expenses Maintain inventory of exhibition furniture, crates, and frames and arrange transportation of frames, furniture, and crates from offsite storage to Museum Occasional travel with objects required for exhibitions and installations Perform additional duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in education and experience 3-5 years of experience with the care and handling of fine art objects in a museum setting Knowledge of museum standards and best practices for the care and handling of objects and materials used for housing and installation Manual dexterity and care in the handling of art objects and ability to carefully follow established procedures Experience cutting mats, hinging, and framing works on paper; framing canvases; basic carpentry skills and tools Knowledge of standard tools, practices, and methods in painting, rough and finish carpentry, and cabinet work as well as use of materials such as various kinds of lumber, fabrics, plastics, mechanical fasteners, and adhesives Experience in safe operation and maintenance of hand and power tools, hydraulic lifts, and specialized equipment Ability to interpret and produce work from architectural/design plans and fabrication shop drawings Excellent organizational skills; ability to see projects through to completion; ability to apply creative methods to solve installation problems with an attention to detail Valid driver’s license required and must meet the College’s Fleet Safety Policy requirements Proven ability to work independently and as a member of a team, exercise discretion, and work collaboratively as a member of a diverse community KEY RELATIONSHIPS: The senior preparator reports to the manager of registration and collections and works closely with the director of operations. The senior preparator also works directly with museum curators, the manager of exhibitions and publications, registration staff, and other related staff on the installation, deinstallation, and travel of exhibits. The senior preparator works closely with the academic programs staff to provide access to the collection for the faculty and students and assists other museum colleagues on various projects as needed. WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to perform the essential functions. General open office and campus environment. Ability to climb ladders and scaffolding, ability to lift up to 75 lbs., and stand for long periods of time. Ability to use eyes and hands to examine and handle delicate objects. Work outside of normal business hours and more than 40 hours during periods of installation/deinstallation. Position involves sitting, although frequent movement is necessary. Computer usage involving repetitive hand/wrist motion is also necessary. For more information and to apply visit: http://www.colby.edu/administration_cs/humanresources/employment/senior_preparator_9_2019.cfm

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND SENIOR PARTNER WITH WABANAKI NATIONS

Bar Harbor, Maine

Type: Full-time position; start date January 2, 2020

Required Education: Master’s degree or equivalent experience

Salary: $82K-$87K plus benefits

               Salary negotiable based on experience and proven record of success

With the mission to inspire new learning about the Wabanaki Nations with every visit, the Abbe Museum is a decolonizing museum (https://www.abbemuseum.org/), offering changing exhibitions and a programming schedule for all ages, welcoming 30,000 visitors each year on Mount Desert Island, Maine, home of Acadia National Park. The museum maintains a collaborative partnership with Wabanaki people that emphasizes Wabanaki self-determination.  The museum also has a long history of partnership with the Park; our Sieur de Monts site is the only remaining trailside museum in the National Park system.

The Abbe is an active member of the International Coalition for the Sites of Conscience and in 2013, the Abbe became the only Smithsonian Affiliate in Maine. Annually, we hire over 30 Native artists and demonstrators to lead programs for schools and public audiences, serve on advisory committees and as content specialists, and we represent over 80 Native artists in our shops, making us an economic engine for tribal communities.

The Abbe Museum has the organizational mandate to decolonize its relationships and practices. We are the among the first non-tribal museums to make this commitment. Through collaborative practice that includes foregrounding Native/Indigenous/First Nations voices and perspectives, respecting the collections and telling the multiple stories of more than 10,000 years of history, and maintaining our commitment to social justice and equity, the Abbe Museum is breaking ground in 21st-century museum practice. We seek actively to promote inclusion and power-sharing in service to and in partnership with Wabanaki and other Native/Indigenous/First Nations communities. The Executive Director and Senior Partner with Wabanaki Nations will coordinate this work on behalf of the Abbe Museum and in collaboration with the Wabanaki peoples.

Candidates should be able to demonstrate history of success working with non-profit organizations, and have a strong record of success in fundraising and cultivation of programs that aid the ongoing financial health of the organization. The successful candidate for this position should have a minimum of five years’ experience working with Native communities, and be able to demonstrate engagement in decolonizing practices. The candidate benefits from a graduate degree or equivalent experience in one of various fields: Indigenous/Native American Studies, Anthropology, Museum Studies, Management, or an associated field. Candidates must have knowledge of and/or demonstrated interest in Wabanaki cultural traditions.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Executive Director and Senior Partner with Wabanaki Nations supports the Abbe’s vision to review, revise, and implement ongoing strategies that facilitate the mission and goals of decolonizing. They work in partnership with the Board of Trustees and the tribally-appointed Native Advisory Council to establish operational objectives that support the strategic planning. 

The main responsibilities of the Executive Director and Senior Partner with Wabanaki Nations are to:

• Manage the Abbe’s staff, operations, business, and facilities

• Lead development efforts for the museum, including a capital campaign, ongoing fundraising, and grant-seeking programs that meet goals established by the Board

• Lead development of relationships with Indigenous/First Nations/Native communities, pursuing new opportunities for collaboration and partnerships

• Serve as an ambassador for the Abbe, sustaining active involvement in regional and national museum organizations.

The Executive Director and Senior Partner with Wabanaki Nations works at the Abbe’s Bar Harbor headquarters during standard business hours. Evening and weekend activities are not uncommon. Some travel is required, within our region and beyond.  The Executive Director and Senior Partner with Wabanaki Nations reports to the Board of Trustees.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIESinclude but are not limited to:

Management

The Executive Director and Senior Partner with Wabanaki Nations shall:

• Lead, build, and motivate the organization and its partners, exhibiting a commitment to the organization’s vision of decolonizing, social justice, and equity.

• Work with staff (in consultation with Native Advisory Council) to produce truth-telling exhibits, facilitate engaging programs and respectful research, and steward vibrant collections.

• Lead a process to evaluate and revise the Abbe Museum strategic plan.

• Execute contracts and decisions on behalf of the Abbe (subject to guidance and policies set by the Board of Trustees), maintain records, and communicate clearly with staff colleagues, Board, and Native Advisory Council in a timely manner.

• Manage full-time staff, including training, professional development and annual evaluation.

• Establish and maintain a work environment that facilitates open communication, clearly articulated expectations, and a mutual respect that supports and motivates Abbe employees, contributing to a healthy workplace environment.

 • Engage in discussion with the Native Advisory Council, Board of Trustees, staff, and other invested parties, in a manner that facilitates reflection and constructive dialogue that contributes to the organization’s overall goals.

Fundraising & Finances

The Executive Director and Senior Partner with Wabanaki Nations shall:

• Manage museum assets and finances with oversight from the Board of Trustees.

• Lead the museum’s capital funding campaign, as mandated in the Abbe strategic plan.

• Actively seek, engage, and plan opportunities to obtain funding through grants or donations from individuals, corporations, foundations, and governmental agencies with the goal of building and maintaining a dependable income stream for the Abbe.

• Collaborate with the Director of Advancement to identify, recruit, and build productive ongoing relationships with prospective donors through personal contact and fundraising events.

• Oversee and strategically develop earned income streams, including admissions, museum shop, rentals, consulting, and other opportunities.

Relationship Building with the Wabanaki

The Executive Director and Senior Partner with Wabanaki Nations shall:

• Collaborate with Wabanaki Nations and communities across their homelands that include what is now recognized as Maine, New England, Quebec, and the Canadian Maritimes.

• Demonstrate cultural awareness and interest in Wabanaki cultural practices.  Indigenous heritage is advantageous, but not required.

• Demonstrate understanding of settler-colonialism and ability to facilitate decolonizing practices through a lens of social justice and self-determination.

Public and Professional Outreach and Engagement

The Executive Director and Senior Partner with Wabanaki Nations shall:

• Oversee the Abbe Museum’s web presence and communications.

• Represent the Abbe Museum at public and private events.

• Foster and maintain relationships with Bar Harbor businesses, non-profits, and National Park Service personnel.

• Develop relationships with artists and other culture bearers, collectors, business leaders, public officials, professional museum organizations, and media – clearly articulating and acting upon our goal of decolonizing and our ongoing commitment to social justice and equity.

TO APPLY, please email a cover letter indicating previous relevant work, a resume or CV, and contact information for three references to:

Margo Lukens

  Co-Chair, Search Committee

Darren Ranco

  Co-Chair, Search Committee

search@abbemuseum.org

No phone calls, please.

Review of applications will begin October 15, 2019 and continue as needed.

The Abbe Museum is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on age, sex, gender, ethnicity or cultural affiliation, physical ability, or religion. We encourage applications from Indigenous/First Nations/Native people and intersectional identities including Two-Spirit, LGBTQ, and people of color.

For information on Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Island:

https://www.visitbarharbor.com/

for information on Acadia National Park:

https://www.nps.gov/acad/index.htm

For information about living and working in Maine:

https://www.liveandworkinmaine.com/

Archivist / Librarian

Old York Historical Society

York / Kittery, Maine

The Old York Historical Society seeks a part-time Archivist / Librarian to be an integral part of the organization’s small, dedicated staff.  The Archivist / Librarian will be responsible for managing all aspects of the institution’s paper and digital collections, as well as public access at the new Old York Research Center in Kittery, Maine, located seven miles from the administrative offices in York.  Old York uses PastPerfect for maintaining collections records.  The successful candidate will have a degree and/or certificate in archival or library studies, or equivalent experience; be proficient in using collections management databases; and demonstrate confidence in interacting with the public.  Position description is available by request from director@oldyork.org .  A letter of interest and résumé may be sent to the same email address.

Salary:  $19.00 hourly

Employment Type:  Part time / 12 hours per week

Closes:  October 4, 2019

Looking for an opportunity to work in a place of wonder and exploration?

The L.C.Bates useum is currently  recruiting for a part-time Museum Educator/Assistant (up to 29 hours per week) to work at the L.C. Bates Museum at Good Will-Hinckley. The L.C. Bates Museum houses unique natural history and culture collections. This position primarily involves working with children and families presenting natural history programs, but would also involve working in all aspects of the museum including greeting visitors and presenting tours, preparing exhibitions, presenting outside activities, helping develop programs for children and presenting educational outreach programs at schools.

Please contact the L.C.Bates Museum at 207-238-4250 or lcbates@gwh.org for more information.

Pejepscot Historical Society in Brunswick, Maine, seeks a self-motivated, forward-thinking, part-time Development Manager to work with the Executive Director and Board of Trustees in strengthening and expanding PHS’s overall fundraising program to advance its mission and 10-year vision.

In addition to day-to-day responsibility for development activities, the Development Manager will help plan long-term funding strategies and build sustainable philanthropic relationships for PHS’s three museums: the Pejepscot Museum and Research Center, the Joshua L. Chamberlain Museum, and the Skolfield-Whittier House.

Responsibilities include improving member retention and attracting new members; increasing the annual fund and creating other targeted campaigns, developing PHS’s Business Partner program, assisting with grant writing, and working on special fundraising events.

Qualifications: BA or BS degree in communications, business, marketing, or humanities/related fields with relevant experience; advanced degree helpful. Prefer 3-5 years experience in non-profit development or marketing roles. Strong interpersonal, organizational, project management, written/verbal skills required. Facility with constituent databases. Interest in local history. Willingness to work as part of a small team.

Non-exempt position reports to the Executive Director and is approximately 20-24 hours per week year-round. Limited evening and weekend hours required for programs and events. Salary commensurate with experience. Eligible for pro-rated leave time after six-month probationary period.

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, short writing sample, and the names and contact info of three professional references to director@pejepscothistorical.org. Accepting applications through January 17, 2020. Position open until filled. FMI:http://pejepscothistorical.org/about-us/job-opening.

To apply visit this link: https://usm.hiretouch.com/job-details?jobID=57191&job=education-outreach-assistant-administrative-specialist-cl3-temporary

Position Title: Education Outreach Assistant (Administrative Specialist CL3) - Temporary

Campus: Portland

Department: Library Administration - PLY

Salary Band/Wage Band: B23, $15.50/hr

Work Schedule:

Typically Tuesdays-Fridays, morning through afternoon (K-12 schedule)

Statement of Job:

The University of Southern Maine is seeking applicants for the part-time (20 hours per week), temporary (up to one year from start date), non-benefited, hourly position of Educational Outreach Assistant in the Osher Map Library and Smith Center for Cartographic Education (OML SCCE) located on the Portland campus. Hours are typically Tuesday to Friday, morning through early afternoon (K-12 schedule). Expected start date around September 1, 2019.

The Educational Outreach Assistant will assist the Coordinator of Educational Outreach with curriculum development, field trip support (on and off site), teacher workshops, and increased outreach to local high school educators. This position provides administrative and complex clerical work for OML SCCE outreach, with a strong emphasis on K-12 outreach, organization, and follow through. This position works collaboratively in a small team environment to support the mission and services of the Osher Map Library and Smith Center for Cartographic Education. Independent judgment and initiative are frequently exercised. The Educational Outreach Assistant works with other staff on library marketing, social media, and website activities and content. This position has extensive in-person, telephone, and online interactions with students (K-12 and university), faculty, staff, and the general public, and utilizes a wide range of resources in a variety of formats. The Assistant may supervise student employees.

Pay is $15.50 per hour.

We live our USM Service Promise Student Focused Every Day and we are looking for a staff member who understands that promise and supports our values: Respect & Care, Integrity, Equity and Responsiveness.

We are the University of Everyone – committed to building a culturally diverse team of leaders, faculty and staff. We welcome applicants who are multi-lingual. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications:

Required:

Bachelor’s in related field (History, Secondary Education, Geography, Museum Studies, etc.) or equivalent education and work experience

Experience working with K-12 students and teachers

Valid driver’s license

Ability to work successfully with many people at all levels

Ability to lift and transport outreach materials

Experience working in various computer environments

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Preferred:

Experience working in a library, special collection, school, or museum setting in an educational capacity

Marketing and website updating experience

Experience working with high school students and teachers

Other Information:

Materials must be submitted via "Apply for position." You will create an applicant profile and complete an application. You will need to upload a cover letter, resume/curriculum vitae and a list of the names and contact information for three references.

All required materials must be submitted by 8/25/2019

Appropriate background screening will be conducted for the successful candidate.

The University of Southern Maine is an EEO/AA employer, and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information or veteran’s status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. For inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Equal Opportunity Office, 101 North Stevens Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5754, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).

Founded in 1945, the Bar Harbor Historical Society was formed to collect and preserve the history of Bar Harbor. Having recently purchased a magnificent estate for its museum, LaRochelle, an outstanding historic shoreside mansion built in 1902, the BHHS now seeks to hire its first professional full-time staff member.  The successful candidate for the Executive Director position will have the unique opportunity to work with the Board of Directors to develop a new museum, guide the organization into its next phase, and create what will become one of Bar Harbor's main attractions. The Executive Director has overall operational, fundraising, programming, and marketing responsibility for BHHS and serves as the public face of the organization. A full job description is available upon request. The ideal candidate will possess a college degree, strong financial skills as well as a background in history, with demonstrated success at fundraising, networking, and grant writing. Candidates should have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, social media platforms, or other similar programs. The Executive Director must be an independent, creative thinker with strong writing and communications skills as well as the ability to work with the Board of Directors, community members, and volunteers. Please direct any questions or submit a letter of interest with resume by June 14 to Kate McBrien at McBrien Museum Consulting by sending an email to mcbrienmuseumconsulting@gmail.com.

The Boothbay Region Historical Society seeks an independent, highly organized office manager for its museum at 72 Oak St., Boothbay Harbor. Applicants should enjoy working with the public, be competent with Microsoft computer programs and understand MS Access or similar database. The office manager is responsible for a wide variety of tasks under the direction of the board of trustees, including but not limited to: light bookkeeping and banking, volunteer training, maintenance of member and donor records, correspondence, troubleshooting technology issues, and managing general society business. The office manager also works closely with our  local historian and serves as the face of the society when greeting visitors and researchers. This is a year-round, 16-hour per week position. Fixed hours are Thursdays and Fridays 10:00-2:00. Remaining 8 hours are somewhat flexible. For more information, contact the society at brhs@gwi.net, 207-633-0820, or stop by the museum Thursday – Saturday 10:00-2:00. Applicants must submit a cover letter and current resume by May 29 to Office Manager Position, Boothbay Region Historical Society, PO Box 272, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538, or by email to brhs@gwi.net.

 Maine Historical Society (MHS) is hosting a paid summer internship within its historic costume collection. The 350‐hour summer internship pays $5,000 ($14.28/hr), and takes place in Portland at our offsite facility. Ideal candidates include graduate students recently accepted to, currently enrolled in, or recent graduates of a Museum Studies, Fashion History or a Material Culture program. This internship focuses on all aspects of costume collection review, preparation, and preservation, including item level inspection, dressing mannequins, cataloguing and preparing items for long term storage. The application deadline is May 22, 2019. We have a flexible start date, but ask that the internship be completed by September 30, 2019.

 

Please visit our website for more information. https://www.mainehistory.org/about_opportunities.shtml

Camp Tecumseh seeks an intern from a Museum Studies, Heritage Studies, Historic Preservation or similar program.  

This non profit overnight summer camp for boys, founded in 1903 by three University of Pennsylvania Olympic athletes, is located on Lake Winnipesaukee.  See www.camptecumseh.net and especially alumni spotlight page for an example of a previous internship project.   

The Camp Tecumseh Archives contains paper-based materials dating from 1903 to the present, many digital photographs and oral histories, and some artifacts.

Projects to be determined by intern, advisor, and consulting archivist.  Possible choices include:
Identify, photograph and catalog artifacts in the Archives and around the Camp
Document Poor Farm cemetery on property or other historic structures
Develop timeline for property and Camp; and identify images and objects that might be used in a virtual and/or physical exhibit
Research and conduct oral history interview(s)

Supervisor is the Consulting Archivist. 

Unpaid; meals available at Camp.  Camp sessions run between June 22 and August 11 for any on-premises tasks. 

Please provide letter of interest, and CV to

Cynthia Swank, CA, CRM

cgswank@inlookgroup.com