Exhibition Content Development & Research SpecialistFT / PT Status - Full-Time
Salary - $20.36 - $34.98 Hourly Wage
Remote Work / In-Office - In-Office / On-Site
Recruiter - Coral Ortega caortega@utah.gov
Application Deadline - 6/3/2026 6:00 PM MDT
The Utah Historical Society (UHS) is seeking an Exhibition Content Developer & Researcher to lead the content production for the Museum of Utah. Reporting to the Exhibitions Manager, this role turns archival facts and artifacts into compelling visitor journeys across all museum platforms-including permanent galleries, temporary exhibitions, and eventually traveling and online exhibits. This is a practitioner role for a researcher and writer who excels at the technical side of storytelling. This position will manage the "Master Script" for 17,000 sq. ft. of permanent galleries and temporary exhibitions. This position will focus on ensuring all content is historically accurate and presented as easily digestible information for a public audience. This requires meticulous organization throughout every stage of the exhibition development process.
Key Working Relationships - Collections Staff: Works with them to access objects, provenance data, and genealogical data.
- Design Team (Graphic Designer & Production Specialist): Works with this position to translate research into visual narratives, reviewing graphic proofs for factual accuracy and ensuring fabricated structures.
- Exhibition Installation Team (Preparator): Works with this position on the physical placement of labels and objects during installation of gallery rotations.
Key ResponsibilitiesResearch & Sourcing - Integrated Exhibit Research: Conducts primary research into archives, libraries, and museums to uncover "people-centered" stories and investigates artifact and image provenance, ensuring every selection directly supports the exhibit's theme.
- Artifact Research & Advocacy: Maintains the Exhibition Research Survey Log and Object Information Worksheets to ensure accountability, vet source credibility, and formally advocate for an object's inclusion through assessing and evaluating significance; collaborates with the Collections Team to confirm safe display and movement of selections.
- Connecting History: Investigates institutional and community archives to identify historical records and oral histories to connect local Utah events to broader national trends.
Writing & Scripting- Narrative Mapping: Partners with the Exhibition Manager, Graphic Designer and Exhibit Design & Production Specialist to map the "Story Arc," ensuring the physical layout reflects the narrative flow.
- Exhibit Scripting: Drafts all visitor-facing text, including large panels and small object labels (50-75 words), ensuring a consistent tone for both physical exhibits and digital content.
- Content Hand-off: Submits final, fact-checked scripts to the Designer and AV Manager on time, ensuring all text is ready for layout and production.
Collaboration & Process- The Project Bible: responsible for the technical organization and daily upkeep of all exhibition files, research and scripts. Maintains strict version control so the team is always working from the most recent, manager-approved draft.
- Content & Asset Tracking: Maintains and updates an Object & Supporting Materials Checklist. Performs the daily maintenance of this list to track which artifacts and images are selected for or cut from displays, ensuring all changes are documented in the institutional record and shared with the Collections Team.
- Meeting Support: Supports the Exhibitions Manager during reviews with community members, Tribes, Scholars, and committees. Responsible for documenting the feedback and integrating the manager's approved revisions are accurately reflected in the working drafts.
- Verification Check: Performs a final side-by-side check of all graphic layouts and media proofs against the approved "Project Bible." Flags technical errors-such as typos, mismatched photo credits, or incorrect dates-to ensure the final product matches the team's verified work before installation.
QualificationsMinimum Qualifications- Professional Background: 3+ years of professional experience in public-facing interpretation, exhibition development, or historical research. Background in museum studies, public history, cultural resource management, or educational project development are highly encouraged.
- Archival Proficiency: Demonstrated ability to navigate primary sources and digital databases to extract meaningful details quickly.
- Writing for the Public: Proven ability to translate complex history into brief, engaging narratives for a non-academic audience.
- Regional History: A deep interest in and knowledge of Utah's industrial, social, and cultural evolution.
- Multi-Format Adaptability: Ability to adapt writing style for different formats, including permanent galleries, temporary exhibits, and online content.
- Information Organization: Ability to manage multiple content tracks and high-volume data simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
- Collaborative Mindset: Experience working within a team where research directly informs physical design and media technology.
About the RoleLocation -
450 N State St
Salt Lake City, Utah, 84114
United States
Background Check Required - No
Drug Test Required - No
Schedule Code - B - Competitive Career Service
Why You Should Join Our TeamIn Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah, click here. Other benefits may include:
- Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
- Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
- Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
- Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.
The AgencyThe Utah Department of Cultural & Community Engagement isn't just another state agency. The programs we manage and the services we provide are the heart and soul of Utah. By working with local arts agencies, historical societies, volunteer organizations, libraries, museums, and other state and federal agencies, as well as the state's many indigenous and minority groups, the professionals in our department improve the lives of individuals and communities throughout Utah.
The department provides a fast paced, collaborative, and energetic work environment that supports employees in balancing work and home life. We actively encourage flexible work schedules and telecommuting options where it makes sense. To learn more about the Department of Cultural and Community Engagement, click here.
Founded in 1897, UHS works to foster curiosity about the past, inform the present, and strengthen our shared future. The agency continues to share the state's history through seven major initiatives, including Library & Collections, Utah Historical Quarterly and other publications, National History Day, Women's History Initiative, Peoples of Utah Revisited, and the Museum of Utah. Learn more about our work at history.utah.gov.
EEO StatementThe State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.