Head Curator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Montana Historical Society has an opening for a full-time Head of Exhibits.  This position is responsible for facilitating and managing the Exhibits Team in the creation of engaging and distinctive interpretive museum exhibits.  In coordination with project team members, museum staff and external partners, initiates, plans, designs, executes, monitors and closes exhibition projects in both 2-and-3-dimensional spaces.  Leads the museum's Exhibits Team, performing management functions including hiring, firing, performance management, discipline, work distribution and employee development. 

The ideal candidate is motivated, energetic, loves being part of a team and is excited about being a part of the Montana Historical Society. 

The Head of Exhibits works 40 hours a week, Monday through Friday. 

Representative Duties: 

• Supervises Exhibits Team staff of three: Graphics Designer, Exhibits Preparator, and Museum Facilities Specialist.

• Oversees planning, design, installation, and maintenance of all exhibits, utilizing current museum standards for exhibits, artifact conservation, and preservation. Works closely with Curatorial and Collections Teams to coordinate all parts and participants of the exhibit production process, from initial conceptual design to final installation of each exhibit project. Brings all parts and pieces into a complete and unified vision and result.

• Develops designs for exhibits that create engaging experiences for all visitors by sharing stories told through artifacts, artwork, graphics, interactives, and media.

• Serves on project teams and ensures the integration of design with all project goals including interpretation, education, curatorial, conservation, and accessibility.

• Expected to be skilled in all areas of exhibit design including the development of digital sketches, 3D models, and documentation drawings to communicate and execute all phases of design.  Creates measured floor plans, wall elevations, and case layouts to move design into fabrication.

• Develops and implements the project plan to include determining methodologies, scope, and deliverables of the project; identifying the work required to successfully complete the project; preparing a project budget and staffing plan; setting project schedule; identifying and assessing risks and issues; and gaining acceptance of the plan.

• Maintains communication between all stakeholders and documents the decision-making process throughout the exhibit project.

• In collaboration with other members of the exhibit project teams, performs exhibit project post-implementation activities such as evaluation, soliciting feedback from stakeholders, preparing a report, and archiving information.  Supports ongoing maintenance and assessment through duration of exhibit.  Assesses internal and external feedback to inform future exhibit projects.

• Manages exhibit project schedules to address risks, issues, and ensure timely completion of the project and milestones through regular project status meetings.

• Conducts exhibit kick-off meeting, regular meetings throughout the design-fabrication-installation process, and final close-out meeting.

• Facilitates information-gathering sessions as needed to gather specific data, such as historical content/resources, funding information, exhibit proposals, strategic plans, etc.

• Monitors and manages exhibit project costs to ensure project is completed within budget.  Works closely with Museum Program Manager to align exhibit budget needs with overall department budget.

• Conducts exhibit-related research (such as proper materials and conservation standards or educationally-appropriate interactives) and write reports/create sketches to support decisions based on that research.

Education: 

• Bachelor's degree in design-related field, such as museum studies, fine arts, graphic design, industrial design, or architecture. 

Preferred Education: 

• Master's degree in design-related field, such as museum studies, fine arts, graphic design, industrial design, or architecture. 

Experience: 

• Five years in exhibit design, theater or set design, trade show booth design, or similar practice. 

• Two years of management and supervisory experience

• Demonstrated experience in museum exhibit implementation, from concept to installation

• Other combinations of education or experience may be substituted

Knowledge of: 

• Current museum ethics, policies, and practices, particularly relating to exhibition design, research, conservation, collections, documentation, environment, security, and accessibility

• Exhibition fabrication, lighting, graphic design, and all other steps related to exhibition production

• Familiarity with best practices for display of art and artifacts of historical significance including collections requirements, lighting, mount-making, etc. 

Skills In: 

• Excellent organizational, administrative, and communication skills

• Leadership, project and people management skills

• Use of 3D software (such as SketchUp) and Adobe Creative Suite

Ability to: 

• Work cooperatively within a larger team

• Work in a fast-paced environment on multiple projects simultaneously while meeting schedule and budget requirements

• Translate curatorial narratives into a physical space, demonstrating coherence between content and design, flexibility to work in a variety of styles for different audiences, and overall general creativity   

• Prepare digital sketches, drawings, specifications, and models for planning purposes, fabrication, and presentations

Hours of Operation: 

The Montana Heritage Center operates seven days a week:  Monday - Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.  The Montana Heritage Center is open holidays except Thanksgiving and Christmas. 

As an employee of the Montana Historical Society your work hours may fall outside the regular Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. schedule. 

In accordance with HB 13, this position will receive a $1.00 per hour raise or 2.5%, whichever is greater beginning 

July 1, 2026. 

This position is open until filled.  The first review of applications will be Thursday, June 4, 2026. 

The following documents must be submitted to be considered for this position (be sure to mark each attachment as relevant): 

• Cover Letter

• Resume

• Exhibition Portfolio Examples (2 examples)

• State of Montana Application