Curator of Education – The Abbey Collection at Tillers International Museum

(Applications Closed 4-11-24)

Position Overview:

Tillers International is seeking a knowledgeable and passionate Curator of Educator to join our team, with a focus on sharing The Abbey Collection with visitors from SW Michigan, Kalamazoo, and the world.

This role is ideal for an individual with a strong background in history, agriculture, and education, who is eager to engage with the community and promote the understanding and use of historical tools and technology in contemporary farm research and development. Interpretating collections of both tools (material culture) and skills, practices, processes, and systems (intangible culture) to visitors are central to this role’s success.

Key Responsibilities:

• Educational Programming: Develop, implement, and lead educational programs and workshops related to The Abbey Collection, classes and farm-based activities, ensuring they are engaging, informative, and accessible to diverse audiences.

• Collection Curation: Assist in the management and curation of The Abbey Collection, including cataloging, conservation, and exhibition design, to effectively convey the historical significance ofvthe collection.

• Community Engagement: Actively engage with the local and regional community, including

schools, agricultural organizations, and historical societies, to promote the museum and its educational offerings.

• Visitor Experience: Enhance the visitor experience by providing guided tours, conducting livevdemonstrations, and answering questions related to The Abbey Collection and historical agricultural practices.

• Research and Development: Conduct ongoing research related to The Abbey Collection and historical agriculture to ensure the accuracy and relevance of museum content and programs.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Work collaboratively with museum staff, volunteers, and interns to support the overall mission of Tillers International and contribute to a positive, productive work environment.

• Grant Development: Identify opportunities to access novel funding to enhance the collection and to promote and share the collection.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in history, agriculture, education, museum studies, or a related field

• Experience in lieu of formal education will be given complete consideration.

• Proven experience in historical education, museum work, or agricultural education, with a strong preference for candidates with hands-on experience in historical agricultural practices.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of audiences, including children, families, and academic researchers.

• Strong organizational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment as well as independently.

• Familiarity with current educational technology and practices, with the ability to integrate these into educational programs and exhibits.

• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of museum operations and programming.

Working Conditions:

This position may require working in a variety of settings, including indoor museum environments and outdoor historical farm settings. Weekend and evening hours may be required to accommodate museum programming and special events.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references to [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Interviews are expected to begin in March and will be conducted until a successful applicant is identified.

Tillers International is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in thevworkplace. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds including candidates form non-traditionalvprofessional pathways to apply.

3.11.2024