Museum Research Worker jobs in Richmond, VA

• Manages and updates the Museum website, as well as the Museum’s social media platforms.
• Plans, organizes and directs services for the Spotsylvania County Museum and Wayside Exhibits using best practices, including but not limited to policies, collections, exhibits, education, promotion, and outreach.
• Develops exhibits, interpretive displays, public tours, events, and tourism programs for the Museum and other County buildings.
• Serves as the curator of collections and provides for the acquisition, care, interpretation, preservation, display, and appropriate insurance for artifacts, etc.
• Maintains databases, records, and documentation of the Museum collection, including use of PastPerfect software and other museum and institution-specific software.
• Plans and executes the Museum collections audits.
• Manages permanent and rotating exhibits, including research, design, and development of text, fabrication, installation, and maintenance of exhibits in the Museum, various public buildings, and County historic sites, as well as outdoor wayside site exhibits.
• Recommends additions to the collection and interacts with other public institutions and private citizens for the loans and/or donations of historical objects per Museum and institution best practices and established guidelines.
• Researches and prepares budgetary recommendations to the Tourism Manager for exhibits and Museum operations.
• Executes programs and projects funded through the use of grants.
• Researches and creates background materials and educational training to provide to the Office of Tourism staff.
• Conducts extensive background research on objects, takes photographs and videos of objects for records, and properly stores artifacts in the collections building.
• Supports Museum functions through research, writing, editing, photography, video production, and graphic design.
• Writes and edits materials, including blogs, newsletters, advertisements, website text, press releases, social media, etc.
• Coordinates and plans tours, special events, and projects.
• Interacts with the public as needed concerning the Museum and County history.
• Participates in professional organizations and training opportunities when assigned.
• Works weekends and evening hours as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Bachelor’s Degree in Museum Studies, Historic Preservation, History, or a closely related field. Progressive experience working in a museum encompassing exhibition planning, development, design, installation, and artifact preservation. 

Knowledge of historic preservation and/or museum operations is required and project management experience is preferred. 

Must possess and maintain a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license.  

• Knowledge of best practices used in museum operations.
• Knowledge of the methods and techniques used in historic preservation. 
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to develop and implement creative ideas and solutions, including writing and editing materials for publication and composing and editing articles and other informative and educational materials.
• Knowledge of current practices related to digitization of collections.
• Knowledge of proper copyright procedures.
• Knowledge of communications methodologies for disseminating information and publicizing programs, events, and services.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with museum industry representatives, the general public, County employees, and other agencies.
• Ability to exercise considerable tact and courtesy in frequent contact with County, State, and federal officials, and the general public.
• Ability to speak publicly to large tour and/or educational groups using both planned and unplanned formats, as well as present lectures in?person and virtually.
• Ability to read a variety of informational documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures.
• Ability to write reports with proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar, using all parts of speech.
• Ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control, and confidence using correct English and well?modulated voice.
• Ability to learn and understand relatively complex principles and techniques, to make independent judgments in the absence of supervision, and to acquire knowledge of topics related to primary occupation.
• Ability to record and deliver information, explain procedures and policies, and follow verbal and written instructions, guidelines, and objectives.
• Ability to utilize mathematical formulas, add and subtract totals, multiply and divide, determine percentages, and determine time and weight.
• Ability to communicate respectfully and professionally.
• General knowledge of and ability to use desktop publishing and other computer programs for graphic and art design, social media posts, advertisements, newsletters, and MS PowerPoint presentations.
• Working knowledge of Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms.
• Working knowledge of PastPerfect museum software and Canva graphic design application with the ability to learn other museum and institution-specific software. 
• Ability to exercise independent judgment, discretion, and initiative in completing assignments.
• Ability to work with little direct supervision as situations warrant.
• Ability to record and deliver information, explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to speak and understand Standard English.