Curator of Exhibits in Louisville, Kentucky at Kentucky Derby Museum

Kentucky Derby Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization that sits on the front steps of historic Churchill Downs Racetrack. It is one of the premiere attractions in the Louisville region, celebrating the tradition, history, hospitality and pride of the world-renowned event that is the Kentucky Derby. The Museum welcomes over 258,000 visitors annually; a large percentage of those visitors come from outside of Kentucky, journeying from across the country and the world.

Position Purpose:

The primary purpose for this position is to develop, implement, and manage the exhibition program of the Kentucky Derby Museum. This includes, but is not limited to, administrative and technical work in conceptual design, construction, installation and exhibit maintenance. This position reports to the Senior Director of Curatorial. This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Essential Functions/Accountabilities:

• Leads the Museum in the development, design, fabrication, and installation of on-site and traveling exhibits.
• Maintains and updates existing permanent exhibits.
• Has the knowledge and skill to use basic fabrication tools and ensures safe storage & maintenance.
• Works with the curatorial department to create evaluation standards for exhibits and successful dissemination and implementation of results.
• Works with facilities team on contacting, requesting, and receiving quotes from outside vendors and assists in monitoring their work to ensure satisfactory completion.
• Works with the curatorial team on artifact selection and interpretation for exhibitions.
• Works with the Sr. Director of Curatorial to develop and administer exhibit budgets.
• Assists in the evaluation of exhibit-related technologies and takes a role in implementation and maintenance. This includes, but is not limited to, exhibit lighting, use of specialty applications to control exhibit environments and basic knowledge of current technological innovations.
• Develops and implements special departmental projects.
• Other duties as assigned

While every effort has been made to make this description of the essential functions as complete as possible, it in no way states or implies that this is an exhaustive listing of the only duties you will be required to perform. The omission of specific statements of functions or responsibilities does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or is a logical assignment to the position.

Expected Behaviors:

• As a Kentucky Derby Museum employee, upholds our mission statement; whenever possible, Engage, Educate, and Excite everyone about the extraordinary experience that is the Kentucky Derby.
• Provides excellent customer service by making a connection with customers, asking questions and listening to their needs, based on their feedback.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree with 3 years of experience in three-dimensional design and/or museum exhibit design; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter, organized, and project-oriented.
• Knowledge of and/or training in exhibit development, design and fabrication.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to complete projects on time and on budget.
• Ability to coordinate and manage outside vendors so that they will deliver project specified by Museum’s mission.
• Basic knowledge of artifact care and maintenance to ensure proper use in exhibitions.
• Ability to use various types of power tools and related equipment.
• Experience using the Adobe Creative Suite.
• Experience using AutoCAD, SketchUp, or similar computer assisted design program.
• Experience working with the Microsoft Office suite including Word, Excel, Outlook and Access.
• Ability to work effectively alone and as the member of a larger team.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to successfully pass a background check.

Work Schedule:

• Approximately 40 hours per week, hours may vary (open all days of the week).
• All team members are required to work additional hours during Derby season. This includes but is not limited to working shifts on Thurby, Oaks, Derby, and the Sunday of Derby weekend. All team members are also required to work the week of the National FFA conference and Breeder’s Cup (when held in Louisville).

Working Conditions:

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to stand for long periods of time, walk, and climb stairs. This individual will be required to lift packages up to 25 lbs. The employee is required to have non-standard workday hours during the spring and fall sessions. All indoor spaces are air-conditioned, although some job duties may take place outside, or in another non-climate-controlled space.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to a crowded work area. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to navigate a crowded area and handle a challenging workload.