Exhibition & Content Curator Job at Maine Association of Nonprofits (MANP) in Po

Overview

Exhibition & Content Curator at Maine Historical Society (MHS) is a full-time role based in Portland, Maine. The Curator develops exhibits and interpretive content for in-person and digital audiences, drawing on MHS collections, staff expertise, content from partner networks, and community advisers to tell Maine’s story.

The position participates in all phases of exhibition development, from topic selection to research, design, planning, installation, promotion, and related programming. The Curator builds accessible narratives, develops interpretive materials, creates compelling visitor experiences, fosters community-driven storytelling, and ensures content resonates with general and target audiences.

This is a pivotal time for MHS as it designs a new museum experience and grows its audience and institutional capacity.

Position details

Position Title: Exhibition & Content Curator
Salary: $58,000 - $63,000
Status: Exempt, salaried
Schedule: Full time, 35 hours per week
Reports to: MHS Deputy Director
Posting Date: September 17, 2025
Application Close: October 31, 2025

Essential Responsibilities

1. Exhibit Curation (65%) — Develop engaging, responsive content for annual and rotating MHS gallery exhibitions; project-manage exhibition planning and installation; coordinate with exhibit designers, installers, and the Audience Engagement team on related marketing, programs, and experience; create companion digital assets with the Digital Projects team; support budget, calendars, and long-range planning; ensure adherence to museum policies; collaborate with the Collections Manager & Registrar on object handling and installation; prepare Visitor Services training guides.
2. Collections & Departmental Duties (20%) — Support digital projects and Maine Memory Network; collaborate with the Collections Team on acquisitions/deaccessions and loan requests; contribute to institutional planning and adherence to policy (including NAGPRA); assist with collection development, interpretation, public engagement, and space planning; participate in Board committees as appropriate.
3. Outreach (15%) — Support business plan and audience engagement goals through outreach, partnerships, donor communications, and donor tours/communication; collaborate on programs, gallery tours, and curriculum support; provide exhibition promotional materials to the marketing team; manage media inquiries and represent exhibitions publicly.

Qualifications

Required

• Advanced degree in Museum Studies or related humanities field
• Minimum of three (3) years’ experience curating and installing exhibitions
• Demonstrated experience with historical research
• Excellent written and verbal communication and storytelling skills
• Experience working with community partners or in a collaborative setting; ability to work independently or in a team
• Familiarity with handling museum/archival collections (physical and digital)
• Knowledge of museum best practices, policies, and ethics
• Strong project management skills; ability to multi-task and manage multiple projects
• Flexibility and adaptability; openness to audience feedback and public interaction

Preferred

• Working knowledge of Maine history
• Experience with Indigenous communities (Wabanaki Nations)
• Experience with diverse and inclusive storytelling
• Experience in a history museum setting
• Familiarity with digital humanities initiatives; Past Perfect Museum software and Microsoft/Adobe Suite

Working conditions & physical demands

Work occurs in office, gallery, and warehouse environments. Requires ability to move materials and fragile collections; occasional travel between facilities and community sites. Proficiency with Microsoft and Adobe products and with content management systems.

Location & schedule

This is an in-person position with some tasks that may be remote. Typical hours are Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, with some evenings or weekends as needed for events, exhibitions, or project deadlines.

Salary & benefits

$58,000 – $63,000 per year, depending on experience. Benefits include health, dental, life insurance, short-term disability, retirement options, and generous paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays). On-site parking is included.

Diversity & inclusion

MHS is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, color, age, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as defined by law.

About Maine Historical Society

MHS preserves and shares Maine’s story. Founded in 1822, it includes the Wadsworth-Longfellow House, MHS Museum & Store, Brown Research Library, P. D. Merrill Collections Center, and the Maine Memory Network. The organization acknowledges it is located on Wabanaki Homelands and works with communities across the state and beyond.

How to apply

Applicants should submit: cover letter, resume with contact information, and two professional references. Email preferred to Cindy Murphy, MHS Office Manager, cmurphy@mainehistory.org. If mailing, send to: Maine Historical Society / Attn: Cindy Murphy / 489 Congress Street, Suite 2 / Portland, ME 04101-3498. No phone calls, please. Application deadline: Friday, October 31, 2025.