Assistant Curator

The Robert R. McCormick Foundation is seeking a highly skilled and organized Assistant Curator to join our team at the First Division Museum. As a key member of our curatorial team, you will play a vital role in developing and managing a collection of archives displayed in both permanent and temporary exhibits.

• Assist in the creation, installation, opening, maintenance, evaluation, and closing of all permanent and temporary exhibits.
• Contribute to the long-range exhibits plan, the annual exhibits plan, and project schedules.
• Research and present concepts and stories to update the history told in the permanent galleries with current scholarship and new additions to the collection.
• Support the planning and implementation of updates to the permanent galleries and temporary exhibitions according to the annual exhibits plan.
• Provide hands-on support for exhibition installations and manage temporary support staff to create dynamic visitor experiences.
• Obtain permissions and copyright clearances for images and maintain accurate credit lines.
• Help develop concepts and stories for traveling exhibitions to extend Cantigny's reach.
• Select items from the collection and loans for exhibit; evaluate artifacts for exhibit and ensure their safe display and preservation.
• Engage with 1ID veterans, the public, and entities like the Society of the First Division and the U.S. Army to collect artifacts relevant to the 1ID's history.
• Maintain relationships with community partners, repositories, museums, and other cultural institutions to enhance public and private programs and exhibitions.
• Represent the museum externally as required.
• Communicate effectively with visitors, the public, and community organizations of diverse backgrounds.
• Assist in budget management and reporting, including completing and submitting board reports quarterly and additional reports as needed.
• Set and evaluate yearly goals and objectives in collaboration with senior leadership.

• Essential Skills:
• Communication:
• Clarity
• Outstanding listening skills
• Concise and coherent speaking, writing, and presenting
• Organization:
• Reliability
• Strong planning and time management skills
• Flexible
• Thrives in a dynamic environment
• Collaboration:
• Respected and Respectful Engagement
• Actively researches and strategizes new exhibits and programs
• Attends and represents the museum at museum workshops and conferences as required
• Strong emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills
• Minimum Qualifications:
• Education: Bachelor's Degree in History, Museum Studies, Graphic design or related field
• Experience: 3-5 years working in a museum, with familiarity in U.S. military history preferred.
• Skills:
• Excellent communication, analytical, and project management skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to handle multiple projects within strict deadlines.
• Ability to prioritize and adapt quickly to change while remaining diligent.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, high-pressure environment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Must demonstrate exceptional judgment
• Must be able to work with ambiguity
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, impact-oriented environment
• Comfort with existing technology and enthusiasm to embrace new technology to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.