Thomas Edison Center at Menlo Park (TECMP)
Part-Time, Permanent Position | 20–30 Hours per Week
The Thomas Edison Center at Menlo Park (TECMP), the historic site where Thomas Edison perfected the incandescent electric light and developed many groundbreaking inventions, welcomes visitors from throughout the United States and around the world.
Thomas Edison earned the nickname “Wizard of Menlo Park” during his remarkable period of innovation at this historic site, where he invented the phonograph—the first invention capable of recording and reproducing sound.
TECMP is seeking an enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and personable Curator-Educator to join our team. This part-time, permanent position is ideal for someone who enjoys working with the public, has an interest in history and museums, and is comfortable balancing educational, administrative, and technological responsibilities.
Position Responsibilities
The Curator-Educator will work closely with the Museum Director and staff and will be responsible for a variety of museum, educational, visitor-services, and administrative duties, including:
- Welcoming visitors and providing an inviting and informative museum experience.
- Giving guided tours and educational programs for visitors and groups.
- Assisting with the management and documentation of the TECMP collections using the PastPerfect collections management database.
- Answering incoming telephone calls and responding to visitor inquiries.
- Scheduling tours and assisting with group reservations.
- Recruiting, coordinating, and assisting with the management of museum volunteers.
- Training and supporting docents and student volunteers.
- Assisting with internship projects and educational initiatives.
- Performing general administrative and office duties as needed.
Technology & Digital Responsibilities
The Curator-Educator should be confident working with computers and online systems. Responsibilities may include:
- Assisting with the creation of promotional flyers and other marketing materials.
- Supporting the preparation and distribution of the museum newsletter.
- Editing and adding items to the Square-Up point-of-sale system as needed.
- Making routine updates to the museum website.
- Managing the online gift shop and processing online orders.
- Participating in membership management and recordkeeping.
- Using the museum’s current ticketing and reservation system, Purplepass.
- Assisting with other digital and technology-related projects as needed.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS), preferably in Museum Studies, History, Education, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
- Museum, educational, historical, or public-programming experience is preferred.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- An inviting, professional, and enthusiastic demeanor when working with visitors.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities.
- Confidence and proficiency using computers and online systems.
- Experience with Microsoft Office/Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace is a plus.
- Experience with museum collections databases, particularly PastPerfect, is desirable.
- Experience with social media, website content management, graphic design, online retail, or ticketing systems is a plus.
- Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a small museum team.
- Flexibility to work Saturdays and occasional evenings for special events and programming.
Education & Volunteer Support
The Curator-Educator will work alongside the Museum Director and staff to train and support docents, student volunteers, interns, and other members of the museum community. The position requires someone who can communicate effectively with people of varying ages and backgrounds and who enjoys sharing history and encouraging curiosity and learning.
Schedule
This is a part-time, permanent position of approximately 20–30 hours per week, with potential for additional hours.
The regular schedule will vary and will generally include a Tuesday and/or Wednesday, and Thursday, Friday, and every Saturday. Some evenings will be required for special programming, lectures, educational programs, and public events.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: From $19.00 per hour
Physical Setting:
Ability to Commute:
- Edison, NJ 08820 (Required)
Work Location: In person
