Position Summary & Objectives
The Curator of Collections and Engagement is responsible for the care, organization, documentation, and accessibility of the HBMS collections and research library, and supports the stewardship of HBMS historic sites and museum spaces. This hands-on position plays a central role in research, interpretation, and community engagement — connecting the collection with visitors, scholars, donors, and the public through presentations, tours, and interpretive content. The Curator reports to the VP/Managing Director and works collaboratively across departments to advance the HBMS mission.
The main objective is to ensure the HBMS collection and sites are well cared for, well documented, and actively used to support the HBMS strategic plan, annual priorities, and institutional initiatives in the following ways:
- Ensure systematic care, organization, and documentation of HBMS collections per the Collections Management Policy
- Make HBMS collections and research resources accessible to the public, scholars, and the broader community
- Support the maintenance and professional presentation of HBMS historic sites and museum spaces
- Engage diverse audiences through research, presentations, tours, and interpretive content
- Contribute to donor engagement by communicating the value and significance of the HBMS collection
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
Collections Care, Organization, and Access
- Lead collections clean-up strategy, including reorganization, inventory, and deaccession when needed.
- Manage the day-to-day care of HBMS collections per the Collections Management Policy; provide appropriate care and exhibition of artifacts in the collection and on exhibit
- Lead systematic identification, cataloguing, and organization of all holdings; maintain and improve PastPerfect records for accuracy and accessibility; register and track all acquisitions, deaccessions, and loans
- Oversee artifact care, storage, and condition monitoring; coordinate conservation and restoration work as needed; manage the research library and archives and develop strategies to improve access
- Support the procurement of donations to the collections; assist in identifying and evaluating mission-aligned acquisitions
- Develop and implement strategies to improve access to HBMS collections and research resources for the public, students, researchers, and partner organizations
- Coordinate, train, and supervise volunteers and interns on collections care, database entry, and research tasks
Site & Museum Care and Upkeep
- Support day-to-day monitoring and presentation of HBMS sites and museum spaces; document and report conditions, artifact placements, and safety or preservation concerns to the Vice President.
- Oversee site management personnel
- Assist with the installation, maintenance, and deinstallation of long-term and temporary exhibitions including physical handling, labeling, and condition checks; support volunteers and site staff to ensure visitor readiness
Research, Presentations & Community Engagement
- Conduct original research on HBMS collections, historic structures, and Bethlehem history to support exhibitions, programs, publications, and visitor interpretation
- Develop and deliver public presentations, lectures, tours, and educational content that bring the collection to life for diverse audiences including general visitors, school groups, scholars, and community partners
- Plan and lead specialty engagement experiences including behind-the-scenes collection tours, research library access programs, and expert-led site and collection tours
- Write interpretive content — exhibit labels, gallery text, brochures, and digital content — that communicates collection significance to a wide demographic; respond to public, scholar, and media research inquiries
- Represent HBMS at community events and professional conferences; collaborate with marketing and PR staff on collection-related content for e-blasts, social media, and press releases
Required Knowledge and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Museum Studies, History, Art History, Decorative Arts, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred
- Minimum five years of experience in a museum collections, curatorial, or registrar role
- Demonstrated experience in collections care, cataloging, and database management (PastPerfect or similar)
- Experience conducting historical research and presenting findings to public and scholarly audiences
- Experience developing or delivering presentations, tours, or educational programs
- Knowledge of artifact care, preservation, handling, and storage best practices; proficiency with Microsoft Office; InDesign or Photoshop a plus
- Strong written communication skills, including interpretive or educational writing for diverse audiences
- Experience managing volunteers or interns preferred; able and willing to work weekends and evenings as required
- Familiarity with the history of Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley and Moravian History is preferred
Key Success Factors
- Deep intellectual curiosity and commitment to collections stewardship — takes pride in the care, organization, and documentation of museum holdings
- Passion for public engagement and ability to communicate the significance of history and material culture to audiences of all backgrounds
- Strong research and writing skills, with the ability to translate complex historical content into accessible, engaging interpretive text
- Meticulous attention to detail in collections documentation, artifact handling, and site presentation
- Collaborative, flexible team player; strong organizational abilities to manage simultaneous collections projects, access programs, and research responsibilities
- Proactive communicator who keeps supervisors informed and escalates issues appropriately
Reporting Relationships
The Curator of Collections and Engagement reports to the VP/Managing Director and provides leadership to site managers, works closely with the sites, development, marketing, and education staff. This position supervises site managers and volunteers and interns working on collections and research projects. This position is the staff lead for the Collections & Programming Committee and the Interpretation & Education Committee.
Work Environment and Physical Demands
Duties are performed in an office setting, in collections storage facilities, and at various HBMS historical sites and museum spaces. The position frequently requires standing, sitting, bending, walking, and climbing stairs, and the ability to lift or carry items up to 50 pounds and handle fragile artifacts with care.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities. All other duties as assigned.
HBMS considers individuals for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.
