Overview
The Montana Historical Society has an opening for a full-time Head of Curation. This position oversees the curatorial division, including supervising staff and managing the curatorial budget. It is responsible for developing, implementing, and administering policies and procedures, and fostering community engagement and audience development. The Head of Curation oversees and conducts the research, interpretation, and dissemination of information regarding the museum program's collections, primarily through physical and digital exhibits. With museum leadership, coordinates short- and long-term exhibit schedules; coordinates and assists other Society programs with activities and projects related to the Society's art and artifact collection; and conducts complex historical research.
The ideal candidate is motivated, energetic, loves being part of a team, and is excited about being a part of the Montana Historical Society. The Head of Curation works 40 hours a week, Monday through Friday.
Representative Duties
* Supervise and manage work of Curator and Curator of Indigenous Collections
* Research the history of a region, specific time period, or artifact
* Advise or consult with individuals and institutions regarding issues such as the historical authenticity of materials or the customs of a specific historical period
* Prepare interpretation for publications and exhibits that describe the past and trace historical developments and review publications prepared by others to ensure their historical accuracy
* Organize historical information for publication and for other means of dissemination, such as use on internet sites
* Provide reference services to the public, other institutions, and organizations to promote the aims and activities of historical societies
* Conduct historical research as a basis for the identification, interpretation, preservation, and conservation of historic places and materials
* May process or preserve materials and artifacts as part of their historical research
Hours of Operation
The Montana Heritage Center operates seven days a week: Monday – Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Montana Heritage Center is open holidays except Thanksgiving and Christmas. As an employee of the Montana Historical Society your work hours may fall outside the regular Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. schedule.
Education
Master's degree in history, museum studies, historical preservation, archaeology, or related field
Experience
* Five years of museum, historical preservation, archaeology, or job-related experience
* Two years of supervisory experience
* Other combinations of education or experience may be substituted
Knowledge of
* Professional museum ethics, philosophies, record management, registration and accessioning procedures
* Artifact care and handling, storage methods
* Computerized information management systems and software
* Montana history, art, and material culture
* Exhibit development and implementation
* State and national laws affecting museum practices
Ability to
* Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
* Conduct primary research
* Work independently and as part of a team
Required Application Materials
* Resume
* State of Montana Application
Applicant Pool Statement: If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection. Training Assignment: This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.
Salary
$69,680.00 Yearly
Telework Eligibility
Not Telework Eligible
Benefits Package Eligibility
Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan
Openings
Number of Openings: 1
Job Details
Employee Status: Regular
Schedule: Full-Time
Job Type: Standard
Shift: Day Job
Travel: Yes, 5% of the Time
Location
Primary Location: Helena
Agency: Montana Historical Society
Union: 000 - None
Posting Date
Posting Date: Mar 13, 2026, 5:27:38 PM
Closing Date: Mar 28, 2026, 5:59:00 AM
Contact
Contact Name: Beth Strandberg | Contact Email: | Contact Phone: 406-444-2697
The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agency's HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.
State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.
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