Description

The Exhibits Development Specialist serves as a key member of the museum team, responsible for securing financial support and curatorial partnerships that enable the creation, enhancement, and sustainability of museum exhibits and related programming. This position combines grant writing, project coordination, and relationship-building with potential guest curators, donors, foundations, and community partners. The role also includes the development of interpretive and promotional content and providing curatorial support.

Primary/Key Responsibilities

Grant Writing & Funding Acquisition

Research, identify, and pursue grant opportunities from foundations, government agencies, corporations, and other funding sources to support exhibit development and programming.
Prepare compelling grant proposals, letters of inquiry, project narratives, budgets, and supporting documents.
Manage grant submission timelines, reporting requirements, and communication with funders.
Collaborate with exhibition designers, curators, educators, and university philanthropy colleagues to gather information necessary for funding applications.
Track funding outcomes and maintain organized grant documentation.
Responsible for monthly press release, monthly email to membership, and occasional social media posts
In collaboration with the Director, maintain and grow relationships with existing museum membership and cultivate new partners interested in supporting exhibit-related initiatives.
Interpretive Content Development & Curatorial Support

Provide support for curatorial duties, including writing or editing exhibit labels, interpretive panels, and other didactic materials.
Assist in preparing promotional materials such as exhibit descriptions, catalog text, website copy, and press content in collaboration with museum team.
Ensure all written content aligns with curatorial goals, museum voice, accessibility guidelines, and audience-engagement best practices.
Coordinate review processes with museum staff and guest curators to ensure timely and accurate content delivery.
Guest Curator Coordination

Identify and vet potential guest curators whose expertise aligns with upcoming exhibition themes and museum priorities.
Establish and maintain professional relationships with artists, scholars, cultural leaders, and subject-matter experts.
Lead exhibit management which includes coordinating contracts, schedules, and deliverables for guest curators in collaboration with museum leadership.
Serve as a liaison between guest curators and internal departments to ensure smooth project development and communication.
Project Coordination & Team Collaboration

Collaborate closely with museum staff to understand project goals, timelines, and resource needs.
Lead exhibit committee meetings.
Assist with preparing budgets, timelines, and project summaries for internal and external audiences.
Track and report on exhibit funding progress and curatorial partnerships to museum leadership.
Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Master's degree in Museum Studies, Arts Administration, Nonprofit Management, History, Art History, or related field.
At least three years of professional museum experience in a combination of the following areas; grant writing, development, curation, or exhibits coordination
Excellent writing and editing skills with strong attention to detail.
Strong project management and organizational abilities.
Ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including funders, curators, artists, and museum staff.
Knowledge of museum exhibition development processes.
Familiarity with fundraising databases and grant-management software.