Curator of Jazz

Category: Curators

Curator of Jazz

Salary: $35,000 - $50,000

Description
The Louisiana State Museum (LSM) is poised for growth in the post-Katrina period and is seeking a highly motivated individual to oversee the LSM's internationally-known New Orleans jazz collection. The collection includes the world's largest collection of instruments owned and played by important figures in jazz as well as pictorial sheet music, photographs, records, tapes, manuscripts and other items. The incumbent, based in New Orleans, will work to make the collections known in both Louisiana and throughout the United States. She/he will be responsible for helping to develop major new long-term exhibitions on New Orleans jazz and music in general. The incumbent will report to the Collections Division Director. Duties include:

Cataloging and also overseeing the cataloging of the collection by others. Identifying strategies for making the collections more widely accessible via electronic and other means. Answering inquiries from curators, scholars, and members of the public at large. Conducting research. Writing articles and other publications concerning the collection. Making presentations at professional conferences and other settings. Consulting with subject-area specialists as appropriate. Planning and overseeing the proper care and conservation of the collection. Establishing priorities for collection growth and making recommendations for deaccessioning. Contributing to exhibition planning. Developing grant-funded projects and helping to draft proposals for same. Supervising other staff as appropriate.

Starting salaries will be in the range of $35,000 - $50,000 depending on qualifications. The State of Louisiana offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Submit application materials by July 1 including a cover letter, resume, and Civil Service Form SF 10 (http://www.dscs.state.la.us/Forms/sf10.doc) to: LSM, Personnel Office, 751 Chartres Street, New Orleans, LA 70116. Please indicate whether interested in the New Orleans or Baton Rouge position.

Requirements
Minimum requirements include: A BA in Art History, American History, American Studies, Museology, Anthropology, Archaeology, Geology, Cultural Geography, History, or Historical Geography plus three years of professional-level experience. Additional preferred requirements include: excellent writing, oral communication, interpersonal, and management skills; a MA degree and/or a Ph.D. degree in American History, Musicology, or related field; an ability to read music; a thorough familiarity with the history of jazz and Louisiana music in general; a proven track record in developing creative exhibitions that are capable of reaching out to general audiences as well as individuals already interested in music history; track record of developing publications on jazz and music; knowledge of museum collection database management systems; familiarity with conservation practices and procedures; experience in interacting with donors; experience in securing project grants and participating in the development of grant proposals.

Employer Information
LSM is a state agency founded in 1906. Headquartered in New Orleans, it encompasses a network of thirteen facilities located across Louisiana. There are 110 members of the staff and operating revenues from all public and private sources exceed $10 million. The LSM's French Quarter facilities include six National Historic Landmarks: the Cabildo (1795 - 1799), the Presbytere (1791 - 1813), the Old U.S. Mint (1835), the Arsenal (1839), Madam John's Legacy (1789), and the 1850 House. The LSM operates additional museums in Patterson, Thibodaux, Natchitoches, and Baton Rouge.

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