Watts Museum Assistant - Dean's Administration - Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

The Dean's Administration in the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Watts Museum Assistant.

About the Opportunity

This position will assist in the operation of the Watts Museum, including the management of the museum's collections, the planning and execution of museum programs and events, and the development of exhibits.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year or more based on years of service (employee leave)
• 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
• Wellness programs

What You'll Do

Collections Management:

• Oversee the care, conservation, handling, storage, transportation, and security of the museum's collection of artifacts, archival documents, photographs, and historical library in keeping with professional standards for museum collections management. Manage the documentation, inventory, and cataloguing of museum artifacts, incoming artifact donations, and artifact loans.
• Maintain a strong understanding of historical objects included in the museum's collections and related to the museum's mission statement; research, organize, and verify information pertaining to artifacts in the museum's permanent collection.

Exhibit Development

• Assist curator with the planning and execution of museum exhibits, including research, writing, interpretation, logistics, design, installation, etc.
• Conduct extensive and thorough historical research on exhibit themes, topics, and artifacts. Utilize a variety of scholarly sources to perform in-depth, original research for the purposes of exhibit development and promotion.
• Research and write interpretative and informational text for museum object labels, panels, signage, articles, and other written materials.

Programming/Education

• Assist curator with the development of museum programs (interactive activities, tours, lectures, etc.) reflecting the museum's mission, along with other pertinent themes and topics, and designed for K-12 students, college students, working-age adults, senior citizens, and special interest/community groups.
• Collaborate with other organizations and colleagues on shared projects and programs that fit within the museum's mission.

Publicity/Marketing/Events

• Respond to general inquiries from the public pertaining to the museum.
• Serve as a spokesperson for the museum to the public and the media to broaden support and raise the community profile of the museum.
• Assist with the museum's public relations and marketing strategies.
• Write and design content for advertising materials, social media, press releases. etc.
• Foster and maintain successful working relationships within the University and the community, including cultural and government organizations, professional colleagues and organizations, students, faculty members, etc.
• Assist curator with the planning and execution of museum events.
• Serve as museum attendant during museum's open hours (greet visitors, open/close the museum, clean museum space) when needed and assist curator with scheduling student workers to cover the museum's open hours.

• Master's degree in History, Public History, Museum Studies, or related field.
• A minimum of six (6) months of experience involving:
  • Professional training and appropriate experience in the museum field.
  • Proven history of historical research, as well as superior writing and creative/design skills.
  • Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, graphic design software, and museum collections management software.
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of contacts.
• Knowledge of and the ability to use a variety of computer programs including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office, Adobe suite, graphic design software, and museum collections management software.
• Demonstrated experience with graphic design software.
• Knowledge of and the ability to use various online research tools.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively with various organizations including museum associations, convention and visitors bureaus, media, community organizations, and school systems.
• Knowledge of American history with an emphasis on the Appalachian region, the 19th and 20th centuries, and industry
• Knowledge of curatorial and research practices, specifically the methodologies and resources used in the development of museum exhibits and museum management policies.
• Knowledge and application of the highest standards for exhibit development, artifact research and interpretation, exhibit design and construction, and writing techniques for museum exhibit text and promotional materials.
• Knowledge of museum collections management, including the care and preservation of museum objects, museum collections management software, archival processes and materials, and museum record-keeping procedures
• Superior research and writing skills, particularly on complex topics pertaining to local industrial history and technological history. Ability to locate and utilize rare and obscure research materials.
• Passion for research, history, and museum work; a strong appreciation of and commitment to the mission of the museum and its role as an academic and cultural resource for WVU and the surrounding community.
• Commitment to excellence in all aspects of museum practice including museum ethics.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with a wide range of people and groups.
• Motivated, hands-on, detail-oriented, creative, dedicated, resourceful, and professional.
• Capable of setting priorities and working with minimal supervision, but also able to seek and consider advice and direction.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Active participation in the local museum community and familiarity with the trends and challenges affecting today's museums.

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.