Employment Opportunities

Assistant Curator of Outreach & Engagement

Job Title: Assistant Curator of Outreach & Engagement
Job Status: Full-time exempt
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Salary: $53,000 (with excellent benefits) 

The Rosenbach Museum & Library seeks an Assistant Curator of Outreach & Engagement to play a leading role in interpreting its world-famous collection of rare books, manuscripts, as well as fine and decorative art objects to the public, via in-person and digital exhibitions, tours, and public programs.  

Reporting to the Director of Outreach & Engagement, the Assistant Curator is a highly visible public ambassador of the Rosenbach, representing the institution to its generalist and specialist audiences and developing thoughtful interpretive content inspired by the Rosenbach’s collections. The successful candidate will combine research, writing, and interpretive abilities with presentation skills, a positive attitude, commitment to engaged teamwork, and the flexibility essential to success in a small cultural nonprofit. 

In January 2024, the Rosenbach Board of Directors passed a new strategic plan that makes public access to, and creative engagement with, rare books and manuscripts central to the organization’s mission. The plan identifies outreach and engagement strategies that the Assistant Curator will help implement, including honing of the institution’s signature onsite and digital programs, development of permanent exhibition galleries that will provide guaranteed access to each of the institution’s collecting areas, reimagining of the museum’s introductory historic house tour, and reconceptualization of museum period rooms as sites for interactive programming. The Assistant Curator’s time will be divided roughly equally between the design and delivery of tours and signature programs, and the curation and maintenance of exhibition galleries.

Responsibilities: 

Public Programs –  

• Design and facilitate Rosenbach Signature Programs, with specific oversight of Behind the Bookcase tours, book clubs, hands-on workshops, and The Rosenbach Podcast, as well as involvement with Bloomsday 
• Reimagine the Rosenbach’s guide-based introductory historic house tour experience 
• Collaborate with the Director of Outreach & Engagement to develop a Bloomberg Connects app-based tour of the Rosenbach 
• In collaboration with the Director of Outreach & Engagement, teach orientations and continuing education workshops for Rosenbach volunteer guides 
• As time allows, work with the Sunstein Senior Manager of Public Programs on the Rosenbach’s digital programming ventures including Biblioventures, The Rosenbach Podcast, and online courses 
• As time allows, and in collaboration with Departmental colleagues, provide support for Education Department programming for student and family audiences. 

 

Exhibitions –  

• In collaboration with the Director of Outreach & Engagement, curate two new permanent gallery exhibitions at the Rosenbach, Treasures from the Rosenbach’s Collection: Judaica, Continental European Literature, the Rosenbachs, & History of the Book (opening June 2025) as well as Treasures from the Rosenbach’s Collection: History & Literature of the Americas (opening June 2026) 
• Upon successful installation and opening of the Treasures galleries, collaborate with the Director to curate a new orientation gallery on the first floor of the Rosenbach to introduce museum visitors to the history of our founders and their legacy in the rare book trade (opening 2027/2028) 
• Upon installation of Treasures and orientation galleries, manage gallery updates, object rotations, and general maintenance of the exhibition program 

 

Development and External Relations –  

• Develop and present reports to the Rosenbach Board of Directors Programs Committee in partnership with Department colleagues  
• Design and deliver content for Rosenbach member and major donor programs 
• Co-lead occasional trips to bookish events, including the Delancey Society annual trip to the New York International Antiquarian Book Fair 

 

Other duties as assigned 

 

Qualifications & Requirements (Required): 

• Appreciation of, and expertise in, history and literature, as well as a passion for sharing that knowledge and appreciation with the public 
• At least 3 – 5 years of professional experience in libraries, museums, or related industries 
• A track record of original research and writing, including for popular audiences (such as blogs, flash fiction, podcasts, YouTube channels or other digital media) 
• Experience and comfort with public speaking 
• A commitment to teamwork and willingness to lead in both the intellectual and hands-on aspects of program implementation and exhibitions work 
• Project management experience, including management of timelines, budgets, and team roles/responsibilities 
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, and prioritize work successfully 
• Willingness to work evening and weekend hours facilitating public programs (with flex time available during the week, in consultation with Department colleagues) 

• A can-do attitude and a willingness to dive into new projects with enthusiasm 

 

Qualifications & Requirements (Preferred): 

• Familiarity with the fundamentals of bibliography and book history 
• Familiarity with and involvement in the rare book world/antiquarian book trade 
• Experience with the curation and fabrication of gallery exhibitions 
• Experience in digital humanities, including online exhibitions and podcasts 
• Experience and comfort with handling rare books, manuscripts, and other collection objects  
• Experience delivering collections-based public programs in the library and/or museum environment 
• Master’s degree in history, literature, studio art, book studies, material culture, or a related discipline 

 

To Apply: 

Send a cover letter, résumé/CV, a writing sample of no more than 10 pages, and three professional references to Dr. Alexander Lawrence Ames, Director of Outreach & Engagement, at [email protected].  

The deadline for applications is May 17, 2024, but early submission is encouraged, as review of candidates will begin as soon as applications are received. Anticipated start date is July 15, 2024. 

The first and second round of interviews will be conducted via Zoom. Finalists will be invited to a site visit and a day of interviews. They will be asked to complete a short, simulated work task as part of the interview process.  

 

About the Rosenbach Museum & Library: 

Located on idyllic Delancey Place in Philadelphia, the Rosenbach Museum & Library is a globally significant collection of rare books, manuscripts, artifacts, and artworks housed in two historic townhomes. Our founders, Philip Rosenbach (1863-1953) and Dr. A.S.W. Rosenbach (1876-1952), were leaders in the trade of rare books, manuscripts, artworks, and antiques during their lifetimes and established the Rosenbach Foundation in their wills.  Key areas of collecting strength include English, Scottish, and Irish Literature; history and literature of the Americas, Judaica, Hebraica, continental European history and literature, history of illustration, among others. World-famous artifacts held by the Rosenbach include the manuscript of James Joyce’s Modernist classic Ulysses, manuscript notes of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, one of eleven known copies of the Bay Psalm Book, important Founding Fathers’ papers, and the papers of Modernist poet Marianne Moore. The Rosenbach is affiliated with the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation.  

The Rosenbach has built a reputation as a national leader in special collections library public engagement programs. Learn more about the Rosenbach’s collection by visiting https://rosenbach.org/collections/. Learn more about outreach and engagement programs at the Rosenbach by viewing our calendar of upcoming events: https://rosenbach.org/events/.  

 

Why Work for Us? 

The Rosenbach Museum and Library is part of the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation which offers a competitive compensation package. We offer the following benefits: flexible work environment; medical; dental; flex and HSA plans; disability & life insurance; Flexible Spending Accounts; retirement 403b; PTO; paid holidays (including floating). 

 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage BIPOC, LGBTQ+ people, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply. The Rosenbach Museum & Library is committed to building a community that is inclusive and equitable, which strengthens our ability to maintain our shared cultural heritage. Museums and libraries are not neutral. They are a vital part of how we interpret and share stories, and we believe the diversity of the people working in these institutions strengthens us collectively.  

All employment decisions are based on organizational needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, or any other status.  

Research shows that women and people from underrepresented groups often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that someone meets 100% of the qualifications for a role. If much of this job description describes you, then please apply for this position. 

 

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