Description

Assistant/Associate Curator of Fine and Decorative Arts
Full-Time, Exempt

Position Overview:
The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association (MVLA), a private, non-profit organization founded in 1853, preserves and interprets George Washington’s Mount Vernon, the nation’s preeminent historic house, with more than one million visitors per year; a unique fine and decorative arts collection supported by unparalleled documentation and provenance; a visionary program of whole place preservation; an active research program; and a strong online presence.

Job Description: 
The MVLA seeks to fill a curatorial position for its Fine and Decorative Arts (FDA) collection, at the Assistant or Associate Curator level, depending on qualifications. The Assistant/ Associate Curator (AC) is a full-time, exempt-status position, reporting directly to the Chief Curator of FDA.

As part of the Historic Preservation & Collections Department, the Fine and Decorative Arts division plays a key role in fulfilling the MVLA mission, with responsibility for the furnishing and interpretation of Mansion rooms and outbuildings; exhibits in the Museum; and the development, documentation, conservation, exhibition, and interpretation of the Fine and Decorative Arts collection (including paintings, sculpture, furniture, ceramics, metals, textiles, glass, prints, works of art on paper, personal accessories, medals, and tools and equipment).

Essential Duties:

• Under the leadership of the Chief Curator of Fine and Decorative Arts, the Assistant/ Associate Curator (AC):
• Collaborates in researching, writing, and implementing furnishing plans for the Mansion, outbuildings, and historically-interpreted spaces on the estate.
• Upcoming projects include the Small Dining Room in the Mansion and the Stable.
• Manages access to the collection by responding to public inquiries and coordinating research appointments.
• Assists with the accessioning process, from object acquisition to accessioning, cataloguing, and digitization.   
• Research collection objects, possible acquisitions, and other Washington and Mount Vernon-related materials.
• Assists with planning and implementing semi-annual rotations of objects in the permanent exhibition, “Mount Vernon: The Story of an American Icon.”
• Leads specialty tours of the Mansion and Museum.
• Works with the Interpretation, Education, Media & Communications, Development, Hospitality, Retail & Licensing, and other departments on guest services, educational initiatives, outreach, filming projects, fundraising, media requests, product development, and other projects as needed.  Ensures accuracy of information on all platforms.
• Represents Mount Vernon at on- and off-site events.
• Undertakes other duties as assigned.

Benefits:

• 403(b) Retirement plan with employer matching
• Employee recognition at 5 years of service
• Monthly employee events
• Employee referral program
• On-site Library
• Discount on Public Event Tickets
• Discount in the Mount Vernon Shops
• Discount at the Mount Vernon Inn and Food Court Pavilion
• Free Parking
• Health, Vision, and Dental insurance
• Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance
• Paid leave for Sick Time, Vacation, and Holidays
• Flexible spending account for medical care

The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to building and retaining a team that represents a variety of skills, experiences, and perspectives.  All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, performance, and qualifications without regard to race, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, gender/sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, veteran and military status, family or parental status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Minimum of two years full-time curatorial experience in a museum or historic site.
• Master of Arts degree in material culture, museum studies, or public history.  Advanced studies focused on American decorative arts and material culture preferred.
• Demonstrated connoisseurship skills in collection categories relevant to Mount Vernon.
• Knowledge of current public history and museum practices. Familiarity with furnishing plans for historic structures desired.
• Record of accomplishment demonstrated by public history projects, exhibitions, publications, public or professional speaking engagements, and/or project leadership.
• Excellent communication skills, demonstrated in strong and effective writing and speaking.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders, on and off the Estate.
• Flexibility, reliability, and availability to work beyond a normal workweek.
• Ability to meet deadlines and effectiveness in following through on activities.

Work Environment:
This position is primarily based in a museum or collections environment, with occasional work in storage areas, conservation labs, or exhibit spaces. The environment is generally quiet, climate-controlled, and requires attention to detail and security. Occasional travel or off-site work may occur for exhibit installation, loans, or research.