Careers

Organization Mission

The mission of the Reginald F. Lewis Museum is to document, interpret and preserve the complex experiences, contributions, and culture of Black people. We serve as a catalyst for sustained change by providing programs and exhibitions and bold conversations that educate and challenge.

Position Summary

The Visitor Experience Associate serves as the first point of contact for museum visitors and plays a critical role in advancing the museum’s mission through exceptional customer service, operational support, and stewardship of the visitor journey.

This position supports daily admissions, retail operations as needed, gallery monitoring, and public engagement while ensuring a welcoming, safe, and professional environment for all audiences.

This is a frontline position requiring reliability, professionalism, and a strong commitment to hospitality and cultural interpretation.

The ideal candidate can work a flexible 20+ hours, not to exceed 30 hours per week, Thursdays through Mondays. Availability to work weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings is required. The museum is closed to the public on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Primary Responsibilities

Visitor Services & Admissions

• Greet all visitors promptly and professionally.
• Process admissions, memberships, and program registrations using the museum’s point-of-sale system.
• Provide clear information about exhibitions, programs, amenities, and museum policies.
• Assist with group check-in and field trip coordination.
• Respond to visitor inquiries in person, by phone, and via email as assigned.

Visitor Engagement & Interpretation

• Provide tours and basic interpretive guidance about exhibitions and museum history.
• Offer wayfinding assistance and support visitor flow throughout galleries.
• Promote public programs, membership, and special events.
• Assist with light facilitation of interactive elements or visitor feedback.

Gallery Monitoring & Safety

• Monitor exhibition spaces to ensure artwork safety and policy compliance.
• Address visitor concerns respectfully and escalate issues when necessary.
• Support emergency procedures and incident reporting protocols.

Retail & Revenue Support

• Operate museum store register and maintain accurate cash handling procedures.
• Restock merchandise and maintain clean, organized displays.
• Encourage sales in alignment with museum standards.

Operational Support

• Assist with event support, public programs, and weekend activities as needed.
• Maintain cleanliness and presentation standards in public-facing areas.
• Complete opening and closing procedures as assigned.

Skills and Qualifications

• High school diploma required; college coursework in history, museum studies, hospitality, education, or related field preferred.
• Minimum one year of customer service experience required; museum or cultural institution experience preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proficient organizational and time management skills and strong multi-tasking abilities.
• Proficiency with Word, Excel, Outlook, and Salesforce database systems.
• Ability to work under general direction and problem-solve under pressure.
• Ability to process information accurately and within a deadline.
• Aptitude for performing work requiring close attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize workload and change priorities on short or little notice.
• Familiarity with computers required; familiarity with Salesforce database systems a plus.
• Experience in sales and cash handling with knowledge of Point of Sale or Salesforce.

Core Competencies

• Professionalism and reliability
• Cultural competency and inclusive engagement
• Team collaboration

Work Environment

This position requires extended periods of standing, active engagement with the public, and consistent presence in gallery spaces. The role operates in a fast-paced public environment with fluctuating visitor volume.

Pay Range

$17/hr – $19/hr

Organization Mission

The mission of the Reginald F. Lewis Museum is to document, interpret and preserve the complex experiences, contributions and culture of Black people in Maryland. We serve as a catalyst for sustained change by providing programs and exhibitions and bold conversations that educate and challenge.

Position Summary

The Curator is a key member of the Interpretation, Visitor Experience, and Education (IVEE) department, reporting directly to the Director of IVEE who serves as Chief Curator.

This role encompasses the comprehensive lifecycle of exhibition development, including the origination, scholarly research, and formal execution of exhibits that advance the mission of the Reginald F. Lewis Museum.

This position requires a sophisticated integration of traditional curatorial practice with modern collaborative methodologies, including interpretive planning and visual storytelling.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a unique combination of academic rigor, creative leadership, and a functional understanding of graphic design principles to deliver impactful visitor experiences.

This role is central to shaping the museum’s exhibitions and advancing its mission to educate, inspire, and engage audiences through meaningful storytelling. The Curator will play a key role in ensuring that exhibitions are both intellectually rigorous and visually compelling.

Key Responsibilities

Exhibition Development & Curation

• Research, conceptualize, and develop exhibitions that reflect African American history, culture, and lived experiences, with a focus on Maryland narratives.
• Lead and contribute to exhibition planning from concept through installation, including object selection, narrative development, and interpretive strategies.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to ensure cohesive and impactful exhibitions.

Interpretive Planning & Content Development

• Develop clear, engaging, and accessible interpretive content for diverse audiences.
• Write and edit exhibition text, including labels, panels, and digital content.
• Ensure historical accuracy and cultural sensitivity in all materials.

Exhibit Design Collaboration

• Work closely with designers, fabricators, and project managers to translate curatorial vision into compelling visual experiences.
• Contribute to layout planning, spatial storytelling, and visitor flow.
• Provide input on graphic elements, including typography, imagery, and visual hierarchy.

Graphic Design & Visual Storytelling (Preferred Skill Set)

• Support the development of exhibition graphics and visual components, utilizing design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite) to draft or review visual assets.
• Ensure visual consistency and alignment with museum branding.

Project Management & Coordination

• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure deadlines are met.
• Adapt to shifting priorities and maintain flexibility in a dynamic project environment.
• Collaborate effectively with the Chief Curator to manage project timelines, deliverables, and budgets associated with exhibits.

Collections & Research

• Conduct research using primary and secondary sources.
• Identify and secure objects for exhibition, including loans and acquisitions.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Support collection management activities, including deaccessions and donor cultivation, in coordination with the Collections Manager and Director.

Public Engagement & Collaboration

• Participate in public programs, lectures, and community engagement initiatives.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and represent the museum in professional settings.
• Foster relationships with scholars, artists, and community stakeholders.

Work Environment & Expectations

• The workflow for this position is built on a dynamic “hand off and throw back” partnership, necessitating deep collaboration and constant synchronization with the Chief Curator.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Occasional evening or weekend work for programs or installations.
• Collaborate with Development on curatorial narratives and scholarly content for grant proposals.
• Coordinate with Communications to promote exhibitions and enhance institutional visibility.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in History, Museum Studies, African American Studies, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of curatorial or exhibition development experience.
• Strong research, writing, and editing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Preferred

• Master’s degree.
• Experience with exhibit design and/or graphic design.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop).
• Experience working with designers and fabricators on exhibition production.
• Familiarity with digital and interactive exhibition components.

Benefits

• 10 days of vacation leave, annually
• 10 days of sick leave, annually
• 6 days of personal leave
• Retirement Plans
• A comprehensive health care program

Salary Range

$65,000 – $75,000

Organization Mission

The mission of the Reginald F. Lewis Museum is to document, interpret and preserve the complex experiences, contributions, and culture of Black people. We serve as a catalyst for sustained change by providing programs and exhibitions and bold conversations that educate and challenge.

Position Summary

The Visitor Experience Associate serves as the first point of contact for museum visitors and plays a critical role in advancing the museum’s mission through exceptional customer service, operational support, and stewardship of the visitor journey.

This position supports daily admissions, retail operations as needed, gallery monitoring, and public engagement while ensuring a welcoming, safe, and professional environment for all audiences.

This is a frontline position requiring reliability, professionalism, and a strong commitment to hospitality and cultural interpretation.

The ideal candidate can work a flexible 20+ hours, not to exceed 30 hours per week, Thursdays through Mondays. Availability to work weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings is required. The museum is closed to the public on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Primary Responsibilities

Visitor Services & Admissions

• Greet all visitors promptly and professionally.
• Process admissions, memberships, and program registrations using the museum’s point-of-sale system.
• Provide clear information about exhibitions, programs, amenities, and museum policies.
• Assist with group check-in and field trip coordination.
• Respond to visitor inquiries in person, by phone, and via email as assigned.

Visitor Engagement & Interpretation

• Provide tours and basic interpretive guidance about exhibitions and museum history.
• Offer wayfinding assistance and support visitor flow throughout galleries.
• Promote public programs, membership, and special events.
• Assist with light facilitation of interactive elements or visitor feedback.

Gallery Monitoring & Safety

• Monitor exhibition spaces to ensure artwork safety and policy compliance.
• Address visitor concerns respectfully and escalate issues when necessary.
• Support emergency procedures and incident reporting protocols.

Retail & Revenue Support

• Operate museum store register and maintain accurate cash handling procedures.
• Restock merchandise and maintain clean, organized displays.
• Encourage sales in alignment with museum standards.

Operational Support

• Assist with event support, public programs, and weekend activities as needed.
• Maintain cleanliness and presentation standards in public-facing areas.
• Complete opening and closing procedures as assigned.

Skills and Qualifications

• High school diploma required; college coursework in history, museum studies, hospitality, education, or related field preferred.
• Minimum one year of customer service experience required; museum or cultural institution experience preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proficient organizational and time management skills and strong multi-tasking abilities.
• Proficiency with Word, Excel, Outlook, and Salesforce database systems.
• Ability to work under general direction and problem-solve under pressure.
• Ability to process information accurately and within a deadline.
• Aptitude for performing work requiring close attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize workload and change priorities on short or little notice.
• Familiarity with computers required; familiarity with Salesforce database systems a plus.
• Experience in sales and cash handling with knowledge of Point of Sale or Salesforce.

Core Competencies

• Professionalism and reliability
• Cultural competency and inclusive engagement
• Team collaboration

Work Environment

This position requires extended periods of standing, active engagement with the public, and consistent presence in gallery spaces. The role operates in a fast-paced public environment with fluctuating visitor volume.

Pay Range

$17/hr – $19/hr