Careers with The Filson Historical Society
Join us in sharing history!
The Filson Historical Society is a member-supported 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, an equal opportunity employer, and provides its employees with industry competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package.
For general information regarding career opportunities, please contact the Filson Historical Society at (502) 635-5083.
Current Openings
Curator of Special Collections
The Curator of Special Collections is a member of the Filson’s Curatorial Affairs team and joins the rest of the team in acquiring, preserving, describing, and providing access to the Filson’s collections, specifically focusing on manuscript and various paper-based materials. The primary responsibilities of this position include managing the cultivation, development, stewardship, and interpretation of the Filson’s Special Collections. The Curator of Special Collections also ensures that our collection emphasizes institutional priorities, prioritizes research and access use of Filson collections materials, and highlights the inclusion of diverse histories in accordance with the Filson’s mission and strategic priorities.
This position is a voting member of the Collections Management Committee (CMC), serves as a resource for reference services, and may serve on various collection related committees in support of departmental goals. This is a full-time, 40 hours per week position with some evening and weekend work required. The position reports to the Director of Curatorial Affairs.
Collections Management and Care
- Oversee the strategic development, curation, and use of the Filson’s special collections through planning and implementing stewardship, research, and interpretive agendas.
- Research and assess the collection to identify strengths and collecting gaps. Outline and implement acquisition and deaccession strategies in accordance with Filson’s Collections Management Committee, Collections Management Policy, and Collections Action Plan.
- Cultivate donor relationships; research potential acquisitions and existing collections to determine the historical significance and relevance to Ohio Valley history; prepare and present acquisition recommendations to the CMC.
- Collaborate with the Collections Access team to establish cataloging priorities, review policy and procedure, and assist in the completion of cataloging.
- Collaborate with the Director of Curatorial Affairs and Director of Collections Access to improve administrative, intellectual, and physical control of the collection by reviewing and updating department procedures, improving stewardship, and increasing access.
- Prepare and present deaccession recommendations to the CMC.
- Monitor the physical condition of the manuscript and paper collections including environmental controls, security, and storage needs. Recommend conservation of collection items and coordinate conservation projects.
- Collaborate with the Director of Curatorial Affairs to determine budgets, collections supplies, and acquisition needs.
Collections-Based Outreach
- Conduct research on the collection and related topics for the development of engaging content and interpretive materials for public programming, social media platforms, publications, exhibitions (online and physical), and collaborative projects with community partners.
- Engage in community outreach, maintaining active relationships with community members and leaders, donors, lenders, and professional colleagues.
- Coordinate with development staff to assist with funding proposals for collection care and collection related projects.
- Support in-house and remote reference services and facilitate access to the collection.
- Provide subject matter and collections expertise to advance the mission of the Filson.
Supervisory
- Supervises day-to-day work of volunteers and/or interns working with the manuscript collections. Periodic formal and informal check-in meetings as necessary.
- Produce and maintain collection specific onboarding materials, in conjunction with project planning for volunteers and/or interns that work with the manuscript collection.
Since our founding in 1884, the Filson Historical Society’s mission has been to collect, preserve, and tell the significant stories of Kentucky and Ohio Valley history and culture. To support our mission, all employees are expected to make contributions to daily operations that are not explicitly stated within the scope of their job description and/or departmental duties.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in history, library and information science, or other related fields.
- 5-7 years of experience working in a research or academic library or historical society setting.
- Experience in collections management processes including donor relations, acquisitions and deaccessioning, cataloging, collections care, project management, collections-based fundraising, and exhibitions.
- Knowledge of Kentucky and Ohio Valley history, specifically the 18th through 20th centuries.
- Experience in historical and genealogical research as well as reference services.
- Computer proficiency, primarily with Microsoft Office, especially Excel. Experience with PastPerfect and/or other collections management software preferred.
- The position requires the ability to lift boxes up to 40 pounds, and work in cold and dirty environments.
Compensation and Benefits
Salary range of $65,000-$72,000 per year with a competitive benefits package including health and life insurance, 403(b) match, and generous paid time off, holidays, and volunteer time off. This is an exempt full-time position, expected to work 40 hours per week, based at the Filson’s campus in Louisville, Kentucky. The Filson’s standard operating hours are 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
Application Instructions
Applications including 1) a cover letter detailing relevant experience and expertise and 2) a resume or CV, should be submitted to Kelly Hyberger, Director of Curatorial Affairs, via email. Position open until filled.
Internships
The Filson is not currently offering any internships.
