Job Summary

The Robert and Penny Fox Historic Costume Collection at Drexel University (FHCC) is seeking a highly motivated and innovative Assistant Curator to steward the Mary McFadden Archive. The Assistant Curator is responsible for the physical care, cataloguing, and interpretation of the Mary McFadden Collection, which includes more than 300 ensembles as well as flat textiles and business records related to Mary McFadden Inc. This work is conducted in accordance with the museum’s official Collections Management Policy, adhering to the code of ethics advised by the American Alliance of Museums.

Essential Functions

• Research and catalog the Mary McFadden Collection.
• Assess ongoing storage needs of the Mary McFadden Collection and implement new arrangements as needed with Collections Manager.
• Work with Collections Manager to ensure proper physical storage of the Archive.
• Complete basic repairs of garments and flat textiles. Contract conservators for more substantial repairs.
• Develop grant proposals for collections care and improvement and manage grant-funded collections projects for the Collection.
• Manage and implement the proposed Mary McFadden exhibition, including researching the topic, choosing objects, organizing the exhibition schedule and plan of work, writing label and catalog copy, working with outside designers, contractors and FHCC staff, overseeing budget, supervising conservation, preparing object mounts, installing objects, monitoring objects during the exhibition, striking exhibition and returning objects to storage.
• Address all inquiries relating to the McFadden Archive and provide access to the collection to researchers.
• Present special in-house and outreach tours and programs for school or community groups, board members and others. Assist as needed with staff events.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of an advanced degree (MA, PhD, etc.) in costume & textile history, art history, museum studies, or related.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a historic costume collection, museum, or archive.
• Administrative management experience which may include budgeting and project management.
• Excellent organizational skills, including time and project management.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively; ability to work as part of a team.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Extensive knowledge of museum standards and costume and textile history, sewing and textile construction.
• Ability to travel regionally (primarily to New York City).
• Ability and willingness to work some evenings or weekends for events as needed.
• Ability to be detail-oriented and multi-task.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, creative, and diverse environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in 20th Century fashion and global dress.
• Strong research, writing, and editing skills.
• Strong computer skills, including familiarity with collections management systems (e.g., CatalogIt or The Museum System), Microsoft Office, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Experience with fundraising and/or grant-writing.
• Evidence of self-motivation to address new challenges.
• Ability to solve problems with minimal supervision.

Physical Demands

• Ability to bend, crouch, stoop.
• Ability to stand, walk.
• Ability to lift up to 25lbs.

Location

University City, Philadelphia PA

Additional Information

This position is classified as Exempt with a salary grade of J. For more information regarding Drexel’s Professional Staff salary structure, https://drexel.edu/hr/career/ducomp/salstructure/

Please review the Benefits Brochure for some information on our benefits offerings.

Special Instructions to the Applicant

Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.

Review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.