Jenrette Curatorial Fellow

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library encompasses an unrivaled museum of American decorative arts in its mansion and galleries and a magnificent 60-acre naturalistic garden—all set on 1,000 gorgeous acres.

Winterthur employs a wide array of positions in the areas of curatorial, horticulture, education, conservation, library, maintenance, marketing, development, technology, and administration.

Winterthur offers a unique and rewarding experience that is rich in culture and natural beauty. Winterthur considers its employees and volunteers to be among its greatest assets and welcomes applications from candidates who will contribute their specific skills to its mission “to inspire, enlighten, and delight all of its visitors while preserving and enhancing [Winterthur]” and also uphold its core values of agility, excellence, innovation, integrity, inclusion, and transparency.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Jenrette Curatorial Fellow is a one-year renewable position in the Curatorial department within the Collections and Interpretation Division. Working closely with the Linda Eaton Associate Curator of Textiles, the Fellow will support all aspects of the development of the 2028 changing exhibition focused on Winterthur’s quilt collection. As part of a team and with the guidance of the Associate Curator of Textiles, the Jenrette Fellowship offers a unique opportunity to work interdepartmentally in the process of exhibition creation from research to design. Opportunities to work with Winterthur’s development, marketing, and conservation teams are embedded in this position. The vision for the Fellowship includes a strong sensibility of mentorship that will lead to a formative experience with tangible products and documented achievements.

The ideal candidate will have an understanding of material culture with specific interest or knowledge about textiles. They will be a creative individual who thrives in a highly collaborative environment and is eager to learn.

Compensation: $45,000 per year

Benefits: Including, but not limited to, medical, dental, and vision insurance; generous paid time off plan including 10 holidays, vacation, personal, and sick time; 403b with employer match for eligible employees; discounts in the museum store and cafe; free general admission for you and your immediate family

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 35 hours a week, flexible schedule, occasional weekends and evenings

Responsibilities:

• Support to Associate Curator in the research and development of upcoming quilt-focused exhibition
• Participate in meetings related to the exhibition
• Assist with the development of a digital exhibition catalogue or, funding permitting, physical catalog to accompany the exhibition
• As needed, travel with the Associate Curator to assist with research and/or object transfer
• Assist with developing social media content to promote the exhibition

Minimum Experience: M.A. in Material Culture Studies, Art History, or related field with 1 year cumulative or continuous experience conducting hands-on work with material culture collections

Preferred Experience: Two years conducting original, hands-on work and research using material culture of the Americas, specifically textiles.

Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of the material culture of the Americas
• Particular interest in or knowledge of textile history and/or production
• Ability to conduct primary research
• Familiarity with collections databases
• Enthusiasm for distilling scholarly content for various social media platforms
• Familiarity with proper museum care and handling procedures
• Experience presenting academic research in a public forum
• Ability to interact with donors and participate in donor-cultivation events
• Strong writing and communication skills
• Ability to work independently

Essential Functions:

• Ability to conduct tours in a historic building
• Ability to lift up to 10 lbs
• Willingness to work occasional weekends and evenings