The Museum of American Samoa, more commonly known as the Jean P. Hayden Museum in Fagatogo, is in need of a curator to run its daily operations.
Co-chairperson for the Museum Board of Trustees, territorial librarian Cheryl Morales-Polataivao explained that the board members agreed to advertise for a curator, which is a requirement necessary for the facility to become recognized federally, as a museum.
In addition to Morales-Polataivao, board members include co-chairperson First Lady Mrs. Maryann Tulafono, Fagafaga Daniel Langkilde, Susing Alivia, Rep. Tagaloa Toloa Letuli, and Arts Council executive director Leala Pili.
“The museum has NEVER had a curator,”
Morales-Polataivao explained.
The job pays a salary between $35,000 - $55,000 (plus benefits), depending on qualifications. Benefits for a one-year (local hire) contract includes four hours of sick and annual leave per bi-weekly pay period, in addition to paid government holidays.
For two-year (non-local hire) contracts, perks include four hours of sick leave and eight hours of annual leave per bi-weekly pay period, plus extras like paid government holidays, monthly housing allowance and relocation package, and access to low-cost government medical and dental facilities.
Minimum qualifications for interested applicants include a master’s degree in Museum Studies or related field, with coursework in museum studies, and at least three years experience in the acquisition, preservation, and interpretive display of historic materials in addition to experience with cataloging and description of artifacts using computer databases; planning educational and outreach programs; and working collaboratively with individuals and organizations.
The successful applicant must be familiar with office machines and computers including but not limited to database software, digital imaging, scanning technology, and web site construction, in addition to knowledge of business administration, public relations, marketing, fundraising, and copyright regulations.
Applicants must possess a detailed knowledge of the Polynesian Culture and have excellent written and oral communication skills, fluency in the English language, fluency in the Samoan language (preferred) or demonstrated capability and willingness to learn a foreign language, and the willingness and ability to deal with people in a courteous manner.
The job requires frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 50lbs. Other physical demands may include pushing or pulling, climbing stairs, stooping/kneeling, reaching, sitting for long periods of time, talking, hearing, seeing, and manual dexterity.
The position has a full range of duties “from administrative and managerial to conservation and display of materials, as well as planning and executing public outreach services.”
During the first year in the position, the Museum Curator will work with the Board of Trustees and the staff of the Arts Council to inventory, evaluate, catalog, and relocate the museum collection to a new building.
The curator will plan new exhibits, programs, services, and present the proposed scheme to the Board for review and oversee all aspects of the establishment and day-to-day operations of the new museum site, including the supervision of all workers involved in with the relocation project.
While the relocation project is ongoing, the Museum Curator will work with the Board to develop mission and vision statements, establish policies and procedures manuals, long range planning, and secure funding.
Major Duties include developing displays that will contribute to the cultural, educational, and aesthetic understanding of the American Samoan traditions; collaborating with other cultural and educational organizations in the territory and the region to develop, maintain; and improve the collections, services, and programs of the museum. (Related activities will include the repatriation of Samoan artifacts from other locations).
The curator will establish and maintain a positive public image of the museum throughout the territory and the region; establish and maintain web site for the museum; and develop and implement an appropriate staffing plan and organizational chart commensurate with the anticipated growth of the museum’s budget, facilities and programs.
The curator’s daily duties will be to supervise the day-to-day activities of the museum; disseminate information on the museum’s mission, programs, and services through local and regional media and interest groups; and collaborate with local and regional tourism organizations to increase visibility of the museum in the community.
Periodic duties will require the curator to attend all meetings of the Board of Trustees, and represent the museum at other meetings as assigned. He/she will produce monthly and quarterly reports for the museum board and the ASG Budget Office, and make presentations to clubs, organizations, and the general public on historical and cultural topics of interest that relate to the mission and vision of the museum.
Interested applicants can send a resume and cover letter to: Museum Board P.O. Box 997687 Pago Pago AS
96799 or send it via e-mail to asmuseum@americansamoa.gov
The deadline for applications is November 10, 2007.
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