Job description
Join the Aurora History Institute as a Senior Historian & Curator in Washington, DC. You will lead historiographical research initiatives, shape public-facing exhibitions, and collaborate with educators and digital teams to bring history to life for diverse audiences.
As a key member of our curatorial team, you will oversee archival materials, develop interpretive narratives, and contribute to high-impact publications and grant proposals. The role blends rigorous scholarship with creative exhibit design and accessible public programming.
Responsibility
- Lead original historical research projects across designated eras and geographies, applying rigorous methodology and accurate representation.
- Develop, curate, and interpret thematic exhibitions and online collections that engage diverse audiences.
- Manage archival collections, catalog metadata, digitization efforts, and provenance documentation.
- Collaborate with educators, designers, and external partners to create engaging programs and interpretive materials.
- Publish scholarly articles, present findings at conferences, and contribute to institutional research agendas.
- Secure and manage grants, sponsorships, and budgets for historical programs; monitor milestones and outcomes.
- Mentor junior researchers, graduate interns, and volunteers; build a culture of historical inquiry and accessibility.
- Build partnerships with universities, libraries, and cultural organizations; represent the institute at external events.
Qualification
- PhD in History or related field; or demonstrated advanced research and curatorial experience with strong publication record.
- 5+ years in museum, archive, or academic research; demonstrated curatorial responsibilities.
- Demonstrated expertise in archival research, primary sources, and historiography; familiarity with provenance and digital humanities.
- Strong writing, editing, and communication skills; published articles, exhibition catalogs, or public history pieces.
- Project management and grant-writing experience; ability to manage timelines and budgets.
- Experience with archival management systems (for example ArchivesSpace) and digital collections; basic data curation.
- Ability to collaborate with diverse audiences and institutions; teaching or public outreach experience.
- Willingness to travel for research, exhibitions, and partnerships; occasional evenings/weekend events.