The New York Society Library (NYSL) is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Exhibition Curator to conceive, develop, and oversee exhibitions that engage diverse audiences and advance the Library’s mission to connect books and people in an environment of intellectual freedom. The successful candidate will be passionate about books and libraries and will bring scholarly expertise, creative vision, and strong project management skills to create compelling exhibitions that educate, inspire, and spark meaningful dialogue.

Reporting to the Director of Programming & Communications, the Exhibition Curator will be responsible for the creative strategy and content of the Library’s exhibitions and will lead the long-range planning for the Library’s exhibition program. The Exhibition Curator will also work collaboratively with the Special Collections Librarian, the Book Conservator, the Programming Department, the Development Department, and Lecture & Exhibition Committee in bringing exhibitions and related events to life.

The Library’s exhibition programming is primarily focused on aspects of the institution’s history and collections. Recent exhibitions have included Irene Sharaff & Mai-mai Sze: In Their Own Words; 30 Years of the New York City Book Awards; A Belief in Books: The 270th Anniversary Exhibition; Quack! Quack! The Wonderful World of Robert Quackenbush; Fabulous Fashion; Black Literature Matters; The Book Beautiful: Margaret Armstrong & Her Bindings; The New York World of Willa Cather; and Broken Beauty: Ruins of the Ancient World.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree

• Five or more years’ experience as an exhibition curator or in a curatorial role in a cultural institution

• Strong research, writing, and public speaking skills

• Ability to work both independently and collegially

• Experience providing public service and instruction

• Excellent organizational and project management skills

• Demonstrated commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility

• Knowledge of current trends and practices in the larger world of exhibitions in libraries, museums, and galleries

Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee the Library’s long-range plan for exhibitions, coordinating with colleagues in Programming, Collections, and Development departments

• Research exhibition topics using books, periodicals, primary and secondary sources, electronic databases, etc.

• Research and select images and photos and obtain legal permissions as required for their use

• Identify appropriate artifacts from the Library’s collections as well as other sources for display

• Write and edit exhibition panel text, artifact labels, catalog essays, digital content

• Collaborate closely with Communications Designer to plan overall design of the exhibition in the gallery and to design the exhibition catalog

• Collaborate closely with Special Collections Librarian and Book Conservator to assess and manage the books and other artifacts to be displayed in the gallery cases

• Manage exhibition budget and work with Development Department to provide content for grant proposals

• Suggest and coordinate related events and exhibition launch in close collaboration with the Programming Department

• Perform related duties as assigned by manager

• Maintain compliance with all Library policies and procedures

This is a part-time position (21-28 hours/week) offering a flexible schedule. The salary is $50/hour and includes the following benefits: 403(b) defined contribution plan, flexible benefits plan, and paid sick time. The New York Society Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To be considered, potential candidates should email a cover letter and resume to Sayer Holliday, Director of Programming & Communications at sholliday@nysoclib.org with EXHIBITIONS CURATOR in the subject line. Applications without the required information will not be considered. Visit our website at www.nysoclib.org for more information.

The New York Society Library is an independent library founded in 1754 with a mission to connect books and people in an environment of intellectual freedom. The Library today is open to all for reading, reference, exhibitions, and selected events. Memberships provides additional benefits, including circulation privileges, access to beautiful writing and study spaces, and member-only events. The Library’s beautiful landmarked building dates from 1917 and includes reading rooms, spaces for study, book stacks, and the Assunta, Ignazio, Ada and Romano Peluso Exhibition Gallery. The Library has approximately 300,000 volumes and hosts a variety of special events, reading groups, and workshops, as well as the New York City Book Awards.