Hiring Organization: Westfield Historical Society

Location: 314 Mountain Ave., Westfield, NJ 07090

Website: https://www.westfieldhistoricalsociety.org/

Organization Description: The Westfield Historical Society (WHS) is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization founded in 1968 whose mission is to preserve, interpret and encourage interest in Westfield’s history. Its assets include the 1875 Reeve History and Cultural Resource Center, the 1740 Miller-Cory House (both of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places), and a large growing collection of archives and artifacts of the history of Westfield. The WHS is proud of many of its accomplishments, has an active and engaged membership and hosts many community events and programs. The Westfield Historical Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Title: Administrative Assistant

Job Status: Part Time

Compensation: The hourly rate of pay for this position ranges from $20-22/hour depending on experience.

Benefits: N/A

Position Summary: The Westfield Historical Society is looking for a skilled, organized, conscientious individual to provide part-time executive support to several of the organization’s program areas. The Administrative Assistant will work independently within a collaborative team environment of volunteers on a variety of tasks, including record keeping, database and list management, scheduling and all communication platforms. In-person work will be required for day-to-day work as well as off-site events as needed. The Administrative Assistant will report directly to the President, and allows for some flexibility in scheduling. The position will primarily operate from the Reeve History & Cultural Resource Center.

Work Schedule: Typically between 18-25 hours per week, with flexibility on scheduling. Some in-person attendance at monthly events will be required.

Position Responsibilities:

• Independently and consistently represent the Westfield Historical Society and respond to daily inquiries, as well as communicate with local officials as needed.

• Assist the Treasurer with financial needs in QuickBooks Online, as well as preparing grants and reports as needed.

• Database/list management, including membership, program, annual dinner attendees, monthly luncheons, and volunteer management for events.

• Coordinate and execute social media posts and website updates with the Board of Trustees.

• Oversee the compilation of the periodic newsletter and arrange for publication and circulation to the members and others, as well as, ongoing communications to Trustees, members and other historical organizations

• Scheduling meetings/event support, including securing locations and providing meeting and event logistical support. They will also represent the Westfield Historical Society at events, as needed.

Position Qualifications:

• Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to organize meetings, manage contact networks and work independently via through the Google Suite of apps.

• Solid interpersonal, written and oral communications skills.

• Knowledge of Squarespace, QuickBooks Online, and the Microsoft Office Suite, including Publisher.

• Demonstrated ability to carry out detailed work accurately and on time.

Physical demands of job: The main office is located on the second floor of the Reeve History and Cultural Resource Center, a historic home built in 1875. Transportation of some materials to and from offsite events will be required when scheduled.

How to Apply: Interested and qualified candidates should submit a cover letter, including salary requirements, and a resume to westfieldhistoricalsociety@gmail.com.

Hiring Organization: Museum of Early Trades and Crafts

Location: 9 Main Street, Madison, New Jersey

Website: https://www.metc.org

Organization Description: METC, a New Jersey history museum, located in Madison, New Jersey, is housed within the historic James Library Building. The museum utilizes its collection of historic objects and archival material to communicate the dynamic stories of the lives and livelihoods of New Jerseyans in the 18th and 19th centuries. The collection of over 8,000 artifacts and historic records reflects the home, shop, and farm trades during the time period. METC opened to the public in 1970 with the core of its remarkable collection comprised of items collected by Edgar and Agnes Land. Over the past 50 plus years, METC has added to its collection through donations and purchases. The museum is located in the heart of downtown, just a few blocks from the Madison train station.

Job Title: Curatorial Assistant

Job Status: Part Time

Compensation: The hourly rate of pay for this position ranges from $20-22/hour depending on experience.

Benefits: Accrued PTO

Position Summary: The Museum of Early Trades & Crafts (METC) is seeking to hire a Curatorial Assistant. This is a permanent part time onsite position that will encompass approximately 18 hours per week with some required weekend and/or evening work. The Curatorial Assistant will work under the guidance of the Curator of Collections & Exhibits (CC&E). The focus of this role is to support current curatorial department initiatives including the integration of collections into our new state of the art Viewable Storage Facility (VSF). The Curatorial Assistant will be responsible for conducting inventories, researching and reviewing off site and onsite collections, and assisting with exhibits. This is an exciting opportunity for an emerging museum professional to further develop their skills in collections management.  See

https://metc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Curatorial-Assistant-2024.pdf

Work Schedule: 18-20 hours per week, 10-4 with some evening and weekends, but can be flexible.

Position Responsibilities:

• Work with CC&E to complete rehousing of offsite and onsite collections
• Process, clean and inventory collections of various types – three-dimensional, paper-based, and
archival

• Update catalog records in PastPerfect, including but not limited to locations, conditions,
dimensions, and multimedia
• Research and reconcile artifact issues and designations relating to deaccession, digitization and
conservation criteria
• Assist CC&E on exhibit research, preparation and installation
• Conduct daily, weekly and monthly housekeeping checklists
• Engage with public and partners in support of museum operations
• Work collaboratively with interns and volunteers, and as a supervisor as needed
• Work with the CC&E, METC’s Collections Committee, and Board of Trustees to create a
deaccession plan

Position Qualifications:

• A degree in History or a related field is required. Current or prospective work towards pursuing a
graduate degree in Museum Studies or Cultural Heritage would be a plus. Relevant work
experience will also be considered.
• 1-2 years of prior experience working in a museum environment with demonstrated experience
in collections, exhibits, and archival management.
• Knowledge of standard museum collections management practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of proper object handling and procedures related to safe storage, cleaning and
assessment in addition to working knowledge of museum collections management systems–
PastPerfect preferred.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions to complete tasks and initiatives as requested.
• Must be professional, communicative, team-oriented and capable of working independently
with minimum supervision.
• Physical coordination/ability to handle and move fragile collections and objects and ability to
stand, lift, bend and move heavy objects weighing up to 30 pounds. Ability to climb stairs and
ladders and work in tight spaces.
• A valid driver's license is required and access to a car is preferred.

Physical demands of job: The physical demands of this position are described within this job description and are representative of an employee who can successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable efforts will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the individual is required to lift heavy objects, walk up and down stairs/ladders, bend,
clean, work in varied environments and travel to and from different offsite locations.

How to Apply: Interested candidates may apply by sending a cover letter, resume, and three references to:
info@metc.org with "Curatorial Assistant" in the subject field. Only qualified candidates will be
considered. This position is available beginning January 2025.