Careers & Opportunities

POSITION SUMMARY:

First Americans Museum (FAM) seeks an organized, engaging, and creative professional for the position of Director for Institutional Advancement. Under the direction of the Executive Director/CEO, this person oversees fundraising and membership activities including major gifts, annual giving, membership, capital campaign, planned giving, endowment campaign, special events and other initiatives and serves as a principal staff liaison to the Board of Trustees’ development committee and subcommittees.  The Director for Institutional Advancement is entrusted with confidential information and cultivating and sustaining FAM’s most valued relationships with individual donors, corporations, foundations, and other organizations and institutions. S/he is responsible for the supervision of the department’s staff, contractors, and volunteers, and leading and managing all aspects of advancement for FAM.
This person will be responsible for overseeing the Marketing Department.  Leading, planning, developing, and implementing integrated marketing and communications plans for exhibitions, educational programs, events, community, and development initiatives, to maintain and potentially increase the Museum’s visibility and attendance. Duties also include developing strategies to deepen the Museum’s reach through a combination of traditional and digital marketing tactics, staff management, collaboration with other departments and community groups while overseeing Marketing budget.

Work Location: First Americans Museum, 659 First Americans Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73129-6142
Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Salary Range: $85,000 – $100,000
Status: Exempt
Reports to: Executive Director/CEO
Benefits Medical, Dental, Vision, 403(b) Matching, Holiday Pay, Sick Leave and Vacation Pay

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• In consultation with the Executive Team, and Board Development Chairperson, plan, organize and implement short-term and long-range fundraising plans with the goal of increasing FAM’s donor base and its total contributed income.

• Work with the Executive Team and Board members and others to identify donor prospects and assign solicitation calls and related fundraising activities. Call on prospects and donors personally as needed.

• Manage programs in annual giving, corporate and foundation giving, special projects, and endowment fundraising. Maintains a working knowledge of planned gift instruments and techniques, and any tax incentives or consequences of such gifts.

• Provide oversight of grant applications and grants management processes including, as necessary, writing and reporting. Contribute to database of potential funding sources. Ensure that department staff proactively research new funding opportunities, initiate applications, meet schedules, and maintain ongoing relationships with funders.

• Plan, supervise, and implement selected donor cultivation activities and fundraising events to maximize benefits to the organization. Provide direction to event manager and special events coordinator.

• Provide direction, coordination, and expert guidance for FAM activities, annual fund campaigns, small gift programs, and other activities including membership drives and individual giving activities.

• Work with staff, Board, and volunteers to maximize memberships at all levels, and increase percentage of members at higher membership levels. Provide general oversight of membership mailings, e-mailings, and print collaterals. Evaluate proposed membership enhancement activities.

• Identify and recruit volunteers for development activities. Coordinate meetings of development committee and subcommittees. Provide necessary materials and post-meeting follow-up.

• Participate in professional societies, conferences, and public relations activities that enhance the organization’s profile and cultivate resources as appropriate.

• Oversee the Marketing Department and work closely with the Marketing Department Manager to achieve goals.

• Demonstrate positive interpersonal skills that promote open communication, friendliness, respect for all positions, and maintenance of confidentiality.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Five + years of diversified experience in fundraising, with at least two years at the senior level.

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited higher-learning institution in a related field, masters preferred.

• Demonstrated success in strategic planning.

• Demonstrated experience in supervising staff and organizing volunteers.

• Knowledge of local, regional, and national foundations that support museum programs and/or the arts and humanities.

• Proven ability to development and maintain departmental and special activity budgets.

• Demonstrated experience working with Boards and Board committees.

• Strong computer skills including donor and member database management such as Donor Perfect, Raiser’s Edge and/or Altru, and proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• Demonstrated ability to manage, train & coordinate a team.

• Ability to multitask and meet deadlines in a fast-paced museum environment.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, Board members, colleagues, stakeholders, volunteers, and members of the public.

• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with a diverse range of groups and organizations; sensitivity to cultural diversity issues.

• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to donors, customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.

• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Director of Institutional Advancement is responsible for the supervision of departmental staff and volunteers for advancement related activities along with overseeing the Marketing Department.

GUIDELINES:
The Director for Institutional Advancement is to adhere to the policies and ethics of FAM at all times. S/he asks for assistance on any matters or answers to any questions not covered by this job description.

SERVICE:
Manages difficult or emotional customer and constituent situations. Responds promptly to constituent needs. Solicits constituent feedback to improve service. Responds to requests for service and assistance. Meets commitments.

QUALITY MANAGEMENT:
Looks for ways to improve and promote quality. Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.

ETHICS:
Treats people with respect. Keeps commitments. Inspires the trust of others. Works with integrity and ethically. Upholds organizational values.

JUDGEMENT:
Displays willingness to make decisions. Exhibits sound and accurate judgment. Supports and explains reasoning for decisions. Includes appropriate people in decision-making process. Makes timely decisions.

PLANNING/ORGANIZING:
Prioritizes and plans work activities. Uses time efficiently. Plans for additional resources. Sets goals and objectives. Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks. Develops realistic action plans.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Dexterity enough to use a keyboard and telephone; occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling up to 25 pounds; may be subject to extended periods of walking, standing, sitting, reaching, balancing, bending, kneeling, handling, feeling, climbing, and twisting; and vision, speech, and hearing sufficient to perform the essential tasks. Ability to travel outside the Oklahoma City vicinity from time to time via automobile and/or airplane. The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

POSITION SUMMARY:

First Americans Museum (FAM) seeks a highly organized candidate with excellent collections care skills for the position of Collections Manager/Registrar. This position is a critical role within the functions of the Curatorial Department. The Collections Manager/Registrar is responsible for the general care of the museum’s permanent and borrowed collections, including storage, maintenance, record keeping, database administration and coordinating with exhibition installations. Collections Manager/Registrar performs museum related collections registration and management tasks and is responsible for handling and managing all museum loan-related business on outgoing and incoming art objects and collections, both domestically and internationally. In addition, the Collections Manager/Registrar performs administrative tasks in support of the department and administration. Fundamental to this position is working proactively and balancing multiple tasks. Strong administrative skills, attention to detail, excellent communication skills and a strong work ethic are essential. This position contributes to the institution’s commitment to working with the tribal nations and communities in Oklahoma. Opportunities for travel and professional development. This role includes weekend and occasional evening duties. The Collections Manager/Registrar reports directly to the Director of Curatorial Affairs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Manage all aspects of collection care, following and implementing accepted museum professional standards and practices;
• Create and maintain the Collection Management System;
• Respect for cultural origins and the cultural integrity of objects and their uses;
• Documentation and processing of new accessions, research documentation for deaccessioning, and arrange for collections appraisals as needed;
• Serve on (as an ad-hoc non-voting member) and coordinate the AICCF Collections and Acquisitions Committee, and process paperwork for all new museum acquisitions;
• Coordinate and manage documentation for deeds of gift, bequests, and donations;
• Conduct and maintain periodic physical inventory of the collection;
• Prepare letters for loan negotiations and loan agreement forms;
• Plan/coordinate all loans (lending and receiving), including the facilitation of relevant loan arrangements, insurance, logistics of packing and shipping, object condition evaluation, incoming courier arrangements (transit, housing, per diem), and customs/immunity from seizure;
• Conduct, organize, and complete condition reports;
• Participate in contractor supervision and courier trips;
• Correspond with AICCF legal counsel regarding insurance-related information;
• Manage and negotiate copyright licenses and permissions for publications, publicity, marketing, catalogues, websites, e-communications, etc.;
• Participate in security audits, including check of security camera functioning;
• Monitor environmental conditions in all Museum spaces including light, humidity, pest, and air quality, and correspond with Facilities concerning problems and/or treatments;
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with laws and regulations pertaining to collections and collecting activities;
• Accompany pest inspector and record findings on report sheets;
• Correspond with conservators as needed;
• Receive/review and maintain and provide templates and instruction manual for daily Gallery Attendant/ Security Officer reports;
• Assist with other collections management projects as needed, especially with installation and dismantling of exhibitions;
• Responsible for best practices in fiscal management of departmental funds;
• Participate in the research and development of museum exhibitions;
• Participate in the preparation of and writing grant applications supporting the care and interpretation of the collection;
• Oversee volunteers and interns working in the collections;
• Establish community links and partnerships, and represents the museum locally, regionally, and nationally, relative to museum goals, and as are deemed appropriate to areas of responsibility;
• Other duties as assigned by the Director, Curatorial Affairs, or FAM Executive Director.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in art, art history, or museum studies, arts administration, collection management preferred.
• 3-5 years’ experience in collections management or registration in an art or anthropology museum and a thorough knowledge of best practices in collections care, conservation, insurance, object handing and museum legal and ethical issues.
• Proven expertise in care, transportation of and record keeping of works of art.
• Demonstrated expertise in collections management database software besides the regular Microsoft Office and other database and systems software.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Graduate degree in art, art history, or museum studies, arts administration, collection management preferred.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organization.
• Extensive knowledge of and experience with collections management database software (Pastperfect or TMS preferred).
• Comfortable working on both Windows and Mac platforms.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and flexibility.
• Familiarity with Native American cultures, protocols, and materials.

Physical Requirements:

Dexterity enough to use a keyboard and telephone; occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling up to 50 pounds; may be subject to extended periods of walking, standing, sitting, reaching, balancing, bending, kneeling, handling, feeling, climbing, and twisting; and vision, speech, and hearing sufficient to perform the essential tasks. Ability to travel outside the Oklahoma City vicinity from time to time via automobile and/or airplane.

POSITION SUMMARY:

First Americans Museum (FAM) seeks a highly organized candidate with excellent people skills for the position of Curatorial Assistant. The candidate is responsible for a wide range of administrative tasks providing support to the curatorial team. Fundamental to this position is working proactively and balancing multiple tasks. Strong administrative skills, attention to detail, excellent communication skills and a strong work ethic are essential. The candidate will have tremendous patience when dealing with guests, VIPs, donors, and tribal community leaders and members, accommodating them with enthusiasm and poise.

Work Location: First Americans Museum, 659 First Americans Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73129-6142
Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Salary Range: $32,000
Status: Non-Exempt
Reports to: Director of Curatorial Affairs
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) Matching, Holiday Pay, Sick Leave and Vacation Pay

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Supports exhibition and gallery needs, including installation/deinstallation, gallery care, tours, and monitoring, as directed.
• Organize and prioritize information and communications for curatorial staff, caring for proprietary FAM information.
• Performs clerical duties to support documentation of all research and consultations.
• Organize data tracking documents to support management of Curatorial projects, including exhibitions, collections, research, and publications.
• Work independently on special non-recurring and ongoing projects at the request of the Director, Curatorial Affairs.
• Promptly communicates accurate and timely information with team members.
• Assists with FAM Curatorial events, as designated.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: 
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in art, art history, American history, American Indian studies, or a closely related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience and proficiency in Mac using Microsoft software applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to multi-task, manage time wisely, and proactively seek solutions to tasks.
• Positive team attitude, punctual attendance, and works well in collaborative environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 1-3 years prior experience working in museums, gallery, or cultural institution preferred.

SUPERVISION:

The Curatorial Assistant reports to the Director, Curatorial Affairs.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Dexterity enough to use a keyboard and telephone; occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling up to 50 pounds; may be subject to extended periods of walking, standing, sitting, reaching, balancing, bending, kneeling, handling, feeling, climbing, and twisting; and vision, speech, and hearing sufficient to perform the essential tasks. Ability to travel outside the Oklahoma City vicinity from time to time via automobile and/or airplane.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The part-time Guest Services Associate provides a superlative customer experience for all First Americans Museum visitors, members, and customers. Guest Service Associates perform a variety of functions, including selling admission tickets and memberships, checking in large tour groups, answering questions via phone or email. As the “face” of FAM to our visitors, the Guest Services Associate helps ensure a welcoming and positive experience for the museum’s diverse visitors. This role includes weekend and occasional evening shifts. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Accurately answers all visitor questions in-person, over the phone and email; checks and responds to phone messages or forwards to relevant recipient

• Assists with FAM events, activities and festivals

• Assists with office administration duties

• Attends to day-to-day operations, including inventory and tidying up

• Checks FAM email regularly and stays up to date on all internal museum policies and processes

• Coordinates and provides direction to volunteers on duty

• Delivers mail to internal offices

• Engages all visitors in a culturally sensitive manner, in particular to Native community members and elders

• Ensures guest safety, including evacuation in case of emergency

• Ensures Guest Services locations are tidy, well-stocked with relevant and current visitor information material

• Operates cash register, process sales, count and balance drawer

• Performs point-of-sale transactions at Guest Services locations for museum admission, programs, events and/or memberships

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Word and Outlook); become proficient with Blackbaud Altru software

• Promotes and process visitor memberships

• Promotes membership purchases and provides recommendations for membership types based on visitor need

• Promptly communicates Guest Service issues to supervisor with suggestions for continuous improvement

• Provides accommodations to visitors with disabilities

• Relays accurate information to visitors about FAM exhibitions, events and amenities

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Attend relevant staff trainings and meetings to share updates, concerns and opportunities for continuous improvement

• Coordinates with learning and museum events staff to accommodate ongoing programming and rental events

• Report to each shift in a punctual manner with a positive attitude wearing clean attire according to employee handbook

• Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION AND TRAITS:

• Ability to anticipate customer service concerns and address them appropriately

• Ability to multi-task

• Basic math skills

• Communicative, proactive and solution-focused

• Enthusiastic about the museum’s mission and in serving our diverse audiences

• Excellent written and verbal communication

• High School Diploma or GED required; higher learning degree preferred with emphasis in hospitality a plus

• Patient and flexible with a focus on positive visitor experience

• Positive team attitude

• Proficient computer skills

• Punctual (this position requires weekend hours)

WORK EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum one year customer service or related industry required
• Prior experience working with a gallery, museum or cultural attraction preferred
• Prior experience using a point-of-sale or cash register system; can accurately balance a cash drawer

SUPERVISION:

• The Guest Services Associate reports to the Guest Services Manager and other personnel as directed by the Deputy Director or Director/CEO.

GUIDELINES:

• The Guest Services Associate is to adhere to the policies and ethics of FAM at all times. He or she wears the museum lobby attire per policy and asks for assistance on any matters or answers to any questions not covered by this job description.
• SERVICE:
  Manages difficult or emotional customer situations. Responds promptly to customer needs. Solicits customer feedback to improve service. Responds to requests for service and assistance. Meets commitments.
  

QUALITY MANAGEMENT:
Looks for ways to improve and promote quality. Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.

ETHICS:
Treats people with respect. Keeps commitments. Inspires the trust of others. Works with integrity and ethically. Upholds organizational values.

JUDGEMENT:
Displays willingness to make decisions. Exhibits sound and accurate judgment. Supports and explains reasoning for decisions. Includes appropriate people in decision-making process. Makes timely decisions.

PLANNING/ORGANIZING:
Prioritizes and plans work activities. Uses time efficiently. Plans for additional resources. Sets goals and objectives. Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks. Develops realistic action plans.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Dexterity enough to use a keyboard and telephone; occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling up to 25 pounds; may be subject to extended periods of walking, standing, sitting, reaching, balancing, bending, kneeling, handling, feeling, climbing, and twisting; and vision, speech, and hearing sufficient to perform the essential tasks. Ability to travel outside the Oklahoma City vicinity from time to time via automobile and/or airplane. The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.