CURATOR

Job Details Classification: Exempt, Regular, Fulltime Location: Mountain View, CA About CHM The Computer History Museum (CHM) is the world’s leading institution exploring the history and ongoing impact of computing. Through collections, exhibitions, programs, publications, and digital experiences, CHM preserves and shares the stories of the people, technologies, and ideas that have shaped our world. Position Summary This role combines collecting, exhibition development, and public engagement with a focus on contemporary history. The Curator will serve as a subject‑matter expert on the history of computing and its societal implications, helping CHM identify and preserve significant stories, artifacts, and archives. Responsibilities span collecting, oral histories, exhibitions, digital content, public programs, media engagement, and VIP engagement. Responsibilities Exhibitions & Interpretation Lead or contribute to the development of permanent, temporary, and online exhibitions. Research, write, and interpret historical content for diverse audiences. Translate complex technological subjects into engaging, accessible stories. Work closely with exhibit developers, exhibit designers, media producers, educators, and external partners throughout the exhibition development process. Digital Content & Public Engagement Develop digital content such as timelines, blogs, collection features, online exhibitions, videos, and educational resources. Contribute subject expertise to CHM's website, social media, publications, and digital initiatives. Support the development of computing applications that expand access to CHM's collections and interpretive products. Participate in public programs, panels, interviews, podcasts, and community engagement activities. Collecting, Documentation, and Preservation Identify, evaluate, and pursue acquisitions of historically significant artifacts, archives, software, born‑digital materials, and corporate records. Build and maintain relationships broadly to develop collecting opportunities and secure significant donations. Conduct research and documentation to establish provenance, significance, and historical context for collections. Initiate and conduct oral history interviews with diverse figures from the history of computing. Collaborate with curators, collections and archival staff to advance acquisitions and stewardship activities. Help identify technologies and trends that should be documented before they are lost to history. VIP Engagement and External Relations Serve as a museum ambassador for donors, industry leaders, government officials, researchers, and media. Lead tours and presentations for VIP guests and special audiences. Work with docents to create compelling tours for the public. Represent CHM at industry conferences, academic gatherings, and professional events. Support media inquiries and serve as a knowledgeable spokesperson on relevant topics when appropriate. Help cultivate relationships that advance CHM's collecting, exhibition, educational, and fundraising goals. Strategic Initiatives Monitor emerging developments in computing, artificial intelligence, software, networking, robotics, digital culture, and related fields. Help shape museum priorities for collecting and interpretation in rapidly evolving areas. Contribute to long‑range curatorial planning and institutional strategy. Work collaboratively across departments to advance CHM's mission and public impact. Competencies Possesses deep expertise in the history of computing, particularly developments from the late 1990s to the present. Understands the intersection of technology and society, including the cultural, economic, political, and ethical implications of computing. Builds trust and maintains strong relationships across technical, academic, business, and cultural communities. Communicates effectively with both expert and general audiences. Identifies compelling stories, artifacts, and historical narratives that resonate with the public. Balances scholarly rigor with creativity and audience engagement. Operates effectively in a collaborative, fast‑moving environment. Demonstrates sound judgment, initiative, and adaptability. Qualifications And Skills Required Bachelor's degree in history, science and technology studies, museum studies, information studies, electrical engineering, or a related field. Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in a museum, archive, academic institution, research organization, technology company, or related environment. Demonstrated expertise in the history of computing and contemporary technology. Experience developing museum exhibitions, digital content, or public history projects. Experience conducting historical research and producing interpretive content. Experience with collecting, archives, oral histories, or related documentation activities. Strong writing, presentation, and public speaking skills. Proven ability to develop relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work effectively across teams. Preferred Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in a relevant discipline. Experience working in a museum, cultural institution, educational organization, archive, library, nonprofit, or mission‑driven organization. Familiarity with digital preservation, born‑digital collections, or software history. Experience working with technology companies, founders, engineers, researchers, or industry organizations. Media, press, or public‑facing communications experience. Knowledge of contemporary fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, networking, cybersecurity, gaming, digital media, or consumer technology. Experience coordinating with designers, developers, vendors, or technical teams on website improvements or digital product features. Work Arrangement Hybrid position based in Silicon Valley, with a minimum on‑site requirement of 60% each month at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View. Ability to work in office, gallery, event, and production environments. Occasional evening and weekend work for programs and events. Local and domestic travel, with occasional international travel, as required. Ability to engage with diverse audiences in both in‑person and virtual settings. Benefits Fully sponsored Medical, dental, and vision benefits Partially sponsored Health dependent costs Health Savings Accounts (HSA) with employer contributions 403(b) retirement plan with 1:1 employer matching Generous PTO (Paid Time Off) benefits Fully sponsored Life and Disability Insurance Employee Discounts in museum store and onsite cafe Salary Range $90,000–$100,000 annually About CHM At CHM, our mission is to decode technology—its computing past, digital present, and future impact on humanity. From the heart of Silicon Valley, we share insights from our research, our events, and our incomparable collection of computing artifacts and oral histories to convene, inform, and empower people to shape a better future. EEO Statement At CHM, we believe that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success. We provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, we will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. #J-18808-Ljbffr