Specialist, Exhibits Development

The Kentucky Museum opened in 1939 as a place for "Kentuckians to know Kentucky." Today, the Kentucky Museum continues this charge while increasing interdisciplinary knowledge of, appreciation, and respect for a collection representative of Southcentral Kentucky. As a teaching museum part of Western Kentucky University, we conduct research and preserve and interpret artifacts in a variety of fields, with special emphasis on fine, decorative, and folk arts; clothing and textiles; toys; political memorabilia; and other culturally significant items from our community. About Western Kentucky University Western Kentucky University (WKU) is a student-centered, applied-research institution committed to providing its students with a transformative academic and social experience and to elevating its surrounding communities. Founded in 1906, WKU is the third largest public four-year institution in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with approximately 16,293 students and nearly 2,612 faculty and staff employees. Western Kentucky University is committed to empowering its campus community. At the heart of our mission, we seek to provide holistic education and employment experiences that prepare students, faculty, and staff to become effective scholars, contributors, and leaders in our ever-evolving communities. Located 65 miles north of Nashville, TN, and just over 100 miles south of Louisville, KY, WKU's main campus is in Bowling Green, KY - a city with approximately 70,000 residents. Our population is ethnically diverse, with more than 85 languages spoken in and around Bowling Green, and people from 35 nationalities call our community home. Western Kentucky University seeks to attract talented faculty and staff who are inspired individually to contribute to WKU's strategic plans and ongoing success. We offer comprehensive wellness and health benefits to employees and their families, including domestic partners and other qualified dependents and take pride in providing a workplace culture that supports balancing the responsibilities of work and family life. Paid-time off for holidays, vacation and sick leave, and a tuition discount program for employees and dependents are also provided. Learn more about WKU and Bowling Green at wku.edu/about . Job Description The Exhibits Development Specialist serves as a key member of the museum team, responsible for securing financial support and curatorial partnerships that enable the creation, enhancement, and sustainability of museum exhibits and related programming. This position combines grant writing, project coordination, and relationship-building with potential guest curators, donors, foundations, and community partners. The role also includes the development of interpretive and promotional content and providing curatorial support. Primary/Key Responsibilities Research, identify, and pursue grant opportunities from foundations, government agencies, corporations, and other funding sources to support exhibit development and programming. Prepare compelling grant proposals, letters of inquiry, project narratives, budgets, and supporting documents. Manage grant submission timelines, reporting requirements, and communication with funders. Collaborate with exhibition designers, curators, educators, and university philanthropy colleagues to gather information necessary for funding applications. Track funding outcomes and maintain organized grant documentation. Responsible for monthly press release, monthly email to membership, and occasional social media posts In collaboration with the Director, maintain and grow relationships with existing museum membership and cultivate new partners interested in supporting exhibit-related initiatives. Interpretive Content Development & Curatorial Support Provide support for curatorial duties, including writing or editing exhibit labels, interpretive panels, and other didactic materials. Assist in preparing promotional materials such as exhibit descriptions, catalog text, website copy, and press content in collaboration with museum team. Ensure all written content aligns with curatorial goals, museum voice, accessibility guidelines, and audience‑engagement best practices. Coordinate review processes with museum staff and guest curators to ensure timely and accurate content delivery. Guest Curator Coordination Identify and vet potential guest curators whose expertise aligns with upcoming exhibition themes and museum priorities. Establish and maintain professional relationships with artists, scholars, cultural leaders, and subject‑matter experts. Lead exhibit management which includes coordinating contracts, schedules, and deliverables for guest curators in collaboration with museum leadership. Serve as a liaison between guest curators and internal departments to ensure smooth project development and communication. Collaborate closely with museum staff to understand project goals, timelines, and resource needs.Lead exhibit committee meetings. Assist with preparing budgets, timelines, and project summaries for internal and external audiences. Track and report on exhibit funding progress and curatorial partnerships to museum leadership. Other duties as assigned. Requirements Master's degree in Museum Studies, Arts Administration, Nonprofit Management, History, Art History, or related field. At least three years of professional museum experience in a combination of the following areas; grant writing, development, curation, or exhibits coordination Excellent writing and editing skills with strong attention to detail. Strong project management and organizational abilities. Ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including funders, curators, artists, and museum staff. Knowledge of museum exhibition development processes. Familiarity with fundraising databases and grant‑management software. Additional Information Salary Range: $47,000 -$50,000 Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre‑employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment. Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals. In accordance with TitleVI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, TitleIX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices. Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, should notify the office of Institutional Equity. To request an accommodation, report a complaint, or ask questions regarding WKU's Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040), please contact Ms. Ena Demir, Executive Director/TitleIX Coordinator via email at View email address on click.appcast.io or by phone at (270) 745‑6867. Ms. Demir is also responsible for coordinating the University's response to complaints related to sex and gender harassment. Additional information regarding TitleIX is accessible via WKU's website. The following items must be submitted through this electronic talent management system: Resume You will receive email confirmation that your submission has been received. The candidate review process will generally begin as materials are received. #J-18808-Ljbffr