Job Title
Curator of Education and Exhibits, W.K. Gordon Center for Industrial History
Agency
Tarleton State University
Department
WK Gordon Center
Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate
Job Location
Stephenville, Texas
Job Type
Staff
Job Description
Tarleton State University, a distinguished Doctoral National Comprehensive University, invites applications for the position of Curator of Education and Exhibits at the W.K. Gordon Center for Industrial History. As part of a vibrant academic community dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and service, this role offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a university that values innovation, collaboration, and inclusive growth. Join us in advancing knowledge and transforming lives-on campus and beyond. Tarleton State University continues to grow its impact across Texas, with four distinct campuses located in Stephenville, Fort Worth, RELLIS-Bryan and Waco, along with a robust online community that extends our reach even further.
At the heart of it all is Stephenville, where Tarleton State offers a dynamic environment for faculty and staff. From a lively live music scene and numerous local festivals to rich traditions rooted in the surrounding community, Stephenville provides a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.
No matter where you're located-on campus or online-you are part of a mission that transforms lives and makes a difference across the state of Texas and beyond.
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Important Immigration Information:
A Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Please be advised that Tarleton State University will NOT pay this fee. Therefore, if you need immigration sponsorship for your employment, we recommend that you consult with your private immigration counsel at your own expense to ascertain whether your current immigration status would make a potential offer of employment from Tarleton State University subject to this fee.
In addition, on January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Abbot issued a moratorium on the filing of any new H-1B unless approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. Accordingly, if you will now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status this moratorium may affect our ability to employ you should you be selected as the final candidate.
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The Curator, under direction, oversees training and supervision of personnel and assists in personnel management. Acquires, researches, and manages collections. Plans, organizes, interprets, and presents exhibitions and lectures.
This is an in-office position located at the W. K. Gordon Center in Mingus, TX., thirty miles north of the Stephenville campus. Normal working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00AM to 5:00PM and may require occasional work in the evenings and on weekends. Serves as a Campus Security Authority in accordance with the Clery Act.
This position is primarily on-site in accordance with Texas Senate Bill 2615. Following the successful completion of required training, hybrid work arrangements may be considered for eligible employees whose roles and duties permit, subject to institutional approval. No visa sponsorship is available for this role.
Responsibilities
35% Educational Outreach
Plan, coordinate, evaluate, and participate in presenting educational programs to children and adults at the W. K. Gordon Center and other locations for the Center. Build relationships with local educators through teacher preview opportunities, on-site school meeting visits, and creation of teacher materials sent through mail. Develop educational field trips for students that adhere to Texas state educational standards. Schedule and lead interactive field trips through the museum for school-aged students. Schedule and perform off-site field trip experiences as necessary. Develop and implement educational programming for children and adults. Seek out and create contacts with Texas industry professionals for Sunday afternoon museum programs. Plan, schedule, promote, and supervise set up and tear down of public museum events including Sunday afternoon educational programs, special night events, members only events, children's educational events, and other museum programming as necessary. Evaluate programs based on visitor numbers and feedback.
35% Exhibitions
Research, develop, and install temporary and permanent exhibitions that interpret the history of Thurber and promote the mission of the museum. Collaborate with staff to create temporary exhibition schedule at least one year in advance of exhibit opening. Develop, research, and interpret museum collection of Thurber artifacts. Research content for temporary and permanent exhibitions. Coordinate and collaborate with local community leaders and residents to create joint exhibitions and related public outreach programming. Develop concepts and interactive elements of temporary and permanent exhibitions. Create research based written content for exhibitions. Design and install exhibitions including written, graphic, and interactive content. Evaluate impact of exhibitions. Prepare objects and images for public display. Supervise interns and part time staff as needed to assist with administrative, research, and exhibition work.
10% Social Media Coordinator
Oversee coordination of advertising, publicity, and public relations. Coordinate with University marketing department to promote museum programs and exhibitions through internal and external advertising. Maintain website and University calendar with pertinent museum updates. Create content for and maintain museum social media channels including Facebook, Instagram, and Blogger. Coordinate and collaborate with local communities to promote local events in an effort to create strong ties between the museum, University, and area community members. Supervise interns and part-time employees in research, writing, and publishing monthly blog posts on museum blog; write and publish own blog posts to museum blog as necessary; manage backend of blog.
10% Administrative
Supervise interns, graduate assistants, and part-time employees. Supervise greeting of visitors, acceptance of admission fees, answers for verbal queries. Represent Gordon Center in official meetings and trainings as necessary. Complete university mandated documents related to finance, travel, employment, statistics, communications, operations, and technology. Oversee operations of online museum store; add new merchandise as it becomes available; process and fulfill online orders; ensure proper accounting information processed through Tarleton system. Seek out and apply for grants to fund museum educational programming and exhibitions. Stay up to date on current museum trends, strategies, and public history philosophies through research, conversations with other professionals, and continuing education opportunities.
5% Membership
Design and gather membership package printed materials. Process membership packages at museum: add to museum database, print membership materials, write thank-you letter to new members, pack and ship new member packages. Promote Gordon Society member program through museum communications and social media channels.
5% Other-Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements
Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in Collection Management/Conservation or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Four years of related experience in academic and/or professional collection management or conservation.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
Knowledge of conservation and collection management.
Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary: Commensurate with experience
Salary Range:
The target base annual salary range is $47,000 up to $56,187.84 and may be negotiable based on funding availability and candidate experience/skillset in relation to the minimum requirements of this position.
We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package for full-time and qualifying part-time employees. Our Careers Page (https://www.tarleton.edu/jobs/) offers an overview of the great benefits we offer; for detailed information visit our Benefits Information (https://www.tarleton.edu/human-resources/employees/benefits-information/) page.
Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a completed application for consideration. Initial review of applications will begin immediately and continue until position is filled.
Application Procedure:
During the application process applicants have one opportunity to enter the requested information, upload documents and Submit the application. Applicants will not be able to make changes or add additional documents once the application materials have been submitted via "Submit" action.
Employment applications must include:
Completed online application
Cover Letter / Letter of Interest addressing qualifications
Curriculum Vitae or Resume
At least 3 current professional references and their full contact information
Applications received by Tarleton State University must have all job application data entered. Failure to provide all job application data could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. "See resume" is not an acceptable entry in the job application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution's verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.
Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.
Founded in 1899, Tarleton State University a founding member of The Texas A&M University System, has a rich history and tradition through generations that have inspired educational excellence. Tarleton maintains a commitment to transformational student experiences and career readiness supported by engaged faculty, staff, and alumni mentors. Tarleton State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), earned the prestigious designation of Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, and is an NCAA Division l athletics member .
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Division of Human Resources (https://www.tarleton.edu/hr/index.html)
Benefits
University Leadership (https://www.tarleton.edu/president/)
Research and Economic Development
Traditions and History (https://www.tarleton.edu/traditions/index.html)
Tarleton State University is an Equal Opportunity/ Veterans/ Disability Employer. If you have questions about submitting your application, please contact employment@tarleton.edu .
