Job Listing: Collections Assistant Term Positions (MacArthur Memorial)

COLLECTIONS ASSISTANT TERM POSITIONS

DESCRIPTION:

The MacArthur Memorial is seeking three full‑time Collection Assistants (Archival, Curatorial, and Education) for a 16‑month grant‑funded term. These positions, funded by the General Douglas MacArthur Foundation, support collection management, digitization, cataloging, and public access initiatives.

Term: June 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027

Core objectives include:

• Expanding public and educational access to the collection
• Supporting digitization and conservation projects
• Cataloging, rehousing, and organizing collection materials
• Improving workflows for archives, artifacts, and digital assets

The Archival and Curatorial positions focus primarily on collections work; the Education position is public-facing and supports access initiatives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (A – Archival, C – Curatorial, E – Education)

• Assist with processing recent donations by creating accession records for backlogged objects and inputting data into Rediscovery Proficio. (A, C)
• Photograph, measure, and record detailed information on historical objects. (A, C, E)
• Respond to research requests (A, C, E)
• Assist in the conservation and maintenance of the education collection. (E)
• Collaborate with staff and General Douglas MacArthur Foundation to support public accessibility through creation and publication of digital content and social media. (E)

SKILLS:

These are entry‑level positions; preferred but not required skills include:

• Knowledge of American military history (Spanish‑American War - Korean War)
• Experience with collections management practices and databases (preferably Re:discovery Proficio)
• Experience handling documents, photographs, books, uniforms, militaria, and similar materials
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Ability to communicate effectively – verbal and written.
• Strong organization and attention to detail

COMPENSATION:

• $25 an hour, 32 hours a week. (Approximately $51,200 for the employment term).
• Paid parking; paid leave on City of Norfolk Holidays plus 20 additional days of leave for the term; funding is available for professional development support; flexible schedule at discretion of supervisor.

About The MacArthur Memorial: The MacArthur Memorial opened in 1964 as a museum and library dedicated to the life and times of General of the Army Douglas MacArthur. Today the MacArthur Memorial is an internationally recognized center for the study of military history, leadership, and diplomacy. The City of Norfolk operates the Memorial in partnership with the nonprofit General Douglas MacArthur Foundation. The museum and library serve 140,000+ people annually and is open free of charge. For more information, please visit www.macarthurmemorial.org.

About the General Douglas MacArthur Foundation: The General Douglas MacArthur Foundation, a 501©3, was founded in 1962 to commemorate the life and achievements of General of the Army Douglas MacArthur, particularly as they relate to his credo “Duty, Honor, country” and its relevance to future generations. The Foundation helps support the MacArthur Memorial, in addition to recognizing and awarding JROTC, ROTC, Joint Forces Staff College, and US Army young leaders with the MacArthur Leadership Awards.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please submit your CV and letter of interest to macarthur@norfolk.gov. Your CV should include at least two references. The letter of interest should indicate which position (Archival Collection Assistant, Curatorial Collection Assistant or Education Collection Assistant) you wish to be considered for. You may also elect to be considered for all three positions.

Applications close: MAY 18, 2026

Questions may be directed to macarthur@norfolk.gov.