Resident Collections Fellow - Cranbrook Center for Collections & Research

About the role

Cranbrook Center for Collections & Research is accepting applications for its 2026-2028 Resident Collections Fellow. This is a unique opportunity for an emerging museum or historic house curator with a passion for decorative arts, architecture, and landscape history.

Responsibilities

• Researches collections and assists with the development of their documentation, accessioning, storage, care, conservation, and inventory
• Develops and organizes collections-based educational programs for Cranbrook Schools
• Develops lectures and tours for regional audiences
• Aids visiting researchers
• Writes blogs
• Provides public and private tours of the campus, including Cranbrook House, Saarinen House, and Smith House and their landscapes, as well as the Cranbrook Japanese Garden
• Documents and shares Cranbrook's landscapes and natural environments, including the landscapes designed by Ossian Cole Simonds, the Olmstead Brothers, Loja Saarinen, Thomas Dolliver Church, and Dan Kiley
• Works with volunteers and staff members to care for the gardens

Requirements

• An M.A. in art, architecture, or landscape history, material culture, or a related field (completion of M.A. coursework before starting fellowship required)
• Demonstrated object- and place-based research and interpretation skills
• Outstanding speaking, writing, and editing skills
• An interest in working in the landscape
• Attention to detail
• Strong computer skills (Microsoft Office 365), including comfort with virtual presentation platforms
• Experience with collections database systems (TMS preferred)

Qualifications

• Completion of M.A. coursework before starting fellowship
• Emphasis on the late 19th through mid-20th centuries
• Previous curatorial experience or internships preferred

Benefits

The pay rate is $19.66 per hour, which equates to $40,893 annually based on a full-time, 40 hours/week work schedule (including periodic evening and weekend responsibilities). A small apartment on Cranbrook’s campus will be provided. Cranbrook offers benefits that include a medical plan, paid time off, and eligibility to participate in the retirement programs with the potential to earn employer contributions. We also offer employee discounts, and a unique environment in an educational setting that values collaboration.