About Motown Museum

In the 1960s, Hitsville U.S.A. was buzzing with activity. These modest buildings on Detroit’s West Grand Boulevard housed dozens of the music industry’s most talented, passionate and successful people. More than half a century later, the walls of Motown Museum continue to hold that entrepreneurial energy for its staff—and you could be part of our team.  

As a museum and cultural institution, we seek to hire talented and skilled individuals interested in careers, internships, and volunteers across a variety of functions—including staff for collections, programming, fund development, guest services, retail, management, and more. 

Director of Curatorial and Collections

Location: Detroit, MI

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer

Preserving the Past. Inspiring the Future.

At Motown Museum, every artifact tells a story — of rhythm, resilience, and revolution. From a humble house on West Grand Boulevard, a cultural movement emerged that shaped not just music, but the world. As we continue to honor this legacy, we’re seeking a Director of Curatorial and Collections who will safeguard our history while curating experiences that inspire generations to come.

The Opportunity

This is more than a curatorial position — it’s a calling. The Director of Curatorial and Collections will lead the stewardship of Motown Museum’s vast archives and collections, ensuring their preservation, authenticity, and accessibility. This role is both scholarly and creative, combining deep knowledge of African American cultural history and popular music with a passion for storytelling, innovation, and community connection.

You’ll be responsible for shaping the Museum’s curatorial vision — developing exhibitions, overseeing collections care, and advancing the Museum’s mission through research, scholarship, and public engagement.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the conceptualization, development, and execution of exhibitions that honor Motown’s legacy while sparking new conversations about culture, creativity, and change.
• Oversee the preservation, acquisitions documentation, and digitization of the Museum’s archives, artifacts, and multimedia collections.
• Ensure the integrity and accessibility of Motown’s historical assets, implementing best practices in collections management and emerging digital preservation technologies.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to create educational programs, publications, and research initiatives that expand the Museum’s reach and relevance.
• Mentor and lead a team of curatorial and collections professionals, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and excellence.
• Partner with Development and executive leadership to secure grants, gifts, and sponsorships for exhibitions and archival projects.
• Represent the Museum at public programs, professional conferences, and collaborative initiatives, serving as an ambassador for Motown’s story and impact.

Who You Are

You are both a curator and a caretaker, driven by purpose and passion. You bring:
• A Master’s degree in Museum Studies, Ethnomusicology, African American Studies, Library Science, or a related field (Ph.D. preferred).
• 7+ years of curatorial or collections management experience, ideally in a cultural heritage or music-focused institution.
• Expertise in collections care, archival best practices, and digital preservation systems.
• A strong understanding of Motown music, African American cultural history, and the broader context of popular music.
• Demonstrated success in exhibition planning, team leadership, and grant writing.
• Excellent written, research, and public speaking skills — and a storyteller’s instinct for connecting audiences to meaning.

Why Motown Museum

To work at Motown Museum is to join a living legacy. Here, you don’t just manage history — you protect the soul of a movement that continues to inspire creativity, unity, and hope across the globe.

Together, we’ll preserve, promote, and celebrate the authentic Motown story — ensuring that its rhythm and spirit echo for generations to come.

Ready to Make History?
If you’re a visionary curator with a deep respect for heritage and a drive to connect people through story, we want to hear from you.