Director museum of archaeology

INSTITUTIONAL SUMMARY

Founded in 1794, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary is a graduate theological school of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Rooted in the Reformed tradition, the Seminary is committed to the formation of students for theologically reflective ministry and to scholarship in service to the global Church of Jesus Christ. Our faculty and educational resources cultivate theologically reflective and contextually engaged Christian leaders. Our programs nurture vocational formation for bearing witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our student body is comprised of Presbyterians, Baptists, Methodists, Episcopalians, Orthodox, and more than 20 other traditions from more than 30 U.S. states and countries around the world.

KELSO MUSEUM OF NEAR EASTERN ARCHAEOLOGY SUMMARY
The Kelso Museum of Near Eastern Archaeology has its roots in a program of archaeological field work in the Near East that began in 1924, focusing on the Lands of the Bible: modern day Israel, the West Bank, and Jordan. Its exhibits highlight daily life in ancient times, including landscape and settlement patterns; domestic and communal architecture; agriculture and food preparation; technologies, crafts, and stylistic traditions; trade; religious observance; as well as memory and writing systems and practices.

In addition to offering tours and resources for scholars, teachers, and students, the Museum invites leading archaeologists to Pittsburgh to offer free, public lectures on a variety of topics.

POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting to the Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Continuing Education, the full-time Director of the Kelso Museum of Near Eastern Archaeology oversees the care and conservation of the Museum’s collections, leads strategic planning and programming, and engages diverse audiences through exhibits, lectures, and educational initiatives that reflect the Seminary’s mission and values.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee the care and conservation of two collections:

1. A collection of more than 7,000 artifacts dating from the Chalcolithic to the Early Islamic period.
2. The archives of 14 excavations conducted by Seminary archaeologists, eight of which brought artifacts to the Museum.

Build a staff that brings complementary skills to the work of the Museum; oversee searches and the day-to-day work of the curator and volunteers (which may include research fellows, contract conservationists, contract archivists, and volunteer docents).Conduct research on the collection and maintain ties with scholars and institutions (ASOR, ACOR, AIA) engaged in the archaeology and cultural history of the Levant and the Middle East.Plan thematic and structural changes that broaden the historical scope of the Museum and its programming to include Arab, Muslim, and Bedouin presence in the Levant.Oversee a museum lecture series of two or more lectures annually by archaeologists and scholars working in areas relevant to the collections.Plan exhibits that reflect new themes and diverse perspectives; lead the Seminary in envisioning the future of the Kelso Museum, which may include new interpretation and a new site for a research institute that broadens the Museum’s historical scope.Offer electives on topics pertinent to the work of the Seminary and the wider community.Develop, propose, and manage the Museum budget; become familiar with the Museum’s endowment; and work with the Seminary Business Office and Development staff to identify and pursue funding opportunities.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS
The Director of the Kelso Museum of Near Eastern Archaeology should be a thoughtful and inquisitive scholar who demonstrates both academic excellence and a deep respect for the cultures, peoples, and histories represented in the Museum’s collections. This individual should model curiosity, care, and integrity in preserving and interpreting the artifacts entrusted to the Seminary, and should bring a spirit of collaboration that connects the Museum’s work to the Seminary’s educational mission and the broader public. In addition, the candidate should:

Minimum of five years’ experience in the care and interpretation of museum and archival collections.

Demonstrable experience in data management and digital communications, and engagement.

· Demonstrated administrative and writing skills.

· Eligibility for all state and federal requirements for working with children.

· Excavation experience.

EDUCATION/TRAINING

· PhD in History, Anthropology, Archaeology, Middle Eastern or Mediterranean Studies, or Biblical Studies with grounding in the history, archaeology, and cultures of the Levant.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Hybrid: in office 3 days a week (T-Th); remote work 2 days a week (M and F). Occasional evening work and travel (10%) will be required.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT
The Seminary affirms the commitment of the Presbyterian Church (USA) to a diverse workplace and equal opportunity. It also complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and executive orders relating to equal opportunity in employment.

TO APPLY
Interested candidates should provide a cover letter, a complete CV or resume, and the names and contact information (phone and e-mail) for three references. Application materials should be submitted to [email protected] .

Review of applications will begin on October 27, 2025; applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled. Pittsburgh Theological Seminary will conduct a background check on all final candidates.