Independent Museum Professionals Network

Consultant, freelancer, independent professional, those making a career from multiple institutions. There are many names for those who don’t fall under the umbrella of a single institution, but instead are doing their best to hold umbrellas over their own heads.

Independent museum professionals come from every corner of the museum field – educators, curators, registrars, exhibit designers, fundraisers, public relations, etc. – and have common needs that go beyond their content specialty. This Professional Network aims to help fill those gaps.

The purpose of this network is:

• to have a place where independent museum professionals can connect and ask questions of others who do this kind of work both at in-person events and through digital forums
• to help the wider museum field understand how to effectively find and use independent museum professionals by providing printed and digital resources, workshops and networking events
• to help independent museum professionals find targeted professional development that will help people at each stage of their careers by collaborating with other groups both inside AAM and externally
• to collaborate with other Professional Networks on programs that benefit ALL museum professionals and support institutions in their use of independent museum professionals

Mission

The Independent Museum Professionals Network provides a central hub of resources, knowledge, and connections. It actively works to support independent museum professionals, to strengthen the relationship between independent museum professionals and museums, and to advance the museum field.

Regional Gatherings

IMPN is excited to launch monthly in-person, Regional Gatherings geared toward independent museum professionals. No charge to attend.

• Brief, engaging presentations by field experts
• Networking and collaboration opportunities
• A community strengthened by in-person and online communications

Upcoming gatherings can be found on the AAM Calendar of Events.

Please take our 30-second survey to help shape future events.

Volunteer Opportunities

As IMP grows, so do opportunities to get involved. We need talented people willing to share expertise. We are a network of busy professionals and we promise to use your time efficiently and effectively. Interested? Please email our volunteer coordinator at darcie@darciefohrman.com

Members of Professional Network leadership teams are expected to maintain their individual AAM membership, comply with AAM’s policies and procedures, and contribute to the advancement of the network, AAM’s strategic plan, and the museum field.

Available Volunteer Opportunities

Social Media Manager

Reports to Communications/Membership Chair

1. Oversees IMP social media channels and postings.
2. Sources interesting and appropriate stories to promote on IMP channels.
3. Posts regularly (weekly or more) on channels.

Communications Team Volunteer

Reports to Communications/Membership Chair

As needed—tasks may include:

1. Write copy for newsletter.
2. Promote IMP events on AAM Museum Junction.
3. Assist with social media promotion and postings.
4. Update website.
5. Create graphics for program promotion.

Programs Team Volunteer

Reports to Program Committee Co-chairs

As needed—tasks may include:

1. Assist with/host online programs.
2. Develop online programs (find speakers, coordinate schedules, etc.)
3. Draft program descriptions for communication/promotion.
4. Develop program assessments/surveys.
5. Help create/find speakers for AAM Annual Meeting sessions.
6. Maintain program statistics.