Collections Manager

Employee Status: Exempt, Management Team

Reports to: Director of Education & Interpretation

The Collections Manager is responsible for the registration of the museum collection, including, cataloguing, deaccessioning, object movement/transport, security, storage and conservation management, which includes the historic furnishings, decorative art and fine art on display in the Bush-Holley House, in addition to a broad collection of over 4,000 historic objects and artworks including textiles, costume, tools, furniture, sculpture, paintings and works on paper. They will be responsible for creating and maintaining detailed physical and digital object records following best practices. They are responsible for making the museum collections widely available for research, exhibitions and programs. The Collection Manager will collaborate and work with the archivist, educators, curators, interns, docents and volunteers to help support the mission of GHS.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. Manage all registration duties for museum collections including accessioning, cataloguing, deaccessioning, condition reporting, collection inventorying, etc. of physical collections, insurance and appraisal values, and creating policies and procedures.
2. Manage the Museum Collection, including maintenance of the digital and physical collection curatorial files. Carry out routine updates to record object moves, process new acquisitions, and items identified as found in collection.
3. Manage the continued migration of collections data to new collections database system (CatalogIt), maintaining accuracy and continuity with past inventories, and periodically conduct new inventories of museum collections.
4. Assess collection photography needs and photograph collections as needed to provide images for object records, digital access, research and exhibitions.
5. Ensure the ongoing care of the Museum Collection by identifying conservation needs, providing preventative conservation as needed, managing relationships with conservators and overseeing conservation efforts. Oversee all physical storage and movement of the museum collection to ensure its safety and security.
6. Insure that museum collections are exhibited following best standards and practices both on-site and as loans to other museums, etc. Oversee the exhibition and lending documentation and make all arrangements for the safe packing and transport of collection items
7. Oversee the monitoring and maintenance of collection storage areas, including improvements to storage, environmental and light monitoring and integrated pest control in collection storage areas, exhibition and Bush-Holley House. Recommend and manage collection moves, in coordination with curatorial and interpretation staff.
8. Oversee cleaning of historic house and exhibition spaces and collection storage areas and create Housekeeping Manual. Perform non-invasive cleaning of collection items on display as needed following best practices.
9. Prepare and monitor the Museum Collection budget, including the purchasing of collection-related materials and equipment. This may include identifying and pursuing grant opportunities for collections-related projects.
10. Serve as a staff representative on the Collections Committee.
11. Perform research as needed in support of new acquisitions, gifts to the collection, and collection inquiries from staff and the public.
12. Work closely with curatorial and education staff to promote the collection through exhibitions, programs, and publications.
13. Oversee seasonal changes in décor and interpretation in the Bush-Holley House carried out by interpretive and curatorial staff and provide training as needed.
14. Engage with donors, artists, and community members regarding donor cultivation and collections-related events. This includes leading occasional tours of the Bush-Holley House for specialist groups, researchers, and other VIPs.
15. In cooperation with exhibition curator(s) ensure safe movement of museum collection items to exhibition areas, prepare collection items for exhibition, ensure that collection items are exhibitable, and handle collection items during exhibition installation. Secure and process incoming loans of artwork, objects and archival material from wall-to-wall, including managing insurance, shipping, receiving and condition reporting.
16. Maintain institutional facility report and contribute to the emergency and disaster response plan
17. Provide project support as needed for exhibitions in-development, including project coordination or image rights requests for publications, participating in exhibit design meetings, and assisting with installations.

Qualifications:

• Education: Degree in Museum Studies, Art History, or a related field; Masters preferred.
• Experience: 3-5 years of experience in collections management, object research, and exhibition preparation and installation.
• Skills:
  • Highly skilled in handling a wide range of collection items of various ages, sizes, condition, weight, and material.
  • Thorough understanding of museum collection standards and best practices.
  • Knowledgeable in the care and preservation of museum collections.
  • Detail oriented and successful at multi-tasking.
  • Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
  • Proficient in collection management software and database systems, in particular CatalogIt.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to lift and move objects, sometimes exceeding 35 pounds, climb ladders, use tools, and to stand for extended periods.

Working Conditions:

• Work is primarily performed in a climate control museum environment, including storage areas and galleries, in addition to an 18^th century house museum.
• May require occasional evening or weekend hours for special events or exhibitions.

All interested applicants should email Melissa Houston at mhouston@greenwichhistory.org with a resume and cover letter.