South Street Seaport Museum seeks a full time Collections Manager. As part of a small, hard-working team, the Collections Manger works collaboratively with all departments. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Manager is responsible for the management and overall care of South Street Seaport Museum’s collection of more than 20,000+ objects, 10,000+ books, periodicals, ephemera as well as for the supervision of all operations and activities related to registration, installation, and the museum’s exhibition program.

The Collections Manager is also responsible for the development and implementation of strategic goals, policies, and objectives related to collection and exhibition management. The Manager supervises the Preparators and Exhibitions Team. S/he works with collectors, donors, scholars, and colleagues – both internally and externally – and facilitates partnerships with other institutions to promote research, understanding, use, and enjoyment of the collection. Essential to the position is an adherence to the highest museum standards and best practices and the ability to work collaboratively and to contribute meaningfully to the museum’s strategic plans and overall mission.

The Collections Manager is a hands-on position, not a supervisory one. The ideal candidate will lead by example through outstanding work practices, attention to mission, and professional demeanor. A fitting candidate will be a team oriented leader, with an outstanding ability to collaborate both internally and with community partners. Working with a limited budget requires the regular recruitment, management, and retention of interns and volunteers. Attention to detail and follow-through are essential. The position may include occasional evening or weekend work serving as the on-site point person for specific events, working with outside groups, and representing the Museum at partner meetings and functions.

Chief duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Collections Care:

Maintain the budget for the collections care department, including library & archives.
Develop in-depth knowledge of the collection’s scope, condition, and organization of the collection, including storage needs and associated documentation.
Evaluate the museum’s current standards of collection care, identify priorities, and implement strategies for improvement.
Continuously monitor condition and security of storage areas, both on and off-site, including housekeeping and pest management to maintain a secure, stable, and pest-free environment and work with the Facilities Manager to resolve issues.
Consult with the Director of Operations and Facilities Manager to maintain proper environmental conditions, and identify and implement security plans for art in the museum.
Guide and orient researchers in their use of the museum’s art, artifacts, and archival collection.

Registration:

Maintain and keep track of outgoing loan statuses, renew agreements or arrange for return of objects to the museum if needed; some travel may be required in the case of outgoing loans.
Process accessioned as well as de-accessioned materials, including re-housing, storage, cataloging and documentation.
Coordinate and/or arrange transportation of new acquisitions and the return/disposal of de-accessioned or unwanted materials in accordance with established procedures.

Exhibitions:

Coordinate and participate in the movement of collection items for exhibition, photography, research, and/ or conservation purposes, including tracking the movement of collection materials.
Assist with research, design, and layout of exhibitions, as well as installations/ de-installations, including gallery preparation when required.
Provide oversight in the development of exhibition designs and installation schedules.
Acting as project manager to oversee and give guidance for all technical aspects of exhibition management.

Administrative:

Collaborate with other departments, such as education, to facilitate access to and use of the collection.
Supervise interns and volunteers as well as collaborate with docent and Visitors Services training when necessary.
Liaise with the Director of Operations and Operations Associate for specific private events that may involve use of gallery/ exhibition space or the collection.
Provide general operating support, when necessary.

Marketing and Public Programs:

Actively assist with promotion of the Museum’s mission, events, and various programs, including identifying and developing strategies for specific target groups through the Marketing and Public Programs Committee, and actively arrange and participate – when necessary – in programs, tours, lectures and events with other departments such as Operations, Development, and Education.
Assist with social media and website content as well as community outreach.

Qualifications:

The position requires a highly detailed professional with at least 3 years experience in museum registration, art handling, shipping and related issues, fine art insurance, and collections management standards and practices. Excellent problem solving skills, the ability to manage numerous projects of varying degrees of complexity at once, and the ability to work effectively in a team environment is required. Budget planning experience, computer literacy with digital image capture, expertise in software including ReDiscovery (or similar collection management system), Hoboware, and Microsoft office suite are preferred.

This job description is intended as a guide to general job responsibilities and is not inclusive of every duty the Collections Manager is expected to perform.

Must be available to work occasional weekends, holidays, and evenings, particularly for museum events.

Physical Requirements:

physical requirements

Education, Formal Training and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in history, museum studies or related field, or equivalent work experience, including specific involvement with exhibition coordination, packing, international and domestic shipping, and insurance.
Knowledge of preventative conservation, condition reporting, and proper art handling.
Familiarity with museum registration-related records and record keeping, collections management theories, and ethical principles and professional practices related to museum registration.
Use of hand and power tools, as well as valid driver’s license a plus, but not a requirement.

This is a full-time position offering company subsidized medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as an HRA account, annual, sick, and personal leave. Employee contributed retirement and defined-benefits pension eligible. The Museum offers a supportive work environment with industry benefits and perks.

How to apply

Email resume, cover letter, and salary requirement with “Collections Manager 2015” in the subject line to collections@seany.org. No phone calls please.

South Street Seaport Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Post is open until filled, but priority will be given to applications received by 6/30/2015.