Collections Manager

COLLECTIONS MANAGER JOB DESCRIPTION

Shelby County Historical Society, Grover Center Museum

Shelbyville, IN

20 hrs/week, $18/hour

email resume and cover letter to director@grovercenter.org

The Collections Manager’s primary position will be to maintain and standardize the collections and archives. As a small staff, the candidate will also assist with exhibits programming at the  Grover Center Museum. To be successful, the candidate needs to be hands-on,  participative and a positive staff member with an educational background in museum studies, collections and/or archives. They will work in a team-driven,  mission-focused environment.  The position reports to the Executive Director. Although this position has a flexible schedule, a rotating Saturday schedule is required. This is an in-person job.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Oversee the care, preservation and documentation of the collection
This position is responsible for ensuring the overall safety, preservation, maintenance, and documentation for objects on view, in storage, and on loan.
Responsible for implementing accepted museum professional standards and practices: maintains catalog records and creates new records both digital and paper; maintains paper files and archives.
Prepares documentation including provenance history for new accessions and research documentation for deaccessioning; and coordinates and manages documentation for deeds of gift, bequests, and donations.
Ensure that the Archives and Collections and its environment meet not just current needs, but also meet long-term preservation requirements.
Answer research requests by email, phone, or walk-ins.
Collaborate on newsletter and other communication
Assist with collection-driven social media content
Schedule and coordinate volunteers for collection work including helping to lead the volunteer Collection Committee.
Create monthly volunteer count as related to this position reports
Work within a given budget
After installation and deinstallation of displays, assist with cleanup, including but not limited to restocking, organizing and putting away all tool carts, ladders, etc
Perform condition reports and assist with collection documentation, photograph installations for internal records, and assist with database entry and maintenance of collection files
Assist the Executive Director in the development, planning, and installation of temporary exhibitions and rotations within the permanent collections
Maintain a tidy work environment
Other duties, as assigned

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Museum Studies, Arts Administration, Library Science or related field

One year  experience in working or volunteering in a museum setting

Excellent communication and organizational skills

Ability to work with collections software (CatalogIT)

Proficiency in basic computing, Microsoft Office, and Excel, Google

Positive attitude with visitors, staff and problem solving

Ability to see projects through to completion

Ability to apply creative methods to solve problems and find answers

Ability to work well both as part of a team and under own direction

Experience or familiarity with the principles and practices of collections and exhibition management

Basic to intermediate carpentry skills

Ability to work effectively with diverse groups, including retired volunteers, library professionals, student workers, and systems/information technology staff

Familiarity with conservation standards and best practices and an understanding of modern material culture, including storage, art handling, packing, crating, and transportation for works of art in all mediums

Talking, Standing, Walking, Bending, Stooping, Climbing stairs/ladders, Kneeling, Squatting, Lifting,  – Often

This job description is not intended to be a complete statement of the position; it is intended merely as a guide