Collections Manager

Description:

The Collections Manager at Belle Meade is responsible for overseeing and carrying out collections care and maintenance of the artwork and artifacts on the property. They work closely with the Curator to evaluate, authenticate, and catalog the items and documents in the collection. They also work with other departments to fulfil Belle Meade’s mission as a private non-profit. They also manage the registrational duties for the collection, support scholarly access to the permanent collection, and control what parts of the collection are used in exhibit displays.

Duties and Responsibilities

Collections Care and Preservation: Work in tandem with management to oversee preservation efforts on the site, with a focus on the Mansion itself. Care for the collection including artworks, textiles, furnishings, and architectural features. Performs routine collection dusting, movement, rehousing, and storage. Identity and address preservation, conservation, and storage issues related to the collection. Manage environmental conditions in the Mansion. Plan and implement long-term conservation goals, Ensure the cleanliness of the collection and exhibit spaces across the property, including the Mansion, Slave Cabin, Carriage House, Stables, Mausoleum, Dairy, and Harding Cabin.

Collaboration with Interpretation, Education, and the Winery: Works with the Curator to assist the Director of Interpretation, Director of Education, and Winery. Researching for special events, giving staff contextual information about the collection, and helping with the establishment of new tours. Contributes to exhibition planning and installation

Liaison with the community, vendors, and contractors:Work with the Curator to oversee vendors and contractors including tracking progress, quality of work, and deliverables. Provide research documentation related to the collection to the public, other institutions, and staff as requested.

Acquisitions and Registration: Ensures that all loans, purchases, and donations to the collection accord with Belle Meade Historic Site and Winery’s Collections Policy. Works in collaboration with the Curator and CEO when accessioning or de-accessioning items in the collection. Updates and adheres to collection management policies and works in accordance with Museum best practices and regulations. Plans and implements inventories of the collection. Labels items according to museum best practices and manages the documentation of the collection and cataloging. Administering loan agreements and returns.

Other special projects and duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work in museum studies or conservation

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Dedicated and detail-oriented individual

Knowledgeable about and adheres to American Alliance of Museum standards and ethics as well as Federal and State laws related to collections management

Demonstrated experience in the care, preservation and documentation of artifacts

Strong knowledge of 19th century history, Southern History, and Museum best practices

Proficient in the use of collections software like PastPerfect5 as well as Microsoft Office Suite

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Ability to work independently

Strong organizational skills

Ability to collaborate, work as part of a team, and maintain working relationships with all staff and outside institutions as necessary

Commitment to learning and growing in the field

Moderate physical activity including lifting at least 50 pounds as well as sitting, standing, and kneeling for extended periods

Ability to travel, work evenings, and weekends as necessary in the performance of assigned responsibilities