Description:
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Managing proper documentation of the museum collections, including accessioning and deaccessioning, cataloging, inventories, and other records.
- Maintaining the collections management database (Past Perfect) and object files.
- Ensuring proper care and preservation of the museum collections by managing the museum collections storage rooms, environmental conditions data and analysis, curatorial housekeeping, and conservation projects.
- Overseeing incoming and outgoing loan documentation, administering loan requests and ensuring loan conditions are fulfilled.
- Compiling condition reports and receipts to museum standard, keeping records of movement and conditions of works and work with conservators and couriers when necessary.
- Organizing exhibition related transport, which includes updating shipping lists, obtaining estimates of costs, and monitoring customs documentation, in communication with shippers and the exhibition Curator.
- Coordinating the insurance of works of art, and compile and file insurance claims in the event of loss or damage of work.
- Overseeing the administration and transport arrangements for specific exhibitions on tour and act as courier for touring exhibitions when necessary.
- Issuing collections-related contracts to partner organizations, artists, curators and authors in consultation with the Exhibitions Department.
THE AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM IN PHILADELPHIA
JOB DESCRIPTION
QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
Education/ Experience Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in history, art history, museum studies, or a closely related field
- At least 5 years of professional experience managing art and artifact collections in a museum environment.
- Thorough knowledge of collections management standards and best practices;
- Demonstrated experience managing the care, preservation, and documentation of museum collections, especially in museum registration, collections management software, object handling and housing, loan procedures, and exhibition installation.
- Excellent project management skills.
- The ability to perform moderate physical activity, such as climbing ladders, lifting, kneeling, and standing or walking for extended periods of time.
- The ability to work occasional evening and weekend hours, including courier trips.
- Organized, detail-oriented, able to work independently and take initiative, an effective writer and public speaker, and eager to contribute to the Institute’s work.
Education/ Experience Preferred:
- Master’s degree in history, art history, museum studies, or a closely related field.
- Familiarity with the African American history and material culture of the African Diaspora
- Experience leading staff teams in larger projects