Collection Care Specialist

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Provide preventative conservation and management of prints and drawings collection within the Department of European Art; provide support to the Chair of European Art, Curator of Prints and Drawings, and other curators as their work relates to the museum’s collections of works on paper. Work in collaboration with the Curatorial Department Assistant of European Art as needed.

In this role, you will….

1. Works on Paper Collection Coordination & Preservation

Provide specialized and practical (hands-on) knowledge of works on paper preservation techniques and methods.
In collaboration with the Curator of Prints and Drawings, and colleagues in Registration, provide information regarding object condition, conservation needs, etc.; maintain and update object records in TMS database; maintain location and inventory of Prints & Drawings collection in the related storage areas.
Initiate location change paperwork and serve as primary art handler for works on paper in collaboration with Registration staff, Visual Resources, and Curatorial Staff.
Under the direction of the Curator of Prints and Drawings, the Chair of European Art, and in collaboration with Registrars, monitor, organize, and update collection housing, interleaving, and storage of works on paper to meet current preservation standards.
Order and maintain supplies for archival-grade storage equipment and materials for works on paper.
Maintain and update organization of the works on paper storage area, including regular cleaning of shelving, floors, etc. as needed, as well as general housekeeping in the Print Study Room.
Assist Curatorial staff with the initiation and investigation of damage reports; schedule and attend consultations with MACC staff re: conservation needs; conduct superficial conservation treatments under the supervision of MACC conservators for works on paper.
Calculate, record, and track annual and lifetime light exposure for works on paper in the Prints and Drawings collection; advocate for future inclusion in TMS.
Provide Curatorial staff, visiting scholars, curators, donors, artists, professors, undergraduate and graduate classes, members of the public by appointment, and non-curatorial staff with physical and digital access to and information about Mia’s collection of works on paper.
Create pop-up Study Room exhibitions for classes and other visiting groups.
In consultation with Curator of Prints and Drawings, Chair of European Art, and the Deputy Director and Chief Curator, create policy and procedures for the preservation and handling of works on paper.
Coordinate updated photographic documentation of collection with Visual Resources.
In consultation with relevant curatorial staff, utilize specialized knowledge of collections to guide and assist research of objects in the collection.
Organize and maintain object files with new research, coordinating with Library staff and Registrars as required.
In collaboration with Registrars and Finance department, participate in periodic audits for insurance purposes.
Recommend preventative conservation standards for works on paper, including light levels and other environmental standards in storage, exhibition, etc.

2. Curatorial Support

Attend department and organizational meetings.
Adhere to and facilitate management of exhibition planning and timelines, including processing invoices, reconciling expenses.
Handle all requests from public and museum staff that do not require curatorial input/response, such as object information, photo requests, and publication requests.
Arrange for photographic documentation of exhibition installation by Visual Resources.
Assist with all aspects of gallery rotations as directed.
Assist with exhibition-related publications including but not limited to:
- Locating images and resource materials
- Securing copyright permissions
- Compiling research as directed
- Proofreading all material intended for publication.
- Mailing catalogues to photo and object lenders
- Assisting Curators with exhibition-related didactics including object label copy and wall texts.
Compile installation requirements and restrictions, data entry, generate checklists and other reports, image gathering/scanning, and loan correspondence as directed.
Coordinate and oversee researchers’ visits to the Print and Drawing Study Room, in consultation with relevant staff. Provide materials and information for traveling exhibitions.
Administer events in conjunction with the Curator of Print and Drawings.
Assist relevant staff with accession proposals and presentations for new acquisitions.
Communicate with vendors, donors, contractors, staff, researchers, and general public as needed.
Compile research documents and checklists for external use.

To be successful in this role…

You are self-motivated, with the ability to initiate and follow through on assigned and independent projects. You have excellent language and communication skills and can communicate effectively with people from a variety of different educational, ethnic, language, and economic backgrounds. You have excellent professional skills with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail. You always maintain confidentiality and discretion in handling sensitive departmental relations and records.

Specific Requirements

Required:

BA in the humanities and/or demonstrated interest in art history, familiarity with handling works of fine art
Working knowledge of American Association of Museum’s Code of Ethics as well as the Collecting Guidelines for Museums
Minimum of three years’ work experience; administrative and organizational emphasis
Knowledge of best practices in museum registration and collections management
Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Keyboarding speed of 60 wpm
Ability to lift up to 30 poundsPreferred:
MA in museum studies, art history, arts administration, fine art, conservation, or related field
Experience in a museum setting
Accreditation in preservation management
Nonprofit/museum experience desirable

Mia Culture

The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) is an audience-centered, equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone is welcome. Mia is Mission Driven, Generous, Agile, Emotionally Aware, and Positive, and endeavors to create a workplace culture where staff are responsible to one another, to our visitors, and to themselves to do the best work possible.

To Apply

To be considered for this position, please apply online at https://jobs-artsmia.submittable.com/submit.

Mia is committed to championing policies and practices that value diversity, foster equity, and empower an accessible and inclusive environment. Our strength lies in the diversity among the broad range of people who contribute their time and talents to Mia. We consider inclusion and accessibility a driver of institutional excellence and seek out diversity of participation, thought, and action. It is our aim, therefore, that our employees, trustees, interns, and volunteers reflect and embrace these core values.