Collections Assistant

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Job Type
Full-time
Description
Position: Collections Assistant
Reports to: Associate Registrar for Collections
Classification: Non-Exempt, Full-Time, Hourly
Benefits: Full Museum benefits
Schedule: M-F 9-5
Salary: $21/hour, 35 hours per week

Mission: The Dallas Museum of Art is a space of wonder and discovery where art comes alive.

The DMA will:

Place art and our diverse communities at the center around which all activities radiate.
Pursue excellence in collecting and programming, present works of art across cultures and time, and be a driving force in contemporary art.
Strengthen our position as a prominent, innovative institution, expanding the meaning and possibilities of learning and creativity.

Scope of the Position:

The Collections Assistant will report to the Associate Registrar for the Permanent Collection and will work closely with the Registrars, Preparators, Curators, Conservators, and Exhibitions staff. The position is responsible for supporting the department on all aspects of its day-to-day activities, including but not limited to support for permanent collection, registrar archives, exhibitions, acquisitions, and loans. The Collections Assistant is responsible for object numbering, registrar’s files organization, and assisting in data entry. The position will also assist with collection care and storage logistics as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Assists the Director of Collections Management with special projects as assigned.
Numbers accessioned objects following museum registration guidelines.
Oversees the records in the Registrar’s Office archives, organizing files as needed, and relocating files to the DMA Archives if applicable.
Creates and maintains accurate records for the collection including electronic inventory records in TMS, objects files, and photographic records.
Assists with object records and files.
Coordinates the visits of researchers to the Archives.
Assists the Associate Registrar, Permanent Collection with storage maintenance and storage needs assessment.
Researches the collection for Abandoned Property Eligible and
Found in Collections items.
Prepares condition reports.
Assists the exhibition registrars with condition report, courier logistics, and installations as needed.
Assists with packing/shipping arrangements adhering to museum standards, special installation requirements, loan agreements, and insurance.
Documents location changes in the TMS database after each art move.
Conducts storage inventories as needed.
Adheres to museum policies and support management decisions in a positive, professional manner.
Conforms to the code of ethics governing the museum and museum registrar profession set forth by the American Alliance of Museums and the Registrar’s Committee of the AAM.
Acts as courier as needed.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements
Education, Experience, and Certification:
Bachelor’s degree in Art History, Museum Studies, or related field.
Preference given to candidates with two years’ experience in registration or art handling at a museum, archive, library, or gallery.

Key Qualifications:

Knowledge of museum standards and practices of registration, art handling, conservation, and collections storage requirements and procedures.
Comprehensive knowledge of varied media handling, packing, transport, and storage best practice techniques.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Excellent computer skills, proficiency in Excel.
Knowledge of computerized collections management systems (TMS preferred).
Demonstrable ability to assess priorities and work well under pressure.
Excellent time management, problem solving and analytical skills.
Highly organized, self-directed, and with strong attention to detail.
Ability to work with curators, donors, vendors, other museum professionals, the public and co-workers professionally and tactfully including appearance and demeanor.
Ability to flexibly embrace changes within this position due to departmental priorities and/or for cross-training purposes.
Ability to carry/lift 50 lbs.
Ability to climb ladders.
Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time, and to lift, push, and/or pull heavy, fragile, and/or odd-shaped objects carefully and safely.
Ability to visually inspect artwork.

Our Core Values

Act with Integrity: Be open, honest, and ethical.
Communicate Openly: Be constructive, transparent, and respectful.
Build Inclusivity: Diverse backgrounds make us stronger.
Join Forces: Support collaboration and unity.
Work Passionately: Be fearless, creative, and solutions-driven.
Embrace and Drive Change: Be nimble, there is always a way to yes.
Invest in Each Other: Pursue learning.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
The Dallas Museum of Art fosters equity, celebrates diversity, and supports inclusion. We acknowledge that diverse backgrounds and voices of visitors, volunteers, trustees, staff, and communities represented in the collection make us stronger and better equipped to make positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally.

Equity
Society’s historical legacies and systemic barriers have created disparities in the communities we serve. Knowing this, we strive to expand and enhance arts opportunities for all.

Diversity
Many factors—including but not limited to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetics, economic backgrounds, and experiences—make individuals and groups unique. Our goal is to ensure visitors, volunteers, trustees, staff, and collections reflect this diversity.

Inclusion
We commit to listening to and learning from diverse voices and perspectives. We create a vibrant and accessible social space that encourages dialogue and the exchange of ideas through arts and culture.

EOE
The Dallas Museum of Art is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The DMA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.