The Director of Collections Management is responsible for guiding and leading the strategic vision for the work of Collections Management at the CMA as well as overseeing the day-to-day work of the department. A member of the senior staff, this position reports to the Deputy Director and Chief Curator.
The successful candidate will oversee a staff of fifteen including five registrars, six art handlers, one packing specialist, and three photographers. The Director of Collections Management will work in a collegial manner cross-departmentally, most closely with Conservation, Curatorial, Exhibitions, Design, and Facilities. The incumbent will be a strong communicator who understands the essential role of collaboration in the workplace. The successful candidate will demonstrate a proven ability to build positive professional relationships, as well as having finely honed organizational and problem-solving skills. The museum is seeking an experienced collections management professional with a record of excellence in participating in robust programs in acquisitions, exhibitions, loans, and collections care. Of greatest interest will be individuals who prioritize teamwork, collegiality, communication, and the professional growth of their staff.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Supervises Collections Manager and Registrar to ensure that the museum’s collections are accounted for and documented and that museum storage is protected and secure
- Collaborates with Conservation on developing and maintaining best practices for the safe storage of collections
- Ensures that acquisitions and deaccessions are conducted in a manner that conforms to the museum’s mission, complies with AAMD guidelines, applicable laws, and reflects the highest ethical standards
- Supervises Registrar for Loans to ensure that loan activities are conducted efficiently and safely, that proper packing and crating occurs for all art shipments, and that the museum follows TSA’s Certified Cargo Screening Program
- Oversees the museum’s applications for the U.S Government’s Arts and Artifacts Indemnity program for loans
- Supervises Registrars for Exhibitions to ensure that the installation of exhibitions and works of art in permanent collection galleries are conducted in an organized, safe, and secure manner
- Ensures that access to collection information is available and appropriately regulated and supports the museum as an Open Access institution through the use of Creative Commons Zero
- Ensures that intellectual and cultural property laws are in place and utilized as important administrative tools in the museum’s mandate to preserve and augment its collections
- Ensures all collection objects and new acquisitions have the appropriate copyright permissions
- Supervises Chief Photographer and oversees photo studio, whose staff create digital photographs of all works of art in the collection. Such photographs are utilized on the museum’s website, collection/conservation records and in publications
- Oversees the departmental budget
- Oversees the CMA’s Fine Arts Insurance
- Works with Collections Manager and Registrar and Conservation on recommendations and plans for off-site storage in order to addresses the growing footprint of the collection, particularly of oversized works of art
Ensures that Immunity from Seizure regulations from countries to whom the museum lends are followed - Oversees amendments and additions to the Collections Management Policy with the Director, Chief Curator, and legal counsel
- Collaborates with the Digital Innovation and Technology Services department on best practices for the museum’s collection database.
REQUIREMENTS
- B. A. from a four-year college or university
- B. A. in art history, museum administration, or closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Ten years of progressive experience encompassing all aspects of collections management in an art museum setting
- Strong leadership skills with proven experience and commitment to communication, mentorship and advocation for the professional development of collections management staff
- Demonstrated ability to supervise and work successfully with others including museum staff, Trustees, artists, and donors
- Proven ability to attend to a variety of tasks concurrently in a complex environment
The salary range for this position is $100-120K, depending upon experience. Applications, including a cover letter that addresses the candidate’s interest in the position and the relevance of their experience to the museum’s operations, a curriculum vita, and the names and contact information for three references should be submitted by May 15, 2021.
