Manager, Collections & Exhibitions

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Brandeis University seeks to hire a Manager, Collections & Exhibitions to manage the Rose Art Museum’s renowned collection of post-war and contemporary art, housed on the campus. This person will be responsible for stewarding a collection of 9,000 objects, including paintings, works on paper, photographs, video, textiles and sculpture, and for overseeing collection support staff and one student intern. Manages all policies outlined in the standard AAM collection management policy and activities related to the long term strategy for collection stewardship. Leads grant funded projects related to access and documentation of the collection. The Manager, Collections & Exhibitions supervises staff in the collection and exhibition areas and is a key member of the museum team, reporting to the Director and Chief Curator of the Museum.

Examples of Key Responsibilities:

Responsible for managing exhibition budgets, developing project timelines, monitoring project development and working with key stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of exhibitions that come in on time and within budget. Oversee exhibition registration and manage incoming and outgoing loans and exhibitions (national and international). Negotiate exhibition contracts in conjunction with Director and Chief Curator and Brandeis Administration. Project management for exhibition installation and de- installation in consultation with curatorial team and Head Preparator. Maximize financial arrangements with borrowers, vendors, customs brokers, transportation companies and lenders, while adhering to best practices for moving works of art.
Manage the care and use of the intellectual and physical collection and its documentation. Direct and manage a broad spectrum of collection initiatives including digitization grants, campus-wide inventories and loans, conservation, and preventative maintenance plans. Act as museum insurance liaison for university risk managers, including disaster preparedness and emergency plans. Oversee and implement the Collections Management Policy, and coordinate logistics of Board Collections Committee meetings. Work with Associate Director of Operations and Administration to implement security systems, building HVAC guidelines, and broader University procedures related to collections safety.
Oversee Associate Registrar with care and access to the collection including accessioning, condition reporting, shipping, loans, inventory, documentation, rights and reproduction, and management of the collection database. Oversee Head Preparator with installation and deinstallation planning and preparation, safe handling of collections, and budget reporting. Guide access policies for curators, artists, scholars, and educators to the collection, as needed. Maintain department records and digital assets, following archival policies.
Administer federal and other grants and restricted gifts related to collection stewardship projects. Create and track departmental, exhibition, special projects, art acquisition, and grant budgets in consultation with museum administration.

Qualifications:

BA/BS required – Art, Art History, Museum Studies, Arts Administration, or closely related field/M.A./M.S. preferred.

5-8 years work related experience

Mastery of museum software and databases, including Microsoft Office, Photoshop and collections management database systems (EmbArk). Full understanding of archival management for collection records and digital assets.
Familiarity with fine arts insurance policies, US Government Indemnity, TSA regulations and practices, and related legal requirements.
Familiarity with conservation standards and best practices and an understanding of modern material culture, including storage, art handling, packing, crating, and transportation for works of art in all mediums. Command of conservation glossaries and ability to evaluate works of art for the purposes of condition reporting.
Demonstrated ability to create and manage budgets.
Excellent communication, negotiation and organizational skills.
Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to efficiency and deadlines.
Ability to work well under pressure with multiple priorities.
Ability to travel as a courier and work odd hours, as required.
Openness to establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with colleagues at the museum and throughout campus, including faculty, students, artists, and administration. Act as a representative of the Rose Art Museum to outside professionals, donors, lenders, and members of the artistic community.
Passion for preservation and participation in campus programs that will promote the mission of the museum.