Manager of Exhibitions & Collections

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Job Title: Manager of Exhibitions & Collections
Job Classification: Full-time/Exempt
Division/Department: Art Division/Exhibitions & Collections Management

Job Summary

The Manager of Exhibitions & Collections plays a key role in the art-related operations of the Palm Springs Art Museum’s Museum Drive facility and the Architecture + Design Center. The position maintains the policies and procedures for the collection, the archive, and the library holdings; and prepares the master art installation schedule relating to art movements, shipping, exhibitions, and special events for museum buildings and other sites. The Manager works closely and in collaboration with the Art Department to realize exhibitions and installations within its galleries and beyond through the management of complex loan exhibitions, the implementation of a travelling exhibition program and coordination of venues and tours for same, the oversight of the in-house exhibition schedule, and long-term loan partnerships throughout the Coachella Valley. Serves as the principle contact for internal and external museum colleagues on exhibitions management, exhibition calendar, policies and matters related to loan procedures, insurance and government indemnities, budgets, contracts, and lender negotiations. The position is charged with the care, preservation and risk management of the Museum’s collections and with ensuring that the collections are available for current and future visitors.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Work with Chief Curator to manage the planning process of exhibition and collection projects in different stages of development over multiple years – including project schedules and budgets, vendor and project management, and development of traveling exhibitions.
Collaborate with the Information Technology department to provide greater access to the museum collections online.
Collaborate with Development to solicit and secure funds for collections care, conservation, archiving, digitizing, and cataloguing the collection.
Oversee the development of a digital assets management system (DAMS).
Oversee rights & reproductions permissions for works in the collection for use in publicity, website, publications, merchandise, and reproduction requests. Manage rights & reproduction permissions for loans to the museum for exhibitions or temporary display for the same purposes.

Management

Prepare the master art installation schedule relating to art movements, shipping, exhibitions, and special events for the Palm Springs Art Museum’s Museum Drive facility, Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Garden, and the Architecture + Design Center and other sites.
Oversee staff of Exhibitions & Collections Management department including the Designer/Exhibition Manager, Art Prep crew, Registrars, and Archivist/Librarian.
Prepares annual budget and monitors expenses for Exhibitions & Collections Management department and Conservation department. Monitor the ordering and purchasing of supplies for storage and conservation of permanent collection, reserve collection and special collection in the Boccardo Study Center.

Exhibitions and Loans

Establish the process and the means for monitoring progress throughout each exhibition project including the creation of a standard format for production schedules outlining key milestones and deadlines.
Work closely with the appropriate personnel within the department and also museum-wide including Preparators, Designers, Exhibitions staff, Curatorial, Operations and Security to coordinate exhibition-related logistics.
Oversee temporary and travelling exhibitions including contract negotiations, loan and insurance negotiations, installation, condition reporting, transportation, and customs formalities.
Draft and review contractual agreements with lenders, curators, scholars, participating institutions, consultants. Negotiate terms of the contracts and reviews and approves agreements. Monitor compliance with terms of contracts with guest curators and payment schedules.

Collection

Oversee the management and preservation of the collections and accessioning of acquisitions; follow up with donors for return of gift documents; review and sign IRS forms; obtain appraisals from donors; and keep curators apprised of the status of changes in condition collection objects. Supervise accessioning process including recording object information and entering into database and registration log books; numbering objects; photographing objects; selecting storage locations and proper housing for objects; and conducting annual inventories.
Oversee incoming and outgoing loans and long-term loans, conduct annual condition reporting and process loan renewal documentation. Work with curators to evaluate loan requests for objects from collection; make recommendation to Chief Curator and Director from perspective of facility, safety, condition, and handling for decision on the loan.
Supervise the management of the collections database (TMS); including data clean-up, staff training, and the creation of user guides and reports; and work with staff to ensure data standardization.

Skills and Experience

B. A. or M.A. in art history, museum studies or related discipline and ten years of museum registration and collections management experience; knowledge of standard best practices and procedures for art handling, installation, storage, condition reporting, preservation and basic conservation; supervisory experience; skills in diplomacy, negotiation and communication; problem-solving and analytical thinking; practical experience in writing; proficiency in collections management database software, email, word processing and spreadsheet software, Microsoft Office, Outlook, Word and Excel; and familiarity with NAGPRA, AAMD guidelines and archiving methods and practices.

Qualifications

Demonstrated ability to work as a team leader; supervise staff; accomplish goals and meet deadlines; effectively prioritize; juggle multiple projects simultaneously and maintain flexibility; work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment; and work effectively under pressure amidst shifting priorities.

Application:

To apply for a position, please send a letter of interest and resume to:
Search Committee at jobs@psmuseum.org (No phone calls please)