Curator / Collections Management / Conservator Positions

Curator / Collections Management / Conservator Positions

Associate Curator of Latin American Art
Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

JOB POSTING DATE: March 4, 2010
TITLE: Associate Curator of Latin American Art
DEPARTMENT: Arts of Africa and the Americas
HOURS: Full time, 37.5 hours/week

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Minneapolis Institute of Arts seeks a dynamic and experienced specialist in Pre-Columbian art and/or Latin American art or textiles to fill the position of Associate Curator in the MIA’s Arts of Africa and the Americas department. This position will report to the Curator of the Arts of Africa and the Americas. The incumbent will build the collection through significant acquisitions, raising its profile, and that of the MIA, through ambitious and intellectually rigorous exhibitions, publications, and programs, and will cultivate relationships with donors, professional colleagues, partner organizations and the community in furtherance of the MIA’s strategic goals.

The Arts of Africa and the Americas department has a long history of collecting art from Latin America. The collection currently includes some 1,000 objects, with strong emphases on textiles and Pre-Columbian art. The incumbent will have the responsibility for the overall care of the collection, the conception of regular rotations for the galleries currently dedicated to the exhibition of this material, and the development of major exhibitions for the MIA’s special exhibition galleries. The incumbent will also be responsible for conducting supportive research on and publication of the collection. The incumbent will work closely with collectors and prospective donors in support of the MIA’s mission.

REQUIREMENTS: Master’s degree (Ph.D. strongly preferred) in the field of Latin American art studies – Pre-Columbian art and/or Latin American art or textiles. Proficiency in Spanish; knowledge of a second relevant language (Mayan, Quechua, Portuguese, etc.) strongly preferred. Expertise in textiles highly desirable. Minimum of three years curatorial experience in the field of Latin American art. Record of research and scholarship, with proven experience organizing loan exhibitions and producing interpretive materials and publications of high quality. Demonstrated skill at strategically building a collection through gift and purchase. Team player with proven ability to work effectively and positively with staff, trustees, and all other internal and external contacts. Ability to build positive and effective relationships with donors and the broader community.

To apply, send a cover letter and resume:

MAIL: Attn: Human Resources
The Minneapolis Institute of Arts
2400 Third Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55404

FAX: (612) 870-3263
EMAIL: miajobs@artsmia.org

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION / EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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This job posted by MERC from March 5 through June 4.

Conservator
Museum of Contemporary Art
Sydney, NSW, Australia

(2 year fixed term contract)

The Museum of Contemporary Art is located on one of the most beautiful sites in the world, at Sydney’s Circular Quay, and is Australia’s only contemporary art museum dedicated to exhibiting, interpreting and collecting contemporary art. The Museum of Contemporary Art has a fantastic opportunity for an experienced and talented individual for the position of Conservator.

Reporting to the Registrar - Exhibitions & Collections, the Conservator addresses the on-going conservation needs of the Museum, specifically art works within the MCA’s permanent collection and those displayed at the MCA within the annual exhibition program. The MCA Conservator aims to position the MCA as a centre of excellence for conservation and preventative conservation through the development of a number of initiatives including; integrated pest management controls and plan; advice on procedure and policy for safe display, handling, packing and storage of works, monitoring conditions (light, temperature and relative humidity and other variables) in the galleries and at the off site storage facility. The Conservator works closely with the Museum’s Curatorial and Exhibitions teams.

The successful applicant will have

Minimum 3 years’ previous experience
Qualifications in Conservation or relevant demonstrated experience
A good understanding of Conservation procedures
A meticulous and thorough approach towards condition reporting
Previous experience preparing reports, developing & implementing packing & unpacking procedures
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
Solid project management skills with excellent time management
Experience using MS Office Word and excel (data base using Vernon an advantage)
Experience working with contemporary art is a distinct advantage

For a full position description, visit www.mca.com.au/employment. Enquiries can be directed to Claire Campey on 02 9245 2464 . Short listing for interviews will be based on applicants meeting the essential criteria listed in the position description.

Please forward your application, including name and telephone numbers of two referees to Human Resources Manager, Museum of Contemporary Art, PO Box R1286, Royal Exchange, NSW, 1223 or email positionsvacant@mca.com.au. Faxed applications will not be accepted. Applications close 22 March 2010.

The MCA is committed to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO).

Please reference museum-employment.com when applying for this job.
This job posted by MERC from March 2 through March 22.

Curator
Edison & Ford Winter Estates
Fort Myers, Florida, USA

The Edison & Ford Winter Estates, Inc seeks a full time experienced professional Curator. The position is currently available.

The Edison & Ford Winter Estates is a non-profit educational institution whose mission includes the preservation, interpretation and development of approximately 25 acres, 11 historical buildings and 10,000 artifacts and archival collections. The non-living collections include historic home objects, inventions and laboratory equipment and related artifacts from a 1920’s rubber research, lab, machine and glass shop. This position will also work closely with the horticulture staff as the site includes historic material which was collected by the inventors for personal as well as research characteristics. The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the top most visited historic home sites in the nation.

As a department head, the Curator will supervise the activity of the archival and exhibit installation staff as well as work closely with paid Site Interpreters and Volunteers.

Responsibilities: Collections management, interpretation and development of a historical object collection, archives and related exhibit objects. Objects are displayed on-site in the historic buildings, offsite in storage as well as education collections which are available as loan collections. Knowledge and experience with basic museum catalogue systems as well as contemporary systems including Past Perfect.

Requirements: Knowledge of history and science as it relates to the lives and inventions of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. Academic training (preferably at the graduate level) in an appropriate subject area (history, sciences or technology). Ability to manage a department as well as work closely with other department heads and the public.

This is a full time position, reporting to the President & CEO of the Edison & Ford Winter Estate. Mail a letter of interest and resume to HR Department, Edison & Ford Winter Estates, PO Box 2368, Fort Myers, Florida 33902. Please note that review and hiring process will proceed without delay, and the successful candidate will be expected to assume the position immediately. EOE. For additional information check the website: www.efwefla.org.

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This job posted by MERC from February 2 through May 4.

Chief History Officer
Detroit Historical Society
Detroit, Michigan, USA

The Society is responsible for the overall management and operations of the Detroit Historical Museum, an 80,000 square foot facility located in Midtown; Dossin Great Lakes Museum, a unique maritime museum located on Belle Isle; and the Collections Resource Center, an expansive storage facility which houses an extensive collection of more than 200,000 artifacts. The Society has developed a comprehensive enhancement and renovation plan for the museums, that includes new and upgraded galleries at both museum sites, parking and building exterior improvements, increased use of interactive technology and other learning-based attractions, enhancements to the museums’ web site, investment in its collections center, the addition of curatorial, educational and development staff, and operational funding support and additional growth in the Society’s endowment.

The Chief History Officer reports to the Executive Director and C.E.O. and is responsible for the articulation and implementation of a strategy for the Society’s curatorial and educational initiatives. The Chief History Officer will work with senior leadership to provide strategic and tactical direction to the entire organization, particularly with respect to the educational and interpretive initiatives that the organization undertakes. The Chief History Officer will represent the Society in the greater Detroit community and the national museum community, extending the Society’s brand as the region’s leading local history organization.

We seek an accomplished and creative individual with an exceptional record as a transformational and translational expert in an urban historical venue. The successful candidate will have appropriate experience with collections, and related exhibit and educational programs. He/she must have a work style that reflects the values and vision of the Society and have strong interpersonal skills with the ability to positively interact with individuals at all levels of the organization and community. The successful candidate must be able to develop a variety of internal and external networks that synergize the creative and educational processes for the Society, can create innovative community based outreach and collaborative activities and find new ways in which to utilize the web. This individual aspires to key leadership opportunities, has experience directing multi-discipline project teams, and has developed staff into highly effective employees through coaching, mentoring, and modeling.

The ideal candidate will have at least seven to ten years of progressively responsible experience in museum management, including exhibit coordination, project management, and team leadership. Knowledge of museum technology applications, current best practices and principles with respect to museum registration methods and collections standards, and concepts of planning and producing exhibitions is required. A master’s degree, preferably in history or museum studies, is required. For nominations, expressions of interest, or to submit your resume please contact Kittleman & Associates at dhs-cc@kittleman.net. Additional information regarding this position is available at www.kittleman.net.

Please reference museum-employment.com when applying for this job.
This job posted by MERC from January 21 through April 22.

Assistant Site Manager
Garfield Farm Museum
Geneva, Illinois, USA

Assistant Site Manager:1840s Garfield Farm Museum far west Chicago suburbs
near Geneva, IL. M.A. in Historic Administration or related fields. On site
security, animal care, gardening, event planning, interpretation, public
relations, prairie restoration, volunteer management, collections, all
aspects of museum management and development. Must be flexible and a team
player. Ideal experience for individual career committed to historic site
management. Work with executive director and site manager. Box 403, LaFox,
IL 60147. www.garfieldfarm.org

Please reference museum-employment.com when applying for this job.
This job posted by MERC from December 29 through March 30.

Curator of Visual Arts
Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art (SAMA)
Loretto, Pennsylvania, USA

The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art (SAMA) based in Loretto, PA has an approved vacancy for the position of Curator of Visual Arts. The Curator reports directly to the Executive Director and is responsible for curatorial work at the Museum’s four sites -- Altoona, Ligonier, Loretto and Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

The Curator develops and structures exhibitions across the Museum’s facilities; researches interpretive materials for exhibitions and the permanent collection; assists with writing grant proposals; provides didactic materials and educational activities for all exhibitions in cooperation with the education coordinator; assists in the design and production of exhibition catalogues; participates in survey exhibitions; handles and cares for the art collection; and, acts as the Museum’s representative in the community, promoting all activities of the institution.

The successful candidate will have an advanced degree in Art History, Museum, Curatorial Studies or a related field; Ph.D. preferred. Demonstrated curatorial experience and exhibiting background is required. Beyond his/her credentials and resume experience, we are seeking a dynamic individual capable of initiating and conceptualizing an innovative exhibition schedule to promote SAMA’s tradition of excellence in the visual arts. This matrix of innovative talent and thoughtful managerial skill will contribute to SAMA’s ability to achieve its Mission into the 21st century.

SAMA has an outstanding permanent collection of 19th and 20th century American art. The Museum is highly regarded among the state’s regional museums and its programs have become the model for rural museums across the country. Our web site at www.sama-art.org offers a wealth of information on the SAMA organization.

SAMA represents an excellent career opportunity and provides an attractive compensation and benefits package. Interested candidates should send their resume, list of references and salary requirements to:

G. Gary Moyer
Executive Director
Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art
P.O. Box 9
Loretto, PA 15940
gmoyer@sama-art.org

SAMA is an equal opportunity employer. W/M/D/V.

Please reference museum-employment.com when applying for this job.
This job posted by MERC from December 22 through March 23.

Collections Manager
Shaker Museum and Library
Old Chatham and New Lebanon, New York, USA

The Shaker Museum and Library seeks a highly-qualified Collections Manager for its extensive and exceptional collections of Shaker artifacts. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong interpersonal and organizational skills, be self-motivated, flexible, and be able to manage a variety of projects concurrently.

Key Purpose
To professionally manage the Museum’s collections of three-dimensional Shaker artifacts and to serve as an advocate for the collections.

About the Museum
The Shaker Museum and Library was founded in 1950 by collector John S. Williams, and holds one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of materials related to the history of the American religious sect known as the Shakers. Items in the collections include all facets of Shaker history and life, such as furniture, tools, machinery, textiles, architectural remnants, and manufactured products. In addition to the three-dimensional object collections, the Museum’s Emma B. King Library holds extensive Shaker archives, overseen by the Museum’s Director of Research and Library Services. The Museum has recently closed to the public its galleries in Old Chatham and is preparing to relocate museum operations to Mount Lebanon Shaker Village, a National Historic Landmark in New Lebanon, New York. More information about the Museum is available at www.shakermuseumandlibrary.org

Key Responsibilities and Activities
The Collections Manager is responsible for the preservation, documentation, management, and security of the collections. Work involves:

Acquisition, registration, accessioning and de-accessioning, inventory, photography, cataloging, research, and records computerization of the collections;
Environmental monitoring and control, storage maintenance and security, object arrangement and description;
Collection planning (with others), including exhibition, conservation, and refinement;
Loan processing, handling requests, preparing and maintaining necessary paperwork related to loans and exhibits such as condition and damage reports, correspondence with lenders and borrowers, managing all aspects of exhibition projects as required;
Working with staff, trustees, volunteers, consultants, donors, grantors, and others.

Key activities are:

To direct and improve the care of the collections, including preventive and object conservation;
To organize and undertake a computerization of collections records;
To prepare the collections for moving to a new location and assist in planning a new storage facility;
To organize and implement the relocation of the collections to a new facility;
To work with others toward the active refinement of the collections;
To facilitate and supervise access to the collections by researchers, students, members of the public, and others;
To advocate for access to, interpretation of, and care of the collections;
To actively pursue grants and other funding for the management and care of the collections, including writing grant proposals, and to implement grant-funded projects related to the collections.

Other responsibilities, activities, and outcomes as required by the President of the Museum.

Supervision
The Collections Manager determines his/her own priorities, in consultation with others, and operates within the framework of established policies and work systems. Specific outcomes will be reviewed.

Supervision of Others
The Collections Manager supervises a Collections Assistant and volunteers, among others, from time to time. Supervision includes setting goals, motivating, training, prioritizing and monitoring work, and providing feedback.

Working Relationships and Environment
The Museum operates with a team of a small full-time staff, along with part-time, seasonal, and contract workers, as well as volunteers, interns, and trainees. The Collections Manager reports to the President, and works closely with the Director of Research and Library Services, who is responsible for the Museum’s Library collections. The Collections Manager is expected to:

Contribute to the efficient and effective functioning of the team in order to meet the organization’s objectives. This includes displaying appropriate workplace behavior, assisting team members if required, and undertaking other activities as required by one’s supervisor.
Perform duties in professional manner, reflecting and responding to current professional standards and the organization’s policies and procedures.
Manage a variety of tasks concurrently and to interact with the public to promote the organization and its objectives.

In addition to a normal full-time schedule, the work of the Collections Manager often requires participation in Museum activities after normal work hours, including weekends. The position requires the physical ability to lift 25 pounds and to be physically active for weeks at a time. The Museum currently maintains two campuses—in Old Chatham and New Lebanon—and the Collections Manager will be required frequently to drive between the two locations.

Qualifications Criteria

Advanced degree in museum studies, art conservation, or a closely related field;
A minimum of three years’ experience in collections management;
Broad knowledge of professional museum standards and practices, and specific knowledge of art handling, collections management, registration, and record keeping practices;
Good written and oral communication skills;
Strong computer, managerial, collaborative, and problem-solving skills;
High energy, self-motivation, and flexibility;
Research interests or expertise in one or more of the Museum’s collecting areas.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume by mail or email to:

Shaker Museum and Library
88 Shaker Museum Road
Old Chatham, NY 12136
jobs@shakermuseumandlibrary.org

The Shaker Museum and Library is an equal opportunity employer.

Please reference museum-employment.com when applying for this job.
This job posted by MERC from December 7 through March 8.

Registrar & Collection Manager
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
La Jolla, California, USA

Department: Permanent Collection
Reports to: Senior Curator
Employee Status: Full-time, Exempt
Primary Work Location: La Jolla
Requisition: 200920

JOB SUMMARY: Manage registration department; oversee installation, storage, loan, insurance and care of 4,000+ artworks in collection. Coordinate and implement exhibitions at three building locations, as well as oversee occasional traveling exhibitions. Maintain collection at off-site storage facility, and oversees development of its storage areas. Supervise Associate Registrar and interns.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

EXHIBITIONS

With curatorial staff, coordinate and implement an active exhibition cycle at La Jolla, Jacobs Building, and 1001 Kettner locations, ranging from collection and single-installation shows to multi-artist/object traveling shows
Prepare and execute loan agreements, insurance documents, object receipts
Develop and implement shipping and installation schedules
Prepare condition reports; supervise packing and crating
Under the direction of the Senior Curator, develop estimates and quarterly projections for exhibition crating, shipping, storage, maintenance, etc.

PERMANENT COLLECTION

Oversee collection care and maintenance, coordinate conservation as needed
Manage inventory and art storage control, both on-site and off-site facilities
Arrange insurance and indemnities, update collection values
Oversee outgoing loans with Associate Registrar
Prepare condition reports, supervise packing and crating
Update packing and installation instructions
Maintain records in TMS (The Museum System) with Associate Registrar
Under the direction of the Senior Curator, oversee collection and accessions budgets, including quarterly projections
Prepare agenda for quarterly Collections Committee

OTHER

Carry through pending grant applications for an NEH Disaster Plan, IMLS Conservation Survey, and development of off-site storage facility
Train and supervise Associate Registrar, including oversight of outgoing loans, database and accession records, rights and reproductions and photographic archives
Respond to patron requests
Provide curatorial support during installations
Provide general support as determined by the Curators
Serve as Balboa Art Conservation Center member representative
Courier artwork, as needed

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
Expertise in mounting large-scale traveling exhibitions. Proficiency in all museum registration procedures, including accessioning/deaccessioning, fine art insurance, storage maintenance, packing and installation. Familiarity with conservation and maintenance needs for contemporary art. Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment, and possess sensitivity working the artists, donors, lenders, vendors, and other Museum staff. Minimum 5-7 years experience in collection and exhibition management. B.A. in Art History required, M.A. or equivalent preferred.

For candidacy consideration, please submit resume and PERSONALIZED COVER LETTER including salary requirement with subject heading 200920 to clee@mcasd.org.

Please reference museum-employment.com when applying for this job.
This job posted by MERC from December 7 through March 8.

The last update to this page was 3-5-10.

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