Additional responsibilities include:

Direct the intellectual and physical oversight of an approximately 750,000 object collection stored in two separate locations according to best practices.

Identify and prioritize projects consistent with institutional priorities and newly adopted strategic plan that further collections stewardship and access; seek out appropriate funding opportunities for said projects; and author grant applications in conjunction with other Museum staff, including the development of budget, work plan, and schedule of completion; administer project work plans and project budgets; and provide materials for report to funding agency.

Support the Manager of Collections Licensing and Digital Assets in the long-standing digitization project and collections Rights and Reproductions, including interdepartmental requests for digitization services, such as photography and printing for exhibition and retail.

Provide oversight for ongoing collections assessments, following and updating Board-approved collecting plans in each collecting area.

In conjunction with Collections department staff, develop and maintain a number of operational documents, including but not limited to: emergency response procedures, cataloging manual, accessions and deaccessions forms, outgoing and incoming loan contracts, collections insurance documents, and digital asset preservation modules.

Support the use of Museum collections in exhibitions programming; oversee installation and deinstallation processes and surrounding activities such as loans and conservation.

Oversee traveling exhibitions program and staff who research venues, track contacts and correspondence, develop prospectus packages, and negotiate contracts.

Oversee the continued development of an Institutional Archives Program.

Work closely and in cooperation with the President and Director, Chief Curator, CFO, and COO in planning, organizing and controlling collections budgets, including a number of restricted short-term projects.

Working under the direction of the Museum’s President and Director and the Chief Curator, serve as staff liaison to the Collections and Storage Committees of the Board of Trustees, including coordination and preparation of reports, documentation, and presentations; represent the Collections Department at selected Executive Committee and Board of Trustee meetings.

Support the Manager of Collections Licensing and Digital Assets in overseeing the collections management system and online Collections Portal software, and manage vendor relationships.

Hire, train, and onboard new staff.

Additional duties as assigned.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will possess the following strengths and experience:

Advanced Degree or equivalent in Museum Studies, Library and Information Science, Archival Studies, Material Culture, or comparable field.

Significant experience in a role of leadership, with responsibilities for managing, recruiting, and developing a team through periods of change management and restructure

Must have at least seven years of experience working in a museum, archives, special collections, gallery, or auction house in roles of increasing responsibility.

At least four years of administrative experience including budgeting, financial oversight, and project planning.

At least four years of experience writing and managing grant, with a record of fundraising success.

Thorough knowledge of best practices, including but not limited to conservation and preservation, governance and documentation, and rights and reproductions.

Comprehension of digital asset management practices and metadata standards.

Commitment to a collegial work environment and to collaboration with colleagues in all of the Museum’s departments.

Must have a commitment to inclusion and diversity and a passion for advancing equity.

An ability to anticipate and solve problems proactively, creatively, and efficiently.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills; flexible, reliable, and detail-oriented; ability to prioritize tasks.

Proven track record of participation in professional development organizations.

A strong work ethic and interpersonal skills with an adaptable temperament.

Working Conditions

The Director of Collections position is based out of the Museum’s main building located at 1220 Fifth Avenue with additional work at our offsite storage location in Brooklyn. The position is scheduled for Monday through Friday, during normal business hours, but must be available to be on call for emergency conditions. Travel, evening, and weekend work may be required at times. Portions of the workday may be spent in non-traditional workplaces, including but not limited to loading docks and collections storage facilities.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to handle collections objects and visually inspect objects and images. On occasion, this can be a physically active job, and the Director of Collections must be comfortable climbing ladders; bending, stopping, kneeling; lifting up to 40 lbs. unassisted, and up to 75 lbs. with the assistance of others; using tools such as a pallet jack; and working in varying light conditions.

Approximately 75% of the time is spent in a stationary position operating a computer.

To apply and to read the full job description please visit - http://drgsearch.com/current-searches/?rpid=4bkI7aWHkHo

Application Process

Please submit your resume and cover letter with desired salary range. Only complete applications will be reviewed. Please include as part of your application a brief (1-2 paragraph) statement on your contributions to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in your professional experience. Advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to our MCNY values of community, we believe that every member of the MCNY community has a role in sustaining a welcoming, respectful, and compassionate environment in which we all thrive.

Eboni Gates

Search Specialist

Jessica Hammerman

Talent Consultant

Sarah Jones

Associate