This post is expired. Click here to search for more listings.
The Manager of Collections is responsible for Henry collections management, care, and access. Collections management and care are principal responsibilities of the position, including: database management, online content management, copyright requests, overseeing physical care and preservation of the collection, and coordinating of works of art for exhibition. The Manager of Collections supports the museum’s effort to build its collection, and oversees collections access, including visits to the Eleanor Henry Reed Collection Study Center. The MoC reports to the Director of Exhibitions and Collections, and supervises the Assistant Registrar of Collections (full-time), Collections Technician (part-time) and 1-2 University of Washington work study student assistants (part-time) per academic year.
ABOUT THE HENRY: The Henry Art Gallery was founded as Washington State’s first art museum in 1926, on the principle that art stimulates inquiry, fosters knowledge, and builds healthy communities. Located on the campus of the University of Washington (UW), Seattle, the Henry is internationally recognized as a pioneer in the research and presentation of contemporary art. Learn about our mission and vision: henryart.org/about.
SCHEDULE: Tuesday – Friday, 36 hours per week (90% or .9 FTE)
STATUS: Regular University of Washington Professional Staff Employee; Benefits eligible
REPORTS TO: Director of Exhibitions and Collections
BENEFITS: As a UW employee, the Manager of Collections will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For a complete description of the UW benefits for this position, please visit this page.
Responsibilities
Collections Management (35%)
General:
Develop and maintain policies, procedures, and best practices for the care, handling, and documentation of the museum’s art collection
Oversee the acquisition, deaccession, and registration processes, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards
Oversee collections-related budgets in coordination with Director of Exhibitions and Collections
Documentation and research:
Conduct and supervise collections research and documentation
Create, maintain, and distribute documentation photographs of collection works
Facilitate and support Henry collections based research requests from scholars, curators, and the public
Acquisitions:
Work with the Executive Director, Director of Exhibitions and Collections, and Curatorial team to identify collection priorities and strategically build the collection
Facilitate the Board of Trustees Collection Committee Meetings; conduct research on proposed gifts and supervise the preparation of all documents for the meeting
Make recommendations to Executive Director and Director of Exhibitions and Collections on potential incoming acquisitions based on internal storage capacity and ongoing stewardship
Use and continue to improve the museum’s new system to track task completion for new acquisitions
Catalogue incoming acquisitions
Registration and record management:
Supervise all registration activities related to the collection, in partnership with the Assistant Registrar of Collections
Management of Mimsy, including
Work with website team to maintain collection presence online (Mobius)
Supervise fulfillment of reproduction requests, including rights and reproduction
Work with the Assistant Registrar of Collections to review and facilitate loan requests
Exhibitions Support
Working with vendors and internal stakeholders, review and prepare collections objects included in exhibitions
Ensure that artworks are prepared and presented in a manner that aligns with curatorial objectives and the museum’s mission
Compliance and Ethics:
Stay informed about industry standards and legal requirements related to art collection management
Uphold ethical and professional standards in all collection-related activities
Collections Care (35%)
General
Conduct and oversee safe art handling of collection objects
Manage the handling, packing, and transportation of collections artworks for exhibitions, loans, and other purposes
Represent the Henry in the Seattle Heritage Emergency Response Network (SHERN)
Storage
Ensure proper housing and storage of collection objects
Identify areas of the collection that are not stored in a manner that meets best practice and systematically upgrade their housing
Work on the ongoing collections storage upgrade project: assist in planning and logistics, responsible for carrying out of each step of the plan
Conservation
Be aware of and maintain preventative conservation best practices, including working with appropriate staff to monitor and maintain appropriate environmental conditions
Serve as liaison to, and work closely with, University of Washington conservation and collection care staff
Collaborate with conservators to ensure the appropriate care, preservation, and restoration of artworks in the collection
Collections Access (15%)
Coordinate public and University access to Henry collections in the Reed Collection Study Center, including academic and community group visits, scholarly visits, and Henry related programming
Direct collections staff in locating, pulling, and displaying objects in the Study Center for visits
Team Management (15%)
- Provide team supervision, including training and leadership, to the Collections team
Requirements
A minimum of 3 years of museum collections management and/or care experience or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience
Demonstrated knowledge of professional practices in collection management
Excellent interpersonal skills and positive attitude that supports department and museum goals. Poised, professional manner in all forms of communication; verbal and written, one-on-one and in groups
Commitment to teamwork and service to the organization
Ability to support team and management decisions in a positive, professional manner
Demonstrated ability to teach, mentor, and oversee work-study students, and interns
Self-directed with high ability to take initiative and anticipate actions needed; ability to exercise discretion, maintain confidentiality, and be a team player in an active museum environment
High attention to detail and excellent time-management and problem-solving skills
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with key donors, colleagues, peers, and the public
Working knowledge of collection management databases
Demonstrated proficiency with MS Office products, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other software applications
ADDITIONAL DESIRED EXPERIENCE:
Masters Degree in Museum Studies, Art History, a related field, or relevant combination of education and experience
Demonstrated expertise, including handling and storing, in one or more area of focus of Henry collections (for example: photographs, works on paper, textiles, audio visual works)
Experience in collaborating or devising preventative conservation plans as it relates to collections care
Working knowledge MIMSY